110th Congress (2007 - 2008)

January 4 - December 31, 2007

House Committee Meetings by Date
Compiled from the Congressional Record's Daily Digests via Thomas at 2007/01/04 Daily Digest - Thursday, January 4, 2007; pages D1 - D10 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/01/05 Daily Digest - Friday, January 5, 2007; pages D12 - D14 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/01/08 Daily Digest - Monday, January 8, 2007; pages D15 - D16 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/01/09 Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 9, 2007; pages D18 - D24 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/01/10 Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 10, 2007; pages D25 - D30 Committee Meetings COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Armed Services: Met for organizational purposes. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Met for organizational purposes. 2007/01/11 Daily Digest - Thursday, January 11, 2007; pages D32 - D36 Committee Meetings IRAQ--THE WAY FORWARD Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the way forward in Iraq. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Robert M. Gates, Secretary; and GEN Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. [Page: D35] BRIEFING IRAN CRISIS--NEXT STEPS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a briefing on the Next Steps in the Iran Crisis. The Committee was briefed by Thomas R. Pickering, former Under Secretary, Political Affairs, Department of State; and R. James Woolsey, Jr., former Director, CIA. IRAQ BRIEFING Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a briefing on Iraq. The Committee was briefed by Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State. 2007/01/12 Daily Digest - Friday, January 12, 2007; pages D37 - D42 Committee Meetings COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Rules: Met for organizational purposes. 2007/01/16 Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 16, 2007; pages D44 - D50 Committee Meetings COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Appropriations: Met for organizational purposes. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN--U.S. FORCE PROTECTION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on Marine Corps force protection equipment for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Marine Corps: BG Randolph D. Alles, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory; and BG Michael M. Brogan, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Systems Command. [Page: D48] THE COLLEGE STUDENT RELIEF ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a closed rule providing 3 hours of general debate on H.R. 5, to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reduce interest rates for student borrowers, in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and against its consideration except for clause 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Miller of California and Representatives McKeon and Keller. CREATING LONG-TERM ENERGY ALTERNATIVES FOR THE NATION (CLEAN) ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a closed rule providing 3 hours of general debate on H.R. 6, to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes, in the House with 60 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means, 60 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources, 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture, and 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Science and Technology. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and against its consideration except for clause 9 and 10 or Rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule also provides that during consideration of H.R. 6 pursuant to this resolution, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Rahall and Representatives Nunes, Bartlett of Maryland and Biggert. 2007/01/17 Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 17, 2007; pages D52 - D58 Committee Meetings DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session on Army and Marine Corps Readiness. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff; and GEN James T. Conway, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps. The Subcommittee also met in executive session on Army and Marine Operations and Equipment Reconstitution. Testimony was heard from GEN Benjamin Griffin, USA, Commander, Army Materiel Command; LTG Jim Lovelace, U.S. Army, G3; and LTG Steve Speakes, USA, G8; LTG Emerson N. Gardner, Jr., USMC, Deputy Commandant, Programs and Resources; LTG Richard F. Natonski, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies and Operations; and BG Michael M. Brogan, USMC, Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command. ALTERNATIVE IRAQ STRATEGIES Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on alternative perspectives on the President's strategy for Iraq. Testimony was heard from William J. Perry, former Secretary of Defense; and public witnesses. IRAQ OVERSIGHT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a briefing on Iraq. The Committee was briefed by Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Met for organizational purposes. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Ways and Means: Met for organizational purposes. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for organizational purposes. 2007/01/18 Daily Digest - Thursday, January 18, 2007; pages D59 - D66 Committee Meetings NAVY, AIR FORCE, GUARD AND RESERVE READINESS Committee on Appropriations: Met in executive session on Navy and Air Force Readiness. Testimony was heard from ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and GEN T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force. The Subcommittee also met in executive session on Guard and Reserve Readiness. Testimony was heard from LTG H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief of the National Guard Bureau; LTG Jack C. Stultz, USAR, Chief of Army Reserve; VADM John G. Cotton, USN, Chief of Navy Reserve; LTG John A. Bradley, USAF, Chief, Air Force Reserve; and LTG John W. Bergman, USMC, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve. IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION AUDITS Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on approaches to audit of reconstruction and support activities in Iraq. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General; the following officials of the Department of Defense: Thomas E. Gimble, Acting Inspector General; and Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector General; and Howard J. Krongard, Inspector General, Department of State. U.S. FORCE PROTECTION IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces held a hearing on Army force protection equipment for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG Stephen M. Speakes, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Army G-8; MG Jeffrey A. Sorenson, USA, Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), all with the Department of the Army; Robert L. Buhrkuhl, Director, Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell, Office of Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics); and CAPT Joseph McGettigan, USN, Commanding Officer, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division; Philip Coyle, former Director, Operational Test and Development, Office of the Secretary of Defense; and Ray Dubois, Jr., former Acting Under Secretary of the Army. BUDGETING FOR WAR COSTS; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; CBO DIRECTOR Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Budgeting for War Costs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Gordon England, Deputy Secretary; ADM Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr., USN, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Tina W. Jonas, Under Secretary (Comptroller); Robert Sunshine, Assistant Director, CBO; Steve Kosiak, Director of Budget Studies, Center on Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Prior to the hearing, the Committee met for organizational purposes. The Committee approved the recommendation to appoint Peter Orszag as the Director of CBO. OVERSIGHT--NORTH KOREA Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a briefing on North Korea. Testimony was heard from William J. Perry, former Secretary of Defense; and James Lilley, former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Oversight and Reform: Met for organizational purposes. U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY--CURRENT AND PROJECTED THREATS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on Current and Projected Threats to U.S. National Security. Testimony was heard from John D. Negroponte, Director of National Intelligence. [Page: D65] The Committee also met in executive session on this subject. Testimony was heard from John D. Negroponte, Director of National Intelligence. 2007/01/19 Daily Digest - Friday, January 19, 2007; pages D67 - D70 Committee Meetings MILITARY MEDICAL READINESS Committee on Appropriations: Held a hearing on Military Medical Readiness and Related Issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: William Winkenwerder, Jr., M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs; LTG Kevin C. Kiley, M.D., U.S. Army Surgeon General, Commander, U.S. Army Medical Command; LTG James G. Roudebush, M.D., Surgeon General, Air Force; and VADM Donald C. Arthur, Medical Corps, U.S. Navy Surgeon General, Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery; Charles Marmar, M.D., Associate Chief of Staff, Mental Health, San Francisco VA Medical Center; and a public witness. BAKER-HAMILTON COMMISSION REPORT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a briefing on the Baker-Hamilton Commission Report. The Committee was briefed by Lee Hamilton, Co-Chair, Iraq Study Group (Baker-Hamilton Commission). CLEAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE--NEED FOR RENEWED INVESTMENT Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on the Need for Renewed Investment in Clean Water Infrastructure. Testimony was heard from Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, EPA; and public witnesses. 2007/01/22 Daily Digest - Monday, January 22, 2007; pages D71 - D74 Committee Meetings INTELLIGENCE READINESS Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session on Intelligence Readiness. Testimony was heard from Steven Kappes, Deputy Director, CIA; and John D. Negroponte, Director of National Intelligence. SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health met for organizational purposes. 2007/01/23 Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 23, 2007; pages D75 - D80 Committee Meetings COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Agriculture: Met for organizational purposes. IRAQ'S EFFECT ON TOTAL FORCES READINESS Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on implications of Iraq policy on total force readiness. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army; GEN James T. Conway, USMC, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps; 1SG Ciaran T. Allison, USA, A Co. 2-23 IN, Ft. Lewis, MA; and public witnesses. WHY DEFICITS MATTER Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Why Deficits Matter. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Foreign Affairs: Favorably considered the following resolutions and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 24, amended, Establishing the House Democracy Assistance Commission for the One Hundred Tenth Congress; and H. Con. Res. 20, Calling on the Government of the United Kingdom to immediately establish a full, independent, and public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Patrick Finucane, as recommended by Judge Peter Cory as part of the Weston Park Agreement, in order to move forward on the Northern Ireland peace process. Prior to this action, the committee met for organizational purposes. The committee adopted an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Homeland Security: Met for organizational purposes. The Committee adopted an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. DELEGATES FLOOR VOTE Committee on Rules: Granted by a vote of 9 to 3, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate in the House on H. Res. 78, Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to permit Delegates and the Resident Commissioner to the Congress to cast votes in the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Rules. The rule waives all points of order against the resolution and against its consideration and provides that the resolution shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order the amendment printed in the Rules Report accompanying this resolution, if offered by Rep. Kirk of Illinois. The amendment shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question. The rule also waives all points of order against the amendment printed in the report, and contains one motion to recommit which may not contain instructions. Finally, the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Delegates Faleomavaega and Bordallo; and Representative Kirk. [Page: D79] ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on the State of Economic Development. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. STATE OF U.S. ECON0MY Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the State of the U.S. Economy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight met for organizational purposes. 2007/01/24 Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 24, 2007; pages D81 - D86 Committee Meetings COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Education and Labor: Met for organizational purposes. SOUTH SUDAN Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on South Sudan: The Comprehensive Peace Agreement on Life Support. Testimony was heard from Representative Wolf; and Roger Winter, former Special Representative for Sudan. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on the Judiciary: Met for organizational purposes. [Page: D85] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 365, Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007; H. Res. 59, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week; and H. Con. Res. 34, Honoring the life of Percy Lavon Julian, a pioneer in the field of organic chemistry research and development and the first and only African American chemist to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. Prior to this action, the Committee met for organizational purposes. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on Surface Transportation System: Challenges for the Future. Testimony was heard from Jeffrey N. Shane, Under Secretary, Policy, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. POVERTY--ECONOMIC AND SOCIETAL COSTS Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Economic and Societal Costs of Poverty. Testimony was heard from Sigurd R. Nilsen, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security, GAO; and public witnesses. INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT TO POLICY MAKER Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Intelligence Support to the Policy Maker. Testimony was heard from Lee Hamilton, Co-Chair, Iraq Study Group (Baker-Hamilton Commission). 2007/01/25 Daily Digest - Thursday, January 25, 2007; pages D87 - D92 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/01/26 Daily Digest - Friday, January 26, 2007; pages D94 - D100 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/01/29 Daily Digest - Monday, January 29, 2007; pages D102 - D106 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/01/30 Daily Digest - Tuesday, January 30, 2007; pages D108 - D116 Committee Meetings HOMELAND SECURITY GOALS Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on 5 and 10 year Homeland Security Goals: Where We Need To Be as a Nation and How We Judge Progress. Testimony was heard from the following former Senators: Warren Rudman of New Hampshire; and Gary Hart of Colorado; the following officials of the 9/11 Commission: former Representative Timothy J. Roemer of Indiana; and Jamie S. Gorelick; and public witnesses. AFGHANISTAN SECURITY AND STABILITY Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Security and Stability in Afghanistan: Challenges and Opportunities. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FORCE REQUIREMENTS DETERMINATION PROCESS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on examination of the force requirements determination process. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: MG Richard P Formica, USA, Director, Force Management, Deputy Chief of Staff, G3, Headquarters, U.S. Army; MG Stephen T. Johnson, USMC, Deputy Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command; and Michael F. Applegate, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and Janet St. Laurent, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management Team, GAO. CBO'S BUDGET AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Congressional Budget Office's Budget and Economic Outlook. Testimony was heard from Peter R. Orszag, Director, CBO. GENETIC DISCRIMINATION OF WORKERS Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on Protecting Workers from Genetic Discrimination. Testimony was heard from Representatives Slaughter and Biggert; and public witnesses. LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY SECURITY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Continuing Security Concerns at Los Alamos National Laboratory." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Gregory H. Friedman, Inspector General; Glenn S. Podonsky, Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer, Office of Health, Safety and Security; Clay Sell, Deputy Secretary, Office of the Secretary; Thomas N. Pyke, Jr., Chief Information Officer; Thomas P. D'Agostino, Acting Administrator; William J. Desmond, Associate Administrator and Chief for Defense Nuclear Security; and Linda Wilbanks, Chief Information Officer, all with the National Nuclear Security Administration; Michael R. Anastasio, Director, Los Alamos National Laboratory; and a public witness. [Page: D113] ALLEGATIONS OF POLITICAL INTERFERENCE WITH WORK OF CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENTISTS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on allegations of political interference with the work of government climate change scientists. Testimony was heard from Drew Shindell, Goddard Institute for Space Studies, NASA; and public witnesses. FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2007 Committee on Rules. Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a closed rule providing one hour of debate in the House on H.J. Res. 20, making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2007, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against the joint resolution and against its consideration (except for clause 9 or 10 of Rule XXI). The rule also provides that the joint resolution shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey and Representatives Lewis of California, Knollenberg, Weldon of Florida, Hall of Texas, Moran of Kansas, Sessions, Walden of Oregon, Flake, Brown-Waite of Florida, Feeney, King of Iowa and Campbell of California. ADVANCE FUELS INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on H.R. 547, Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--COAST GUARD INTEGRATED DEEPWATER SYSTEM Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing of Coast Guard Integrated Deepwater System. Testimony was heard from ADM Thad W. Allen, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard; Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. FEDERAL RAILROAD SAFETY PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Reauthorization of the Federal Rail Safety Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Joseph Boardman, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration; and Calvin Scovel, Inspector General; Mark Rosenker, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; and Katherine Siggerud, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO. Hearings continue tomorrow. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Met for organizational purposes. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. TRADE AND GLOBALIZATION Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Trade and Globalization. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures met for organizational purposes. SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade met for organizational purposes. 2007/01/31 Daily Digest - Wednesday, January 31, 2007; pages D117 - D126 Committee Meetings ARMY EQUIPMENT RESET Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces and the Subcommittee on Readiness held a joint hearing on Army equipment reset. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: MG Vincent E. Boles, USA, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4; BG Charles A. Anderson, USA, Director, Force Development, Office of the Chief of Staff, G-8; BG Robert M. Radin, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics and Operations, U.S. Army Materiel Command; and Thomas E. Mullins, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Plans, Programs, and Resources; and William M. Solis, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management Team, GAO. NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION ACT IMPLEMENTATION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing on the Department of Energy's implementation of the National Nuclear Security Administration Act of 2000. Testimony was heard from Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary of Energy; and the following officials of the Natural Resources and Environment Division, GAO: Gene Aloise, Director; and James Noel, Assistant Director. SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a hearing on current manning, equipping and readiness challenges facing Special Operations Forces. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Doug Brown, USA, Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command; LTG Robert W. Wagner, USA, Commander, U.S. Army Special Operations Command; RADM Joseph Maguire, USN, Commander, U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command; LTG Michael M. Wooley, USAF, Commander, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command; and MG Dennis J. Hejlik, USMC, Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command. STRENGTHENING THE MIDDLE CLASS Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Strengthening America's Middle Class: Evaluating the Economic Squeeze on America's Families. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Financial Services: Met for organizational purposes. IRAN CRISIS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Understanding the Iran Crisis. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--PRESIDENTIAL SIGNING STATEMENTS Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing entitled "Presidential Signing Statements under the Bush Administration: A Threat to Checks and Balances and the Rule of Law?" Testimony was heard from John Elwood, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, Department of Justice; former Representative Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 547, as amended, Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development Act; and H. Res. 72, Recognizing the work and accomplishments of Mr. Britt "Max" Mayfield, Director of the National Hurricane Center's Tropical Prediction Center upon his retirement. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Small Business: Met for organizational purposes. The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. FEDERAL RAILROAD SAFETY PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials concluded hearings on Reauthorization of the Federal Rail Safety Program. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 720, Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007; H.R. 569, as amended, Water Quality Investment Act of 2007; and H.R. 700, as amended, Water Quality Financing Act of 2007. MIDDLE CLASS ECONOMIC CHALLENGES Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Economic Challenges Facing Middle Class Families. Testimony was heard from Peter R. Orszag, Director, CBO; and public witnesses. [Page: D125] 2007/02/01 Daily Digest - Thursday, February 1, 2007; pages D127 - D134 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/02/05 Daily Digest - Monday, February 5, 2007; pages D136 - D140 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/02/06 Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 6, 2007; pages D141 - D146 Committee Meetings HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Major Management Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security in Implementing Legislated and Other Security Improvements. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security. PRESIDENT'S FY 2008 BUDGET Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget. Testimony was heard from Robert J. Portman, Director, OMB. HHS'S FY 2008 BUDGET Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "A Review of the Department of Health and Human Services' Fiscal Year 2008 Budget." Testimony was heard from Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services. ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations met and adopted a motion to issue subpoenas to several individuals to appear as witnesses before the Subcommittee in connection with a planned hearing on adequacy of the Food and Drug Administration to assure the safety of the drug supply on February 13, 2007. HURRICANE KATRINA--FEDERAL HOUSING RESPONSE Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Federal Housing Response to Hurricane Katrina." Testimony was heard from Representatives Taylor, Jefferson, Boustany, Jr., and Melancon; Roy A. Bernardi, Deputy Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development; David Garratt, Acting Director of Recovery, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Walter Leger, Chairman, Housing and Redevelopment Task Force, Louisiana Recovery Authority, State of Louisiana; Gray Swoope, Executive Director, Development Authority, State of Mississippi; and public witnesses. RAIL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing entitled "Update on Federal Rail and Public Transportation Security Efforts." Testimony was heard from Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary; Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security; the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Terry Rosapep, Deputy Associate Administrator, Program Management, Federal Transit Administration; and Michael Haley, Deputy Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration; and Cathleen A. Berrick, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO. [Page: D144] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 545, Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2007; H.R. 137, Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007; and H.R. 740, To amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent caller ID spoofing. Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on these bills. Testimony was heard from Representatives Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania; and Udall of New Mexico; Barry M. Sabin, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "The Lasting Impact of CPA Decision-Making on Iraq Reconstruction." Testimony was heard from Ambassador L. Paul Bremer, former Administrator, Coalition Provisional Authority; Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction; and David R. Oliver, Jr., former Advisor, Iraq Ministry of Finance, former Director of Management and Budget, Coalition Provisional Authority. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 798, To direct the Administrator of General Services to install a photovoltaic system for the headquarters building of the Department of Energy; H.R. 799, Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2007; H.R. 187, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse and customhouse located at 515 West First Street in Duluth, Minnesota, as the "Gerald W. Heaney Federal Building and United States Courthouse and Customhouse;" H.R. 342, To designate the United States courthouse located at 555 Independent Street, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as the "Rush Hudson Limbaugh, Sr., United States Courthouse;" H.R. 399, To designate the United States Courthouse to be constructed in Jackson, Mississippi, as the "R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse;" H.R. 429, To designate the United States courthouse located at 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York, as the "Hugh L. Carey United States Courthouse;" H.R. 430, To designate the United States bankruptcy courthouse located at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York as the "Conrad Duberstein United States Bankruptcy Courthouse;" H.R. 478, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Kentucky, as the "Scott Reed Federal Building and United States Courthouse;" H.R. 544, To designate the United States courthouse at South Federal Place in Sante Fe, New Mexico, as the "Santiago E. Campos United States Courthouse;" and H.R. 584, To designate the headquarters building of the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., as the Lyndon Baines Johnson Federal Building. PRESIDENT'S FY 2008 BUDGET PROPOSALS Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's FY 2008 budget proposals. Testimony was heard from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury. 2007/02/07 Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 7, 2007; pages D148 - D154 Committee Meetings HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Using Risk to Determine Homeland Security Investments. Testimony was heard from William Jenkins, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issue Team, GAO; and a public witness. NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Budget Request from the Department of Defense. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Robert M. Gates, Secretary; and GEN Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. TREASURY DEPARTMENT FY 2008 BUDGET Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Treasury Department Fiscal Year 2008 Budget. Testimony was heard from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury. STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S MIDDLE CLASS--ECONOMIC SOLUTIONS Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Strengthening America's Middle Class: Finding Economic Solutions to Help America's Families. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN THE U.S. Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), One Year After Dubai Ports World." Testimony was heard from Clay Lowery, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Treasury; former Representative Steve Bartlett of Texas; and public witnesses. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BUDGET Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on International Relations Budget for Fiscal Year 2008. Testimony was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State. HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT CHALLENGES Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "An Overview of Issues and Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: David M. Walker, Comptroller General; and Norman Rabkin, Managing Director, Homeland Security and Justice; and Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 545, Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2007; H.R. 137, amended, Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007; and H.R. 740, To amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent caller ID spoofing. [Page: D152] COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Natural Resources: Met for organizational purposes. The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Iraqi Reconstruction: Reliance on Private Military Contractors and Status Report." Testimony was heard from Tina Ballard, Assistant Under Secretary, Procurement and Policy, Department of the Army; and public witnesses. ADVANCED FUELS INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 547, Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Science and Technology. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order the Committee on Science and Technology amendment in the nature of a substitute now printed in the bill as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered for amendment by section with each section considered as read. The rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have pre-printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Gordon; and Representatives Hall of Texas, Burgess and King of Iowa. The Committee adopted an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress, and authorized its transmission to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on House Administration. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 720, Water Quality Financing Act of 2007; H.R. 569, Water Quality Investment Act of 2007; H.R. 700, Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007; H.R. 798, To direct the Administrator of General Services to install a photovoltaic system for the headquarters building of the Department of Energy; H.R. 799, amended, Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2007; H.R. 802, amended, Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2007; H.R. 342, amended, To designate the United States courthouse located at 555 Independent Street, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as the "Rush Hudson Limbaugh, Sr., United States Courthouse;" H.R. 399, To designate the United States Courthouse to be constructed in Jackson, Mississippi, as the "R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse;" H.R. 429, To designate the United States courthouse located at 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York, as the "Hugh L. Carey United States Courthouse;" H.R. 430, amended, To designate the United States bankruptcy courthouse located at 271 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, New York as the "Conrad Duberstein United States Bankruptcy Courthouse;" H.R. 478, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Kentucky, as the "Scott Reed Federal Building and United States Courthouse;" H.R. 544, To designate the United States courthouse at South Federal Place in Sante Fe, New Mexico, as the "Santiago E. Campos United States Courthouse;" and H.R. 584, amended, To designate the headquarters building of the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., as the Lyndon Baines Johnson Federal Building. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. OMB FY 2008 BUDGET REQUEST Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2008 for the OMB. Testimony was heard from Ronald J. Portman, Director, OMB. SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security met for organizational purposes. 2007/02/08 Daily Digest - Thursday, February 8, 2007; pages D156 - D166 Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food Safety: Shedding Light on a Broken System. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on the Secretary of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs held a hearing on oversight of Assistance Programs in Iraq. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Howard J. Krongard, Inspector General; and Donald Gambatesa, Inspector General, U.S. Agency for International Development; and Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. NAVY LITTORAL COMBAT SYSTEM OVERSIGHT Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on acquisition oversight of the U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat System. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: Delores Etter, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development, and Acquisition; VADM Paul Sullivan, USN, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command; RADM Charles Hamilton, USN, Program Executive Officer (Ships); and RADM Barry McCullough, USN, Director, Surface Warfare Division (N86), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; and public witnesses. STRENGTHENING THE MIDDLE CLASS Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on Strengthening America's Middle Class Through the Employee Free Choice Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ENERGY DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing on the Department of Energy's Budget for Fiscal Year 2008. Testimony was heard from Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary of Energy. DARFUR CRISIS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on The Escalating Crisis in Darfur: Are There Any Prospects for Peace? Testimony was heard from Andrew Natsios, Special Envoy to Sudan and former Administrator, United States Agency for International Development, Department of State. OVERSIGHT--HOMELAND SECURITY CONTRACTS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Management of Massive Homeland Security Contracts: Deepwater and SBInet." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Richard Skinner, Inspector General; Elaine Duke, Chief Procurement Officer; Greg Giddens, Director, SBI Program Executive Office; and ADM Thad W. Allen, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard; David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on The State of Climate Change Science 2007: The Findings of the Fourth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Working Group I Report. Testimony was heard from Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives; and public witnesses. [Page: D161] SBA'S BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The Small Business Administration's Budget for Fiscal Year 2008." Testimony was heard from Steven Preston, Administrator, SBA. TRANSPORTATION/EPA BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing entitled "FY 2008 President's Budget Request for Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency." Testimony was heard from Mary E. Peters, Secretary of Transportation; and the following officials of the EPA: Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Water; and Susan Parker Bodine, Assistant Administrator, Solid Waste and Emergency Response. VA'S BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the VA's budget request for Fiscal Year 2008. Testimony was heard from R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. HHS BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the President's budget proposals for the Department of Health and Human Services. Testimony was heard from Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services. OVERSIGHT PLAN: NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATES ON IRAQ Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: On February 7, the Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. The Committee also approved Member requests to view the National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq. 2007/02/09 Daily Digest - Friday, February 9, 2007; pages D168 - D170 Committee Meetings DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on U.S. Army FY '07 Supplemental. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Army: Francis J. Harvey, Secretary; and GEN Peter J. Schoomaker, Chief of Staff. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Quality of Life. Testimony was heard from SGM Kenneth O. Preston, Department of the Army; Master Chief Petty Officer Joe Campa, Department of the Navy; SGM Major John L. Estrada, Marine Corps; and CMSgt. Rodney J. McKinley, U.S. Air Force. HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT FY 2008 BUDGET REQUEST Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "An Examination of the President's FY 2008 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security." Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. PHARMACEUTICAL PRICING WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE ALLEGATIONS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Allegations of Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Pharmaceutical Pricing: Financial Impacts on Federal Health Programs and the Federal Taxpayer." Testimony was heard from John Dicken, Director, Health Care, GAO; Lew Morris, Counsel, Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services; Ron Tenpas, Associate Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice; Patrick J. O'Connell, Chief, Civil Medicaid Fraud, Attorney General, State of Texas; and public witnesses. [Page: D170] 2007/02/12 Daily Digest - Monday, February 12, 2007; pages D172 - D178 Committee Meetings DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on U.S. Air Force Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Request. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air Force: Michael W. Wynee, Secretary; and GEN T. Michael Moseley, USMC, Chief of Staff. RESOLUTION DISAPPROVING DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL U.S. TROOPS TO IRAQ Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a closed rule. The rule provides for the following general debate in the House on H. Con. Res. 63, disapproving of the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq: (1) not beyond midnight on Tuesday, February 13, 2007; (2) not beyond midnight on Wednesday, February 14, 2007; and (3) 12 hours beginning on Thursday, February 15, 2007. All debate is equally divided and controlled by the Majority and Minority Leader or their designees. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the concurrent resolution and provides that the concurrent resolution shall be considered as read. The rule provides that the Majority Leader at any time, after consultation with the Minority Leader, may extend debate time for an additional hour. The rule also provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Finally, the rule contains one motion to recommit which may not contain instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Skelton, Chairman Lantos, Representatives Jones of North Carolina, Pence, Wolf, Shays, Gilchrest, and Sam Johnson of Texas. SMALL BUSINESS TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2007 Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 976, Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2007. 2007/02/13 Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 13, 2007; pages D179 - D186 Committee Meetings DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on U.S. Navy/Marine Corps Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Request. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: Donald Winter, Secretary; and ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and GEN James T. Conway, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps. HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Aviation Security Challenges. Testimony was heard from Edmund S. (Kip) Hawley, Director, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security; and Cathleen Berrick, Assistant Director, GAO. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Transportation Security Challenges. Testimony was heard from Edmund S. (Kip) Hawley, Director, Transportation Security Administration, Cathleen Berrick, Assistant Director, GAO; and public witnesses. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, held a hearing on Overview of National Forest Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Mark E. Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment; and Abigail R. Kimball, Chief, U.S. Forest Service. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Related Agencies. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the American Battle Monuments Commission: GEN. Frederick M. Franks, Jr., U.S. Army (Ret), Chairman; and BG. John W. Nicholson, U.S. Army (Ret) Secretary; John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), Arlington National Cemetery; and Timothy C. Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Armed Forces Retirement Home. AFGHANISTAN SECURITY AND STABILITY Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on an assessment of security and stability in Afghanistan and developments in U.S. strategy and operations. Testimony was heard from Mary Beth Long, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Security Affairs, Department of Defense; John Anthony Gastright, Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asian Affairs and Coordinator for Afghanistan, Department of State; and LTG General Karl Eikenberry, USA, former Commander, Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan. MILITARY HEALTH CARE BUDGET Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing to review the fiscal year 2008 military health care budget and the challenges facing the military health care system. Testimony was heard from William Winkenwerder, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs, Department of Defense. MARINE CORPS/NAVY RESET REQUIREMENTS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces and the Subcommittee on Readiness held a joint hearing on U.S. Marine Crops and U.S. Navy reset requirements. Testimony was heard from LTG Emerson Gardner, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Programs and Resources; and VADM Jonathon Greenert, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Integration of Capabilities and Resources, both with the Department of the Navy. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET FY 2008 Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services Fiscal Year 2008 Budget. Testimony was heard from Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services. CLIMATE CHANGE PRIVATE SECTOR VIEWS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Addressing Climate Change--Views from Private Sector Panels." Testimony was heard from former Representative Philip R. Sharp of Indiana; and public witnesses. FDA's DRUG SUPPLY SAFETY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "The Adequacy of FDA to Assure the Safety of the Drug Supply. Testimony was heard from Senator Grassley; and public witnesses. [Page: D183] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 835, To reauthorize the programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing assistance for Native Hawaiians; and H.R. 556, amended, National Security Foreign Investment Reform and Strengthened Transparency Act of 2007. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. FUTURE OF THE UN Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on the Future of the United Nations under Ban Ki-Moon. Testimony was heard from former Senator Timothy E. Wirth of Colorado; former Senator George Mitchell of Maine and former Co-Chair, U.S. Institute for Peace Task Forces on the United Nations; and John Bolton, former U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations. BORDER SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "Border Security: Infrastructure, Technology, and the Human Element." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security; David V. Aguilar, Chief, Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and RADM David Pekoske, USCG, U.S. Coast Guard. RAIL AND MASS TRANSIT SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Rail and Mass Transit Security: Industry and Labor Perspectives." Testimony was heard from Fred Weiderhold, Inspector General, AMTRAK, and public witnesses. FEDERAL AGENCY REGULATORY PLANNING AND REVIEW Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held an oversight hearing entitled "Amending Executive Order 12866: Good Governance or Regulatory Usurpation?" Testimony was heard from Steven D. Aitken, Acting Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; Curtis W. Copeland, Specialist in American National Government, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. EXECUTIVE BRANCH REFORM ACT; WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ENHANCEMENT ACT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on the following: the Executive Branch Reform Act of 2007; and the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Tom Devine, Legal Director, GAO; and public witnesses. EARTH AND CLIMATE SCIENCE Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on National Imperatives for Earth and Climate Science (National Academy of Sciences Decadal Survey) Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FEDERAL AGENCY REGULATORY PLANNING AND REVIEW Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on Amending Executive Order 12866: Good Governance or Regulatory Usurpation? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. PUBLIC-PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIPS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing entitled "Public-Private Partnerships: Innovative Financing and Protecting the Public Interest." Testimony was heard from Tyler Duvall, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Policy, Department of Transportation; Frank Busalacchi, Secretary of Transportation, State of Wisconsin; and public witnesses. RAIL WORKER FATIGUE Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials held a hearing entitled "Fatigue in the Rail Industry." Testimony was heard from Joseph Boardman, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation; Mark V. Rosenker, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; and public witnesses. MEDICARE BUDGET PROPOSALS FY 2008 Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the Medicare portions of the President's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Proposals. Testimony was heard from Leslie V. Norwalk, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Department of Health and Human Services. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND POVERTY; SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on economic opportunity and poverty in America. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [Page: D184] Prior to the hearing, the Subcommittee met for organizational purposes. EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on Earned Income Tax Credit Outreach. Testimony was heard from Richard J. Morgante, Commissioner, Wage and Investment Division, IRS, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. 2007/02/14 Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 14, 2007; pages D188 - D194 Committee Meetings USDA FARM BILL PROPOSALS Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the proposals of the USDA for the 2007 Farm bill. Testimony was heard from Mike Johanns, Secretary of Agriculture. Prior to the hearing, the Committee met for organizational purposes. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. FY 2008 NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST--DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Budget request from the Department of the Army. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Army: Francis J. Harvey, Secretary; and GEN Peter Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND AND THE GLOBAL TERROR THREAT Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a hearing on the challenges for the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) posed by the global terrorist threat. Testimony was heard from Jarret Brachman, Director of Research, Combating Terrorism Center, U.S. Military Academy, Department of the Army; and public witnesses. MEMBERS DAY Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Members Day. Testimony was heard from Representatives Peterson of Minnesota, Goodlatte, Cardoza, Dicks, Carson, Ehlers, Holt, Boyda of Kansas, Buchanan, Larsen of Washington, Wolf, Hayes, Higgins, Turner, Christensen, Filner, Oberstar, Honda, Altmire, Walz of Minnesota, Ellsworth, Boozman, Watson and Bishop of Utah. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 800, Employee Free Choice Act; and H.R. 493, as amended, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. UNINSURED CHILDREN Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Covering the Uninsured Through the Eyes of a Child." Testimony was heard from Chris L. Peterson, Specialist in Social Legislation, Domestic Social Policy Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. [Page: D191] ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PROCESS--NEXT STEPS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on Next Steps in Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE--UNDERSTANDING BUDGET AND STRATEGIC AGENDA Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, Preparedness, and Response Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "Understanding the Budget and Strategic Agenda of the Science and Technology Directorate." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: ADM Jay Cohen, Under Secretary, Science and Technology; and Richard Williams, Chief Financial Officer for Science and Technology. DHS INTELLIGENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUDGET--FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment, hearing entitled "The President's Proposed FY 2008 Budget for the Department of Homeland Security: The Office of Intelligence and Analysis." Testimony was heard from Charles E. Allen, Chief Intelligence Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security. PROPOSED IMMIGRATION FEE INCREASE Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law held a hearing on Proposed Immigration Fee Increase. Testimony was heard from Emilio T. Gonzalez, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. EXECUTIVE BRANCH REFORM ACT; WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ENHANCEMENT ACT; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 984, Executive Branch Reform Act of 2007; and H.R. 985, Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2007. The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUIREMENTS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives held a hearing on The State of FOIA: Assessing Agency Efforts to Meet FOIA Requirements. Testimony was heard from Linda Koontz, Director, Information Management, GAO; Melanie Ann Pustay, Acting Director, Office of Information and Privacy, Department of Justice. CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a rule providing that the bill (H.R. 976) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for small businesses, and for other purposes, may be considered under suspension of the rules at any time on the legislative day of Friday, February 16, 2007. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on the Administration's FY 2008 Research and Development Budget Proposal. Testimony was heard from John H. Murburger, III, Director, Office of Science and Technology. The Committee also approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. SBA'S RESPONSE TO 2005 GULF COAST HURRICANES Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The Small Business Administration's Response to the 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes." Testimony was heard from Representatives Melancon and Baker; Steven Preston, Administrator, SBA; William Shear, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO; Bryan McDonald, Director, Governor's Office of Recovery and Renewal, State of Mississippi; and public witnesses. FAA'S BUDGET Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2008 Federal Aviation Administration's Budget. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Marion C. Blakey, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration; and Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General; and Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO. AGENCY BUDGET AND PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment held a hearing entitled "Agency Budgets and Priorities for FY 2008." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Army: John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Civil Works; and LTG Carl A. Strock, USA, Chief of Engineers, Corps of Engineers; Collister Johnson, Jr., Administrator, Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; Tom Kilgore, Chief Executive Officer, TVA; and Arlen Lancaster, Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. [Page: D192] VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH BUDGET Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2008 Health Budget. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Kussman, M.D., Acting Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. U.S. TRADE AGENDA Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the direction and content of U.S. Trade Agenda. Testimony was heard from Susan C. Schwab, U.S. Trade Representative. SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BACKLOGS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on Social Security Administration (SSA) disability claims backlogs. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner, SSA; Sylvester J. Schieber, Chairman, Social Security Advisory Board; and public witnesses. 2007/02/15 Daily Digest - Thursday, February 15, 2007; pages D195 - D202 Committee Meetings DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Requests for Iraq and Afghan Security Forces Fund. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: MG Robert Durbin, Commander, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan; BG Michael D. Jones, Deputy Director, Political-Military Affairs, Joint Staff; and Peter Rodman, Assistant Secretary, International Security Affairs. HOMELAND SECURITY Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Coast Guard Iraq Operations, Port Security and Deepwater. Testimony was heard from ADM Thad Allen, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; Steve Caldwell, Assistant Director; and John P. Hutton, both with GAO. [Page: D199] LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, held a hearing on (Panel I) Overview on America's Workers and Education for the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on (Panel II) Overview on Health Care Access and the Aging of America. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Long-Term Health Care Challenges. Testimony was heard from Stephen Heffler, Director, National Health Statistics Group, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; A. Bruce Steinwald, Director, Healthcare Team, GAO; and Allison Percy, Principal Analyst; and John P. Hutton, both with CBO. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. RECRUITING AND RETENTION OVERVIEW Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on overview of recruiting and retention. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: David S. C. Chu, Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; LTG Michael D. Rochelle, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-l; VADM John C. Harvey, Jr., USN, Chief of Naval Personnel; LTG Roger A. Brady, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and Personnel; and LTG Ronald S. Coleman, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. USDA FY 2008 BUDGET PRIORITIES Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Priorities. Testimony was heard from Mike Johanns, Secretary of Agriculture; and public witnesses. Hearings continue tomorrow. MONETARY POLICY AND THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on Monetary Policy and the State of the Economy. Testimony was heard from Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System. Hearings continue tomorrow. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; AFGHANISTAN AT THE BRINK Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 957, To amend the Iran Sanctions Act to expand and clarify the entities against which sanctions may be imposed. The Committee favorably considered the following measures and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 98, as amended, Honoring the life and achievements of the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior and reaffirming the continued commitment of the House of Representatives to a just and lasting peace in the Republic of Sudan; H.R. 987, NATO Freedom Consolidation Act of 2007; H.R. 1003, To amend the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 to reauthorize the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy; H. Res. 107, as amended, Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah; H. Res. 149, Supporting the goals of International Women's Day; and H. Res. 64, as amended, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Bangladesh should immediately drop all pending charges against Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury. The Committee also held a hearing on Afghanistan on the Brink: Where Do We Go From Here? Testimony was heard from Representative Kirk; and public witnesses. PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS OF COMFORT WOMEN Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on Protecting the Human Rights of Comfort Women. Testimony was heard from Representative Honda; and public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Lessons Learned and Grading Goals: The Department of Homeland Security of 2007." Testimony was heard from Michael P. Jackson, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security. [Page: D200] OVERSIGHT--PATENT SYSTEM REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on American Innovation at Risk: The Case for Patent Reform. Testimony was heard from Suzanne Michel, Chief Intellectual Property Counsel and the Deputy Assistant Director for Policy Coordination, FTC; and public witnesses. YOUTH VIOLENCE AND GANG INTERVENTIONS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing entitled "Making Communities Safer: Youth Violence and Gang Interventions that Work." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled "Iraq Reconstruction: An Overview." Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; William H. Reed, Director, Defense Contract Audit Agency, Department of Defense; and Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. NIST ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS ROLE Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing on The National Institute of Standards and Technoloy's Role in Supporting Economic Competitiveness in the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from William Jeffrey, Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. SHORT SEA SHIPPING Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing entitled "The Development of Short Sea Shipping in the United States." Testimony was heard from Sean Connaughton, Administrator, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation; Collister Johnson, Jr. Administrator, St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; and public witnesses. FILIPINO VETERANS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on Equity for Filipino Veterans. Testimony was heard from Representatives Bordallo, Hirono and Honda; Ronald R. Aument, Deputy Under Secretary, Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs; Carlos D. Sorreta, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the Philippines; and public witnesses. VA INSPECTOR GENERAL Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held an oversight hearing on VA Inspector General-Budget and Best Practices. Testimony was heard from George J. Opfer, Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs. U.S.-CHINA TRADE RELATIONSHIP Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on the U.S.-China trade relationship. Testimony was heard from Karan K. Bhatia, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; from former Representatives Dan Glickman of Kansas and Patricia Schroeder of Colorado; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--HOT-SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot-Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. IRAN'S INVOLVEMENT IN IRAQ Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Iran's Involvement in Iraq. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/02/16 Daily Digest - Friday, February 16, 2007; pages D204 - D208 Committee Meetings DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session to hold a hearing on Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization. Testimony was heard from a public witness. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Future of the Nation's Navigation Infrastructure. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Implementation of U.S. VISIT Entry/Exit Program. Testimony was heard from Bob Mochny, Acting Director, U.S. VISIT, Department of Homeland Security. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Forest Service: State and Private Forestry and Research. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA, Forest Service: Abigail R. Kimball, Chief; James E. Hubbard, Deputy Chief; and Ann M. Bartuska, Deputy Chief, Research and Development. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on the Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from Stephen Ayers, Acting Architect of the Capitol; Robert Hixon, Capitol Visitor Center Project Executive; and Terrel Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO. [Page: D207] STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, on Fiscal Year 2007 held a hearing on Emergency Supplemental Request. Testimony was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State. IRS AND THE TAX GAP Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on IRS and the Tax Gap. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Mark W. Everson, Commissioner; and Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate, both with the IRS; and J. Russell George, Inspector General, Tax Administration; Michael Brostek, Director, Tax Issues, Strategic Issues Team, GAO; and a public witness. MONETARY POLICY AND THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY Committee on Financial Services: Concluded hearings on Monetary Policy and the State of the Economy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE SECURITY CLEARANCES Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Impact of Background and Security Clearances on the Transportation Workforce." Testimony was heard from Robert D. Jamison, Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; OVERSIGHT PLAN Committee on House Administration: Met for organizational purposes. The Committee approved an Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. OVERSIGHT--INTERIOR DEPARTMENT Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing entitled "Reports, Audits and Investigations by the General Accountability Office (GAO) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Regarding the Department of the Interior." Testimony was heard from Earl E. Devaney, Inspector General, Department of the Interior; and Robin M. Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO. 2007/02/17 Daily Digest - Friday, February 17, 2007; pages D209 - D212 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. [Page: D212] 2007/02/26 Daily Digest - Monday, February 26, 2007; pages D214 - D218 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/02/27 Daily Digest - Tuesday, February 27, 2007; pages D219 - D226 Committee Meetings HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Secure Border Initiative. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: W. Ralph Basham, Commissioner, Customs and Border Patrol; Gregory Giddens, Manager, SBInet Program Manager; David Aguilar, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; and Jayson Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, Field Operations; and the following officials of GAO: Richard Stana, Director, Homeland Security Justice Issues; and Randolph Hite, Director, Information Technology Architect and Systems Issues. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Interior Context. Testimony was heard from Tracy Mehan, former Assistant Administrator, Water, Water Quality, EPA; and public witnesses. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Testimony was heard from Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on the Architect of the Capitol: Long-Range Requirements. Testimony was heard from Stephen Ayers, Acting Architect of the Capitol; Anna Franz, Director, Planning and Project Management; and Frank Tiscione, Superintendent of House Office Buildings. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities held a hearing on Strengthening Communities: An Overview of Service and Volunteering in America. Testimony was heard from David Eisner, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--MINERAL AND LAND MANAGEMENT BUDGET Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing to review the proposed fiscal year 2008 budget for the Minerals Management Services, the Bureau of Land Management, Energy and Minerals programs, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the Minerals and Geology Program of the Forest Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey, except for the activities and programs of the Water Resources Division. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: R.M. Johnnie Burton, Director, Minerals Management Service; Mark Myers, Director, U.S. Geological Survey; Jim Hughes, Acting Director, Bureau of Land Management; and Brent Wahlquist, Acting Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation Enforcement; and Frederick Norbury, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System, U.S. Forest Service, USDA. [Page: D223] OVERSIGHT--NOAA--U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE BUDGET Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 budget request for NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Testimony was heard from VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.) Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and H. Dale Hall, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. OVERSIGHT--OFFICE OF INSULAR AFFAIRS BUDGET Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 budget request for the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs. Testimony was heard from David B. Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior; and the following Governors: Togiola T. A. Tulafono, American Samoa; and Felix Perez Camacho, Guam. OVERSIGHT--BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT AND FOREST SERVICE BUDGETS Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held an oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request for the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. Testimony was heard from Abigail Kimbell, Chief, Forest Service, USDA; and Jim Hughes, Acting Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior. NATIONAL SECURITY FOREIGN INVESTMENT REFORM AND STRENGTHENED TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule with a preprinting requirement. The rule provides one hour of general debate on H.R. 556. National Security Foreign Investment Reform and Strengthened Transparency Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clause 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The rule provides that the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered for amendment by section and that each section shall be considered as read. The rule also makes in order only those amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute that are pre-printed in the Congressional Record or are pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate. The rule provides that each amendment printed in the Congressional Record may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or a designee, and that each amendment shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or with instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank, Representatives Maloney of NY, and Paul. 2007/02/28 Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 28, 2007; pages D228 - D238 Committee Meetings FARM BILL--SPECIALTY AND ORGANIC CROPS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture held a hearing to review the proposals of the Department of Agriculture for the 2007 Farm Bill with respect to specialty crops and organic agriculture. Testimony was heard from Chuck Conner, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on FDA. Testimony was heard from the Department of Health and Human Services: Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner, FDA; John R. Dyer, Deputy Commissioner, Operations and Chief Operating Officer; and Norris W. Cochran, Director, Division of Discretionary Programs, Office of Budget. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the National Science Board. Testimony was heard from Steven C. Beering, Chairman, National Science Board. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Science Funding. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [Page: D233] ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Energy Outlook-the Next Decade. Testimony was heard from Guy Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Agency, Department of Energy; Jim Wells, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on Consumer Issues. Testimony was heard from Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman, FTC; Nancy Nord, Acting Chairman, Consumer Product Safety Commission; and public witnesses. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies concluded hearings on the EPA. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the EPA: Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator; Marcus C. Peacock, Deputy Administrator; Lyon Gray, Chief Financial Officer; Roger R. Martella, Acting General Counsel; Bill Roderick, Acting Inspector General; Judith E. Ayers, Assistant Administrator, Office of International Affairs; William Wehrum, Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation; George Gray, Assistant Administrator, Office of Research and Development; Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water; Granta Y. Nakayama, Assistant Administrator, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance; James B. Gulliford, Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances; Susan Bodine, Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response; Molly O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, Office of Environmental Information; and Luis A. Luna, Assistant Administrator, Office of Administration and Resource Management. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Health Resources and Services Administration. Testimony was heard from Elizabeth M. Duke, Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Request. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Tina W. Jones, Under Secretary, Comptroller; and MG Brian I. Geehan, Director, Logistics, Central Command. TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Transportation and Housing: Trends and Challenges over the Next Decade. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST--DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Budget Request from the Department of the Air Force. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air Force: Michael W. Wynne, Secretary; and GEN T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Chief of Staff. RESERVISTS G.I. BILL--IMPACT OF CHANGES Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on the impact of changes to the Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill. Testimony was heard from Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense; and Keith Wilson, Director of Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs. LONG TERM ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Fiscal Challenges and the Economy in the Long Term. Testimony was heard from Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System. IMPROVING HEAD START Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing on Improving Head Start for America's Children. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [Page: D234] NCAA COACHING AND LEADERSHIP DIVERSITY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "The Lack of Diversity in Leadership Positions in NCAA Collegiate Sports." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. TRANSPORTATION FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "A Review of the Administration's Energy Proposal for the Transportation Sector." Testimony was heard from Nicole Nason, Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation; and Edward P. Lazear, Chairman, Council of Economic Advisers. CALLER ID MANIPULATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 251, Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007. Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this measure. Testimony was heard from Kris Montieth, Chief, Enforcement Bureau, FCC; and public witnesses. KATRINA INSURANCE ISSUES Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Insurance Claims Payment Processes in the Gulf Coast after the 2005 Hurricanes." Testimony was heard from Representatives Taylor, Jefferson and Jindal; David Maurstad, Director and Federal Insurance Administrator, Mitigation Division, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Jim Hood, Attorney General, State of Mississippi; and a public witness. IRAQ AND U.S. FOREIGN POLICY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Iraq and U.S. Foreign Policy. Testimony was heard from Richard C. Holbrooke, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; and a public witness. NORTH KOREA: THE FEBRUARY 13TH AGREEMENT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on North Korea: The February 13th Agreement. Testimony was heard from Christopher R. Hill, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State. FEMA REFORM Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communication, Preparedness, and Response and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight held a joint hearing entitled "Reforming FEMA: Are We Making Progress?" Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: R. David Paulison, Under Secretary, Federal Emergency Management, FEMA; George Foresman, Under Secretary, Preparedness; and Matt Jadacki, Deputy Inspector General. COMMITTEE FUNDING Committee on House Administration: Met to consider Committee funding requests for the following Committees: Foreign Affairs; Judiciary; Financial Services; Homeland Security; Transportation and Infrastructure; Armed Services; Education and the Workforce; Oversight and Government Reform; Rules; Ways and Means; Small Business; Veterans' Affairs; Energy and Commerce; Agriculture, Science and Technology; Budget; Intelligence; Standards; and Natural Resources. JUDICIAL DISCLOSURE RESPONSIBILITY ACT; ESTABLISHED ANTITRUST TASK FORCE Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported H.R. 1130, Judicial Disclosure Responsibility Act. The Committee also approved the following: a resolution establishing the Antitrust Task Force; and other pending Committee business. COMPETITION AND THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL MUSIC Committee on the Judiciary: Antitrust Task Force held a hearing on Competition and the Future of Digital Music. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--EVOLVING WEST Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the Evolving West. Testimony was heard from Representatives Walden of Oregon, Nunes, Herger and Rehberg; Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana; former Representative Pat Williams of Montana; and public witnesses. BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY FUNDING Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H. Res. 180, Honoring the life and achievements of Leo T. McCarthy and expressing profound sorrow on his death; H. Res. 162, Recognizing the contributions of the Negro Baseball Leagues and their players; and H. Con. Res. 62, Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Children and Families Day, in order to encourage adults in the United States to support and listen to children and to help children throughout the Nation achieve their hopes and dreams. [Page: D235] The Committee approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. The Committee also held a hearing entitled "Reforming the Presidential Library Funding Disclosure Process." Testimony was heard from Sharon Fawcett, Assistant Archivist for Presidential Libraries, National Archives and Records Administration; and public witnesses. 9/11 FIRST RESPONDER HEALTH Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing entitled "9/11 Health Effects: Federal Monitoring and Treatment of Residents and Responders." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: John Agwunobi, M.D., Assistant Secretary of Health and Chair of HHS9/11 Task Force; and John Howard, M.D., Director, National Institute for Occupational Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Federal 9/11 Health Coordinator; the following officials of the City of New York: Linda I. Gibbs, Deputy Mayor, Health and Human Services; and Edward Skyler, Deputy Mayor, Administration; and public witnesses. EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 800, Employee Free Choice Act, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clause 9 and 10 in Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except for clause 10 of Rule XXI. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman George Miller of CA, Representatives Andrews, McKeon, Kline, Price of GA, Boustany, Foxx, Davis of TN, Shays and Musgrave. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 85, amended, Energy Technology Transfer Act; H.R. 1068, To amend the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991; H.R. 1126, To reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988; and H.R. 363, amended, Sowing the Seeds through Science and Engineering Research Act. BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES Committee on Small Business: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. VA INFORMATION AND SECURITY MANAGEMENT Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Information and Security Management at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Gordon Mansfield, Deputy Secretary; Robert Howard, Assistant Secretary, Information and Technology; James Bagian, M.D., Chief Patient Safety Officer; Maureen Regan, Counselor for the Inspector General; and Arnaldo Claudio, Oversight and Compliance Representative; Greg Wilshusen, Director, Information Technology Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES; ENERGY AND TAX POLICY Committee on Ways and Means: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. The Committee also held a hearing on Energy and Tax Policy, focusing on climate change. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2007 Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Fiscal Year 2007 Supplemental Request. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. [Page: D236] 2007/03/01 Daily Digest - Thursday, March 1, 2007; pages D239 - D247 Committee Meetings BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES Committee on Agriculture: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on USDA's Inspector General. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General; Kathleen S. Tighe, Deputy Inspector General; Robert W. Young, Jr., Assistant Inspector General, Audit; Mark R. Woods, Assistant Inspector General, Investigations; and Suzanne Murrin, Assistant Inspector General, Management, all with the Office of Inspector General; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a hearing on NSF. Testimony was heard from Arden L. Bement, Jr., Director, NSF. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Bureau of Reclamation. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: P. Lynn Scarlet, Deputy Secretary; and Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on Financial Services for Disadvantaged Communities. Testimony was heard from JoAnn M. Johnson, Chairman, National Credit Union Administration; Kimberly A. Reed, Director, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Meeting Boarder Patrol Training Needs. Testimony was heard from Connie Patrick, Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Department of Homeland Security. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/National Institute of Drug Abuse/National Institute of Mental Health/and National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services; NIH: Terry Cline, M.D., Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Nora Volkow, M.D., Director, National Institute of Drug Abuse; Thomas Insel, M.D., Director, National Institute of Mental Health; and T.K. Li, M.D., Director, National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism. [Page: D244] LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on the Architect of the Capitol: Budget. Testimony was heard from Stephen Ayers, Acting Architect of the Capitol. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a hearing on Global HIV/AID. Testimony was heard from Ambassador Mark Dybul, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Department of State. TRANSPORTATION, AND HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Testimony was heard from Alphonso R. Jackson Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST-DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Budget Request from the Department of the Navy. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: Donald C. Winter, Secretary; ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and GEN James T. Conway, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps. MILITARY ADVOCACY/BENEFICIARY GROUPS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on views of military advocacy and beneficiary groups. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NUCLEAR POWER SYSTEMS AND NAVY COMBATANTS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on integrated nuclear power systems for future Naval surface combatants. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: Delores Etter, Assistant Secretary, (Research, Development, and Acquisition); ADM Kirkland Donald, USN, Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programs; VADM Jonathan Greenert, USN, Assistant Chief, Naval Operations for Resource Requirements; VADM Paul Sullivan, USN, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command; and RADM Barry McCullough, USN, Director, Surface Warfare Division. VETERANS AFFAIRS BUDGET Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Priorities. Testimony was heard from R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. OVERSIGHT PLAN 110TH CONGRESS; COMMITTEE BUSINESS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Approved Oversight Plan for the 110th Congress. The Committee also considered pending Committee business. EPA BUDGET Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials held a hearing entitled "The Environmental Protection Agency Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request." Testimony was heard from Bill A. Roderick, Acting Inspector General, EPA; Robert W. King, Jr., Deputy Commissioner, Department of Health and Environmental Control, State of South Carolina; J. Christian Bollwage, Mayor, Elizabeth, New Jersey; and public witnesses. UNINSURED CHILDREN Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Covering the Uninsured Through the Eyes of a Child." Testimony was heard from Kathryn G. Allen, Director, Health Care, GAO; Phyllis Sloyer, R.N., Division Director, Children's Medical Services, Department of Health, State of Florida; Joseph F. Vitale, member New Jersey State Senate and Chairman, Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee; and public witnesses. WORLD WIDE WEB OUTLOOK Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing entitled "Digital Future of the United States: Part I-The Future of the World Wide Web." Testimony was heard from a public witness. BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES Committee on Financial Services: Approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. [Page: D245] NORTH KOREAN HUMAN RIGHTS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on North Korean Human Rights: An Update. Testimony was heard from Jay Lefkowitz, Special Envoy for Human Rights in North Korea, Department of State. U.S. POLICY TOWARD LATIN AMERICA Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a hearing on Overview of U.S. Policy Toward Latin America. Testimony was heard from Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY MANAGEMENT OUTLOOK Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight held a hearing entitled "The Department of Homeland Security's Directorate: Goals and Objectives of the New Under Secretary." Testimony was heard from Paul A. Schneider, Under Secretary, Management, Department of Homeland Security. IMPROVE SECURITY--RAIL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection approved for full Committee action, as amended, a measure to improve the security of railroads, public transportation and over-the-road buses in the United States. COMMITTEE FUNDING RESOLUTION Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported, as amended, H. Res. 202, Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Tenth Congress. ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law met and approved the issuance of four subpoenas in conjunction with a Subcommittee hearing to be held next week. SENATE LOBBYING REFORM BILL Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held a hearing on S. 1, To provide greater transparency in the legislative process. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BUDGET REQUEST FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held an oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request for the National Park Service. Testimony was heard from Mary A. Bomar, Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior. SAN JOAQUIN RIVER RESTORATION SETTLEMENT ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on H.R. 24, San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act. Testimony was heard from Jason Peltier, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Water and Science, Department of the Interior; the following officials of the State of California: Lois Wolk, member State Assembly and Chair, Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife; and Nancy Saracino, Chief Deputy Director, Department of Water Resources; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--PRESIDENTIAL RECORDS ACT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives held an oversight hearing on The Presidential Records Act. Testimony was heard from Allen Weinstein, Archivist of the United States, National Archives and Records Administration; Harold Relyea, Specialist in American National Government and Finance Division, CRS, Library of Congress. SMALL BUSINESS ACCESS TO CAPITAL Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Increasing Access to Capital for Our Nation's Small Businesses." Testimony was heard from Janet Tasker, Deputy Associate Administrator, Capital Access, SBA; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1144, amended, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Federal Match Relief Act of 2007; H.R. 1195, amended, To amend the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to make technical corrections; H.R. 735, To designate the Federal building under construction at 799 First Avenue in New York, New York, as the "Ronald H. Brown United States Mission to the United Nations Building;" H.R. 753, amended, To redesignate the Federal building located at 167 North Main Street in Memphis, Tennessee, as the "Clifford Davis/Odell Horton Federal Building;" H.R. 1019, To designate the United States customhouse building located at 31 Gonzalez Clements Avenue in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, as the "Rafael Martinez Nadal United States Customhouse Building;" H.R. 1045, To designate the Federal building located at 210 Walnut Street in Des Moines, Iowa, as the "Neal Smith Federal Building;" H.R. 1138, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 306 East Main Street in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the "J. Herbert W. Small Federal Building and United States Courthouse;" and H.R. 720, Water Quality Financing Act of 2007. GSA Courthouse Construction Resolution. [Page: D246] The Committee also approved the following: GSA Courthouse Construction Resolution; and Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2008 for submission to the Committee on the Budget. MEDICARE PAYMENT POLICIES Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's annual March report on Medicare payment policies. Testimony was heard from Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. RELEASE EXECUTIVE SESSION MATERIAL Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session and approved the release of the internal Cunningham investigation materials to the Department of Justice. 2007/03/02 Daily Digest - Friday, March 2, 2007; pages D249 - D256 Committee Meetings INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry/Chemical Safety Board/National Institute on Environment Health Sciences. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board: Carolyn W. Merritt, Chairman; and Elizabeth Robinson, CFO; and the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: David A. Schwartz, M.D., Director, National Institute of Environmental Health; Julie Louise Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; and Howard Frumkin, M.D., Director, National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2007/03/05 Daily Digest - Monday, March 5, 2007; pages D257 - D262 Committee Meetings FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on Tax Fairness: Policy and Enforcement. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the IRS, Department of the Treasury: Kathy Petronchak, Commissioner, Small Business/Self-Employed Division; and Nina Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate; and public witnesses. 2007/03/06 Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 6, 2007; pages D264 - D274 Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Natural Resources and Conservation Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Mark E. Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment; Arlen Lancaster, Chief; and Steven A. Probst, Director, Budget Planning and Analysis Division, both with the National Resources Conservation Service; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Commerce Overview. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Secretary of Commerce. Testimony was heard from Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary of Energy. Testimony was heard from Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary of Energy. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on Issues in the Federal Workforce. Testimony was heard from Linda M. Springer, Director, OPM; Neil A.G. McPhie, Chairman, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, J. Christopher Mihm, Managing Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held an oversight hearing on Container Security Challenges and Goals. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Jayson Ahern, Customs and Border Patrol; and Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on the NIH Director with National Cancer Institute/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of NIH, Department of Health and Human Services: Elias Zerhouni, M.D., Director, NIH; John Niederhuber, M.D., Director, National Cancer Institute; Elizabeth Nabel, M.D., Director, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; Anthony Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease; Duane Alexander, M.D., Director, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; and John Ruffin, Director, National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing on VA Medical Care. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a hearing and on Department of Veterans Affairs Panel. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Kussman, Acting Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans Affairs. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs held a hearing on Iraq Political and Reconstruction Strategy, Alternative Perspectives. Testimony was heard from Ambassador Peter Galbraith, Department of State; LTC Christopher W. Stockel, USAR; COL Lawrence Wilkerson, USA (ret.), USA; and a public witness. TRANSPORTATION, AND HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Department of Transportation Inspector General Management Challenges and GAO High Risk Series. Testimony was heard from Calvin Scovel, Inspector General, Department of Transportation; and Patricia Dalton, Director, Physical Infrastructure, GAO. [Page: D270] NATIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL SYSTEM--IS IT WORKING? Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the National Security Personnel System-Is it Working? Testimony was heard from Michael Luis Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FY 2008 BUDGET Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Department of Defense and the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget. Testimony was heard from Gordon England, Deputy Secretary, Department of Defense. RETIREMENT SECURITY AND 401(k)s Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Are Hidden 401(k) Fees Undermining Retirement Security? Testimony was heard from Barbara Bovbjerg, Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Carbon Capture and Sequestration: An Overview." Testimony was heard from Thomas D. Shope, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy, Department of Energy; the following officials of the EPA: William Wehrum, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation; and Ben Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Water; S. Julio Friedman, Carbon Management Program, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; and public witnesses. MEDICARE PHYSICIAN PAYMENT SYSTEM Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Exploring Options for Improving the Medicare Physician Payment System." Testimony was heard from Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; A. Bruce Steinwald, Director, Health Care, GAO; and public witnesses. GULF COAST HURRICANE HOUSING RECOVERY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Began markup of H.R. 1227, Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow. THE IRANIAN CHALLENGE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on The Iranian Challenge. Testimony was heard from R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary, Political Affairs, Department of State. GLOBAL OPINION OF AMERICAN POLICIES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on Global Polling Data on Opinion of American Policies, Values and People. Testimony was heard from a public witness. RAIL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing on a measure entitled "Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007." Testimony was heard from Kip Hawley, Administrator, Transportation Security Agency, Department of Homeland Secretary; Terri Rosapep, Deputy Associate Administrator, Program Management, Department of Transportation; Richard Fairfax, Director, Enforcement Programs, OSHA, Department of Labor; Richard Falkenrath, Deputy Commissioner, Counterterrorism, Police Department, New York City; Fred Weiderhold, Inspector General, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK); and public witnesses. U.S. ATTORNEY FIRINGS; ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on H.R. 580, to amend chapter 35 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for a 120-day limit to the term of a United States Attorney appointed on an interim basis by the Attorney General. Testimony was heard from Representative Issa; Will Moschella, Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice; former Representative Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas; the following former U.S. Attorneys: Daniel Bogden, District of Nevada; Bud Cummins, Eastern District of Arkansas; David C. Iglesias, District of New Mexico; John McKay, District of Western Washington; Carol Lam, Southern District of California; and Paul K. Charlton, District of Arizona. Prior to the hearing, the Subcommittee met and approved the issuance of subpoenas to former U.S. Attorneys Daniel Bogden, District of Nevada and Paul K. Carlton, District of Arizona in conjunction with the hearing on H.R. 580. CORAL REEF CONSERVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a hearing on the Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Tim Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; David B. Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. [Page: D271] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1309, To promote openness in Government by strengthening section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act); and H.R. 1255, To amend chapter 22 of title 44, United States Code, popularly known as the Presidential Records Act, to establish procedures for the consideration of claims of constitutionally based privilege against disclosure of Presidential records. WATER QUALITY INVESTMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule with a preprinting requirement. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 569, Water Qaulity Investment Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The rule provides that the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute that are pre-printed in the Congressional Record or are pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate. The rule provides that each amendment printed in the Congressional Record may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or a designee, and that each amendment shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Oberstar and Representatives Mica and Baker. HEALTHY COMMUNITIES WATER SUPPLY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule with a preprinting requirement. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 700, Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments to the bill that are pre-printed in the Congressional Record or are pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate. The rule provides that each amendment printed in the Congressional Record may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or a designee, and that each amendment shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Oberstar and Representatives Mica and Baker. MEDICARE PAYMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION'S REPORT--SUSTAINABLE GROWTH RATE Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's report on the Sustainable Growth Rate. Testimony was heard from Glenn M. Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; and public witnesses. LOW-INCOME FAMILY ASSISTANCE Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Recent Changes to Programs Assisting Low-Income Families. Testimony was heard from Sidonie Squier, Director, Office of Family Assistance, Department of Health and Human Services; Robin Arnold-Williams, Secretary, Department of Social and Health Services, State of Washington; David A. Hansell, Acting Commissioner, Department of Temporary Disability Assistance, State of New York; Nancy K. Ford, Director, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, State of Nevada; Mary Dean Harvey, Director, Department of Human Resources, Division of Family and Children, State of Georgia; and a public witness. DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM BUDGET ROLL-OUT Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and National Intelligence Program (NIP) Budget Roll-out. Testimony was heard from Mike McConnell, Director of National Intelligence. [Page D272] 2007/03/07 Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 7, 2007; pages D275 - D286 Committee Meetings FINANCING RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research held a hearing to review the financial structure of renewable energy resources. Testimony was heard from Thomas C. Dorr, Under Secretary, Rural Development, USDA; Andy Karsner, Assistant Secretary, Department of Energy; Kathleen McGinty, Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection, State of Pennsylvania; and public witnesses. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies held a hearing on Economic and Statistics Administration/Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Commerce: Cynthia A. Glassman, Under Secretary, Economic Affairs, Economics and Statistics Administration; Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, Census Bureau; Steve Landefeld, Director, Bureau of Economic Analysis. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Economic Development Administration/Minority Business Development Agency. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Commerce: Sandy K. Baruah, Assistant Secretary, Economic Development; and Ronald Langston, National Director, Minority Business Development Agency. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Walter Reed Infrastructure. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Army: GEN Peter Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff; GEN Richard Cosy, USA, Vice Chief of Staff; and GEN Kevin C. Kiley, USA, Army Surgeon General. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services, and General Government held a hearing on Ensuring the Integrity of Elections. Testimony was heard from Donetta L. Davidson, Chair, Election Assistance Commission; Randolph C. Hite, Director, Information Technology Architecture and Systems, GAO, and public witnesses. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing on Pacific Command. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: ADM William J. Fallon, USN, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; GEN Burwell B. Bell, III, USAF, Commander, United Nations Command, Commander, Republic of Korea-United States Combined Fores Command and Commander, United States Forces Korea. NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET REQUEST--PACIFIC COMMAND AND FORCES KOREA Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Forces Korea. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: ADM William J. Fallon, USN, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; and GEN Burwell B. Bell, III, USAF, Commander, United Nations Command, Commander, Republic of Korea-United States Combined Forces Command and Commander, United States Forces Korea. AIR LIFT AMD AERIAL REFUELING PROGRAMS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces held a hearing on Air Force and Army airlift and aerial refueling fixed-wing aircraft programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG C.H. Chandler, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Plans and Requirements; LTG Donald J. Hoffman, USAF, Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Office of the Assistant of the Air Force, Acquisition and MG Thomas P. Kane, USAF, Director, Strategic Plans, Requirements, and Programs, Air Mobility Command, all with the U.S. Air Force; and LTG Mark Curran, USA, Deputy Commander, Training and Doctrine Command; and MG (Select) Jeffrey Sorenson, USA, Deputy, Systems Command Management, Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), both with the U.S. Army; William Solis, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management and Michael Sullivan, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, both with the GAO; and Christopher Bolkcom, Specialist in National Defense, CRS, Library of Congress. CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Climate Change: Are Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Human Activities Contributing to a Warming of the Planet?" Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FUTURE OF RADIO Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing entitled "Digital Future of the United States: Part II-The Future of Radio." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. GULF COAST HURRICANE HOUSING RELIEF ACT Committee on Financial Institutions: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1227, Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of 2007. LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN REMITTANCES Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled "The Role of Remittances in Leveraging Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SOUTH ASIA OVERVIEW Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on A Regional Overview of South Asia. Testimony was heard from Richard A. Boucher, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Department of State. ELECTION DECEPTION AND IRREGULARITIES Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on "Protecting the Right to Vote: Election Deception and Irregularities in Recent Federal Elections." Testimony was heard from Senators Obama and Cardin; Representatives Loretta Sanchez, Bilbray, King of Iowa, and Emanuel; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 162, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Boundary Adjustment Act of 2007; H.R. 249, To restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros; H.R. 285, amended, Steel Industry National Historic Site Act; H.R. 309, amended, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a demonstration program to facilitate landscape restoration programs within certain units of the National Park System established by law to preserve and interpret resources associated with American history; H.R. 319, amended, Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 865, Copper Valley Native Allotment Resolution Act of 2007; and H.R. 886, Wild Sky Wilderness Act of 2007. COMMITTEE FUNDING RESOLUTION Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote of 9 to 3, a closed rule, providing for consideration of H. Res. 202, Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Tenth Congress. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on House Administration. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the resolution. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on House Administration now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in the report accompanying the resolution, shall be considered as adopted. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit which may not contain instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Hastings of Washington, Issa and King of Iowa. ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on the Department of Energy Fiscal Year 2008 Research and Development Budget Proposal, Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Ray Orbach, Under Secretary, Science; Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Thomas D. Shope, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary; Dennis Spurgeon, Assistant Secretary, Nuclear Energy; and Kevin Kolevar, Director Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability. TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INNOVATION Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Advancing the Innovation Agenda: The Perspective of the Technology and Telecommunications Industry." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. TRANSIT AND RAIL SECURITY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit and the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a joint hearing on Transit and Rail Security. Testimony was heard from Norman J. Rabkin, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; Fred Weiderhold, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK); and public witnesses. GREAT LAKES AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on the impact of Aquatic Invasive Species on the Great Lakes. Testimony was heard from Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Water, EPA; and public witnesses. PERFORMANCE REVIEW Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on Performance Review of Services. Testimony was heard from Charles S. Ciccolella, Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of Labor; and the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Keith M. Wilson, Director, Education Service; Bill Borom, Deputy Director, Vocal Rehabilitation and Employment; and Keith Pedigo, Director, Loan Guaranty Service. ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a hearing on the Alternative Minimum Tax. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Eric Solomon, Assistant Secretary, Tax Policy; and Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate, IRS; and public witnesses. HOT SPOTS BRIEFING Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/03/08 Daily Digest - Thursday, March 8, 2007; pages D288 - D298 Committee Meetings LIVESTOCK FEED COSTS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry held a hearing to review the impact of feed costs on the livestock industry. Testimony was heard from Chuck Conner, Deputy Secretary, USDA; and public witnesses. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Food and Nutrition Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Nancy Montanez Johner, Under Secretary, and Kate Coler, Deputy Under Secretary, both with Food Nutrition and Consumer Services; Roberto Salazar, Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service; Eric Hentges, Executive Director, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies held a hearing on National Institute of Standards and Technology. Testimony was heard from William A. Jeffrey, Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration/Patent and Trademark Office. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Commerce: John M. R. Kneurer, Assistant Secretary, Communications and Information; and Jon W. Dudas, Under Secretary, Intellectual Property, and Director, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Department of Energy: Environmental Management, Legacy Management. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: James A. Rispoli, Assistant Secretary, Environmental Management; and Michael W. Owen, Director, Office of Legacy Management. [Page: D294] FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on the Supreme Court. Testimony was heard from the following Associate Justices of the Supreme Court: Anthony M. Kennedy, and Clarence Thomas. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary of the Interior. Testimony was heard from Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the Interior. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Administration for Children and Families. Testimony was heard from Wade Horn, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on the U.S. Capitol Police Budget. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Capitol Police: Phillip Morse, Chief; and Dan Nichols, Assistant Chief. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the VA Mental Health Programs and Initiatives. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Kussman, Acting Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans Affairs. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on VA Homeless Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans' Affairs: Peter H. Dougherty, Director, Homeless Veterans Program; and Philip F. Mangano, Executive Director, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a hearing on Foreign Assistance Budget, Foreign Affairs Restructuring. Testimony was heard from Ambassador Randall L. Tobias, Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development and Director, Foreign Assistance, Department of State. TRANSPORTATION, HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Building Sustainable Communities: Sensible Links between Housing and Transportation. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. RECOVERY OBSTACLES FOR WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBERS Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on challenges and obstacles wounded and injured service members face during recovery. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: David S. C. Chu, Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; William Winkenwerder, Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs; GEN Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army; and LTG Kevin C. Kiley, USA, The Surgeon General, U.S. Army. SUBMARINE FORCE STRUCTURE AND ACQUISITION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on submarine force structure and acquisition policy. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: VADM John J. Donnelly, USN, Commander, Submarine Forces; RADM Carl V. Mauney, USN, Director, Submarine Warfare Division N87; RADM William H. Hilarides, USN, Program Executive Officer, Submarines; and Allison Stiller, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Programs, all with the Department of the Navy; Ron O'Rourke, Senior Naval Analyst, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. U.S. STRATEGIC COMMAND POSTURE Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing on the posture of the U.S. Strategic Command. Testimony was heard from GEN James E. Cartwright, USMC, Commander, U.S. Command, Department of Defense. HIGHER EDUCATION ACCESS AND FINANCING Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness held a hearing on the State of Higher Education: How Students Access and Finance a College Education. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [Page: D295] EPA's BUDGET REQUEST Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials and the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a joint hearing entitled "The Environmental Protection Agency's Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2008." Testimony was heard from Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator, EPA. GENETIC INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "H.R. 493, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Francis S. Collins, M.D., Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH; and Susan McAndrew, Deputy Director, Health Information Privacy, Office for Civil Rights; Christopher J. Kuczynski, Assistant Legal Council and Director, Americans with Disabilities Act Policy Division, EEOC; Frank Swain, former Chief Counsel, Advocacy, SBA; and public witnesses. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Empowering Shareholders on Executive Compensation: H.R. 1257, Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FOREIGN ASSISTANCE REFORM Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Foreign Assistance Reform. Testimony was heard from Randall L. Tobias, Director, U.S. Foreign Assistance and Administrator, U. S. Agency for International Developmental, Department of State. LATIN AMERICAN'S OPINIONS OF THE U.S. Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere held a joint hearing on Polling Data on Latin American Opinion of the United States Policies, Values and People. Testimony was heard from a public witness. BORDER SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism continued hearings entitled "Border Security: Infrastructure, Technology, and the Human Element, Part II." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. PIRACY ON UNIVERSITY NETWORKS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, hearing on "An Update- Piracy on University Networks." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. RIGHT TO COUNSEL IN CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on the McNulty Memorandum's Effect on the Right to Counsel in Corporate Investigations. Testimony was heard from Barry M. Sabin, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. WATER AND POWER BUDGET Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight hearing on the fiscal year 2008 budget requests for the Bureau of Reclamation, the Federal Power Marketing Administrations, and the Water Resources division of the U.S. Geological Survey. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation; and Robert Hirsch, Associate Director, Water, Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey; and the following Administrators of the Power Administrations, Department of Energy: Steven J. Wright, Bonneville; Timothy J. Meeks, Western Area; Jon Worthington, Southeastern; and Michael A. Deihl, Southwestern. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 1255, amended, Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2007; H.R. 1254, amended, Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2007; H.R. 1309, amended, To promote openness in Government by strengthening section 552 of title 5, United States Code (Commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act); H.R. 1362, amended, Accountability in Contracting Act; H. Res. 198, Recognizing the significance of Black History Month; H.R. 89, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a day should be established as Dutch-American Friendship Day to celebrate the historic ties of the United States and the Netherlands; and H. Res. 136, Commending the Girls Scouts of the United States of America on the occasion of their 95th anniversary, for providing quality age-appropriate experiences that prepare girls to become the leaders of tomorrow and for raising issues important to girls. FEDERAL PERSONNEL REFORM Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held a hearing on the Status of Federal Personnel Reform. Testimony was heard from Curtis Copeland, Specialist in American National Government, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. [Page: D296] WATER QUALITY FINANCING ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for consideration of H.R. 720, Water Quality Financing Act of 2007. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in Part A of the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. The bill as amended shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of further amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill as amended, and no further amendments shall be in order except those amendments printed in Part B of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the further amendments made in order in Part B may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Oberstar and Representatives Hirono, Stupak, Mica, Baker, Gary G. Miller of California, Boustany, Tom Davis of Virginia, Kirk, and King of Iowa. HIGH SCHOOL LABORATORY EXPERIENCE Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on Improving the Laboratory Experience for America's High School Students Testimony was heard from Representative Hinojosa; and public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing on the Department of Homeland Security's R&D Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2008. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Jay M. Cohen, Under Secretary, Science and Technology; and Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office; and public witnesses. DISASTER AND ACCESS TO CAPITAL PROGRAM Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing to review legislation affecting the SBA's Disaster and Access to Capital programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the SBA: Herbert L. Mitchell, Associate Administrator, Disaster Relief; and Michael Hager, Associate Deputy Administrator, Capital Access; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--COAST GUARD BUDGET Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held an oversight hearing on the Coast Guard Budget and Authorization for Fiscal Year 2008. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: ADM Thad W. Allen, USCG, Commandant; and Charles W. Bowen, USCG, Master Chief Petty Officer, both with the U.S. Coast Guard; and Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General; and Steven Caldwell, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO. SERVICE MEMBERS TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Service Members Seamless Transition into Civilian Life--The Heroes Return. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Michael J. Kussman, M.D., Acting Under Secretary, Health; William F. Feeley, Deputy Under Secretary, Health for Operations and Management; Edward Huycke M.D., Veterans Health Administration/Department of Defense Coordination Office; Ira Katz, M.D., Director, Mental Health Services; Shane McNamee, M.D., Director, Polytrauma Center, VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia; Steven Scott, M.D., Director, Polytrauma Center, VA Medical Center, Tampa, Florida; and Kathy Dinegar and Sherry Edmonds-Clemons, both Socialworker Liaisons for Seamless Transition, Walter. Reed Medical Center/Bethesda Naval Hospital; Cynthia Bascetta, Director, Health Care, GAO; and public witnesses. MEDICARE PROGRAM INTEGRITY Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Oversight held a joint hearing on Medicare Program Integrity. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Daniel R. Levinson, Inspector General; and Tim Hill, Director, Office of Financial Management, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and R. Alexander Acosta, U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida. [Page: D297] MILITARY INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM BUDGET OVERVIEW Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Military Intelligence Program (MIP) Budget Overview. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/03/09 Daily Digest - Friday, March 9, 2007; pages D300 - D310 Committee Meetings COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies held a hearing on NASA Overview. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Preparing for Disasters, Natural or Otherwise. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Roger T. Rufe, Jr., Director, Operations Coordination; and R. David Paulison, Director, FEMA and Under Secretary, Federal Emergency Management; William O. Jenkins, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on U.S. Geological Survey. Testimony was heard from Mark Myers, Director, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on (Panel I) Centers for Disease Control/(Panel II) Emergency Preparedness: Office of the Secretary, Centers for Disease Control, NIH. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Anthony Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH; and Gerald W. Parker, M.D., Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. [Page: D305] FRAUDULENT PHONE RECESS ACCESS PREVENTION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Held a hearing entitled "Combating Pretexting: H.R. 936, Prevention of Fraudulent Access to Phone Records Act." Testimony was heard from Lydia Parnes, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Thomas Navin, Chief, Wireline Bureau, FCC; and public witnesses. SECTION 8 VOUCHER REFORM Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing entitled "The Section 8 Voucher Reform Act." Testimony was heard from Orlando J. Cabrera, Assistant Secretary, Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses. 2007/03/12 Daily Digest - Monday, March 12, 2007; pages D311 - D316 Committee Meetings LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary of Education. Testimony was heard from Margaret Spellings, Secretary of Education. SELECT INTELLIGENCE OVERSIGHT Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Select Intelligence Oversight met in executive session to hold a hearing on the CIA Budget. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. GSE REFORM--LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Legislative Proposals on GSE Reform." Testimony was heard from John R. Price, President and CEO, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, Federal Housing Finance Board; and public witnesses. 2007/03/13 Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 13, 2007; pages D317 - D326 Committee Meetings FOOD STAMP PROGRAM REVIEW--IMPACT ON CHILDREN'S HEALTH Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing to review the federal food stamp program and its impact on children's health. Testimony was heard from Nancy Montanez-Johner, Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, USDA; and public witnesses. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Secretary of Agriculture. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Chuck Conner, Deputy Secretary; Keith Collins, Chief Economist; and Scott Steele, Budget Officer. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies on NASA. Testimony was heard from Michael D. Griffin, Administrator, NASA. Hearings continue tomorrow. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Testimony was the following officials of the Department of the Army: John Paul Woodley, Assistant Secretary, Civil Works; and LTG Carl A. Strock, USA, Chief of Engineers. [Page: D322] HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on the Secret Service. Testimony was heard from Mark Sullivan, Director, U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies held a hearing on Arts Panel. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Social and Economic Status of Native Americans, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of the Special Trustee. Testimony was heard from a public witness. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Education: Elementary and Secondary Education, and Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. Testimony was heard from Raymond Simon, Deputy Secretary, Department of Education. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from Stephen T. Ayers, Acting Architect of the Capitol; Terry Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; Robert Hixon, Project Executive; and Douglas Jacobs, Design Manager, both with the Capitol Visitor Center. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Navy Budget. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and GEN James T. Conway, USMC, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Veterans' Claims Process. Testimony was heard from William Greene, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; and Daniel L. Cooper, Under Secretary, Benefits, Department of Veterans' Affairs. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a hearing on the Millenium Challenge Account. Testimony was heard from Ambassador John Danilovich, CEO, Millenium Challenge Corp. TRANSPORTATION, AND HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Status of Public Housing and HOPE VI. Testimony was heard from Orlando J. Cabrera, Assistant Secretary, Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development. ACCOUNTABILITY IN CONTRACTING ACT Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1362, Accountability in Contracting Act. MILITARY RESALE PROGRAMS REVIEW Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on overview of military resale programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; MG Paul Essex, USAF, Commander, Army and Air Force Exchange Service; RADM Robert E. Cowley, III, USN, Commander, Navy Exchange Service Command; Patrick B. Nixon, Director and CEO, Defense Commissary Agency; and Michael P. Downs, Director, Personal and Family Readiness Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. READINESS NEEDS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the adequacy of the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request to meet readiness needs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Richard Cody, USA, Vice Chief of Staff, Department of the Army; GEN John D. W. Corley, USAF, Vice Chief of Staff, Department of the Air Force; GEN Robert Magnus, USMC, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps; and ADM Robert F. Willard, USN, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee the following bills: H.R. 477, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act; H.R. 727, amended, Trauma Care Systems Planning and Development Act of 2007; H.R. 545, amended, Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2007; H.R. 1132, amended, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act of 2007; and H.R. 493, amended, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. [Page: D323] POST KATRINA HEALTH CARE Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Post Katrina Health Care: Continuing Concerns and Immediate Needs in the New Orleans Region." Testimony was heard from Leslie Norwalk, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Fred Cerise, M.D., Secretary, Department of Health and Hospitals, State of Louisiana; and the following officials of the Department of Health, City of New Orleans: Kevin U. Stephens, M.D., Director; and Evangeline R. Franklin, M.D., Director, Clinical Services and Employee Health; and public witnesses. HEDGE FUNDS AND SYSTEMIC RISK IN FINANCIAL MARKETS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Hedge Funds and Systemic Risk in the Financial Markets." Testimony was heard from E. Gerald Corrigan, former President, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses. TIBET; STATE OF SINO-TIBETAN DIALOGUE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Tibet: Status of the Sino-Tibetan Dialogue. Testimony was heard from Paula J. Dobriansky, Under Secretary, Democracy and Global Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. HAITI'S DEVELOPMENT NEEDS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a hearing on Haiti's Development Needs. Testimony was heard from Adolfo A. Franco, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State. RAIL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1401, Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 50, Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007; and H.R. 465, Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Kenneth Stansell, Acting Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSE VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 2007 Committee on Oversight and Reform: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1433, District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a structured rule providing for consideration of H.R. 985, Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2007. The rule provides 1 hour and 20 minutes of general debate, with 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of the bill, modified by the amendments recommended by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform now printed in the bill, shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except for those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Waxman and Representatives Tom Davis of Virginia, Shays and King of Iowa. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP IN A 21ST CENTURY GLOBAL ECONOMY Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on Science and Technology Leadership in a 21st Century Global Economy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. U.S./MEXICAN TRUCKING SAFETY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on U.S./Mexican Trucking: Safety and the Cross Border Demonstration Project. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: John H. Hill, Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; and Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General; and public witnesses. [Page: D324] VETERANS' MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 797, Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act; and H.R. 1284, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Impact of OIF/OEF on the VA Claims Process. Testimony was heard from Dan Bertoni, Acting Director--Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; Ronald R. Aument, Deputy Under Secretary, Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses. VETERANS' MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 612, Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007; and H.R. 327, Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act. KATRINA REDEVELOPMENT TAX ISSUES Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on Katrina Redevelopment Tax Issues. Testimony was heard from Milton Bailey, President Housing Finance Agency, State of Louisiana; and a public witness. FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Facilities and Infrastructures. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/03/14 Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 14, 2007; pages D328 - D336 Committee Meetings COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies continued hearings on NASA. Testimony was heard from Michael D. Griffin, Administrator, NASA. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies held a hearing on Science Research. Testimony was heard from Raymond L. Orbach, Under Secretary, Science, Department of Energy. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on the National Archives and Records Administration. Testimony was heard from Allen Weinstein, Archivist of the United States. HOMELAND SECURITY Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Gulf Coast Rebuilding. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Donald Powell, Federal Gulf Coast Coordinator; Gil Jamieson, Deputy Director, Gulf Coast Rebuilding; FEMA; and Matt Jadacki, Deputy Inspector General. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Bureau of Land Management. Testimony was heard from James M. Hughes, Acting Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior. [Page: D332] LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Education: Student Financial Aid, Higher Education, Institute of Education Sciences. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Education: Sarah Martinez Tucker, Under Secretary; and Grover J. Whitehurst, Director, Institute of Education Sciences. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Long-Term Challenges for Military Construction and Budget Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Tina W. Jonas, Under Secretary, (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer; Phil Grone, Deputy Secretary, Installations and Environment; and Ryan Henry, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Policy. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on VA Research. Testimony was heard from Joel Kupersmith, Chief Research and Development Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs. TRANSPORTATION, HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Secretary of Transportation. Testimony was heard from Mary Peters, Secretary of Transportation. HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a hearing on harnessing technology innovation: challenges and opportunities. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. IMPROVING HEAD START ACT OF 2007 Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1429, Improving Head Start Act of 2007. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Climate Change and Energy Security: Perspectives From the Automobile Industry." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FCC OVERSIGHT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing entitled "Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FCC: Kevin J. Martin, Chairman; Michael J. Copps, Jonathan S. Adelstein, Deborah Taylor Tate and Robert M. McDowell, all Commissioners. OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Committee on Financial Services: Held an oversight hearing of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Testimony was heard from Alphonso Jackson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. RED CROSS GOVERNANCE REFORM Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on the American Red Cross Governance Reform. Testimony was heard from Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chairwoman, American Red Cross; and a public witness. GLOBAL OPINION OF THE U.S. Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on Global Polling Data on Opinion of American Policies, Values and People. Testimony was heard from a public witness. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS GRANTS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communication, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing entitled "Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grants: Are the Departments of Homeland Security and Commerce Effectively Coordinating To Meet Our Nation's Emergency Communications Needs?" Testimony was heard from Corey Gruber, Acting Assistant Secretary, Grants and Training, Department of Homeland Security; John M. R. Kneuer, Assistant Secretary, Communications and Information, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce; and Deputy Chief Charles Dowd, Commanding Officer, Communications Division, New York Police Department. NUCLEAR THREAT DETECTION TECHNOLOGY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "Countering the Nuclear Threat to the Homeland: Evaluating the Procurement of Radiation Detection Technologies." Testimony was heard from Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, Department of Homeland Security; and Gene Aloise, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO. [Page: D333] SECURITY INFORMATION SHARING AND CIVIL LIBERTIES Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "The Department of Homeland Security State and Local Fusion Center Program: Advancing Information Sharing While Safeguarding Civil Liberties." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Charles E. Allen, Chief Intelligence Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis; Daniel W. Sutherland, Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; and Hugo Teufel, Privacy Officer. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSE VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on H.R. 1433, District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. INDIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT EXTENSION Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 1328, To amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to revise and extend that Act. Testimony was heard from Charles W. Grim, M.D., Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. ACCOUNTABILITY IN CONTRACTING ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1362, Accountability in Contracting Act. The rule provides 80 minutes of general debate, 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Armed Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that in lieu of the amendments recommended by the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform and Armed Services now printed in the bill, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in Part A of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in Part B of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments printed in Part B of the report may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Waxman and Representatives Tom Davis of Virginia and Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida. EPA's RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET PROPOSAL FISCAL YEAR 2007 Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency Fiscal Year 2008 Research and Development Budget Proposal. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the EPA: George Gray, Assistant Administrator, Research and Development; and M. Granger Morgan, Chair, EPA's Science Advisory Board; and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH INSURANCE Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Challenges and Solutions to Health Insurance Coverage for Small Businesses." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FAA'S REAUTHORIZATION PROPOSAL Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation, held a hearing on the Administration's Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Proposal. Testimony was heard from Marion C. Blakey, Administrator, FAA, Department of Transportation. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment approved for full Committee action H.R. 1495, Water Resources Development Act of 2007. [Page: D334] MINIMUM WAGE BILL REVENUE INCREASES Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Revenue Increasing Measures in the Small Business and Work Opportunity Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from former Representative Kenneth E. Bensen, Jr., of Texas; and public witnesses. GENETIC NON-DISCRIMINATION Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Genetic Non-Discrimination. Testimony was heard from Francis Collins, M.D., Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. 2007/03/15 Daily Digest - Thursday, March 15, 2007; pages D338 - D350 Committee Meetings EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2007 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported, as amended, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007. The Committee also approved the Report on the Revised Suballocation of Budget Allocations for Fiscal Year 2007. EUROPEAN COMMAND; JOINT FORCES COMMAND BUDGET Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the U.S. European Command and Joint Forces Command. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Bantz J. Craddock, USA, Commander, U.S. European Command, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe; and GEN Lance Smith, USAF, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command, NATO Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation. [Page: D343] MILITARY ADVOCACY/BENEFICARY GROUPS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel continued hearings on views of military advocacy and beneficiary groups. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SHIP CONSTRUCTION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on the Federal ship construction loan guarantee program. Testimony was heard from Sean Connaughton, Administrator, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. EMPLOYER-PROVIDED HEALTH BENEFITS Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on Examining Innovative Approaches to Covering the Uninsured Through Employer-Provided Health Benefits. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 251, amended, Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007; H.R. 477, amended, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act; H.R. 727, Trauma Care Systems Planning and Development Act of 2007; H.R. 545, Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2007; and H.R. 1132, amended, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act of 2007. COMBATING SPYWARE Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "Combating Spyware: The Spy Act." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANGE: STATE AND LOCAL PERSPECTIVES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Climate Change: State and Local Perspectives." Testimony was heard from Lisa P. Jackson, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection, State of New Jersey; Linda Adams, Secretary, Environmental Protection Agency, State of California; Julie Caruthers Parsley, Commissioner, Public Utility Commission, State of Texas; Ron Curry, Secretary, Environment Department, State of New Mexico; and Patrick McCrory, Mayor, City of Charlotte, North Carolina. LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS--GSE REFORM Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Legislative Proposals on GSE Reform." Testimony was heard from Robert Steel, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; the following officials of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: James B. Lockhart, III, Director, Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight; and L. Carter Carnick, General Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses. U.S. POLICY TOWARD SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on U.S. Policy Toward South Pacific Island Nations, Including Australia and New Zealand. Testimony was heard from Glyn Davies, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State. U.S.-TURKISH RELATIONS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on U.S.-Turkish Relations and the Challenges Ahead. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs; and GEN Joseph W. Ralston USAF (Ret.), Special Envoy, Countering the Kurdistan Worker's Party; and Dan Fata, Deputy Assistant Secretary, European and NATO Affairs, Department of Defense. IRANIAN NUCLEAR CRISIS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held a joint hearing on Iranian Nuclear Crisis: Latest Developments and Next Steps. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FEMA DISASTER RESPONSE Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Disaster Declarations: Where Is FEMA in a Time of Need?" Testimony was heard from VADM Harvey Johnson, USCG, Deputy Director, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Mike Beebe, Governor, State of Arkansas; and Bruce Baughman, Director, Emergency Management Agency, State of Alabama. [Page: D344] BORDER CROSSINGS; IMMIGRANTS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "Crossing the Border: Immigrants in Detention and Victims of Trafficking." Testimony was heard from John P. Torres, Director, Office of Detention and Removal Operations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. ELECTION REFORM Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections held a hearing on Election Reform "Machines and Software." Testimony was heard from Eric Clark, Secretary of State, Mississippi; and a public witnesses. Hearings continue March 20. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 580, amended, To amend chapter 35 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for a 120-day limit to the term of a United States attorney appointed on an interim basis by the Attorney General; H.R. 1433, District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007; and pending Committee business. The Committee also approved pending Committee business. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 713, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 754, To designate the National Museum of Wildlife Art, located at 2820 Rungius Road, Jackson, Wyoming, as the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States; and H.R. 929, Land Between the Rivers Southern Illinois National Heritage Area Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Slaughter and Cubin; Janet Snyder Matthews, Associate Director, Cultural Resources, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. NASA's FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET REQUEST Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on NASA's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request. Testimony was heard from Michael Griffin, Administrator, NASA. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1361, RECOVER Act; H.R. 1332, amended, Small Business Lending Improvements Act of 2007; and H.R. 1468, Disadvantages Business Disaster Eligibility Act. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1495, Water Resources Development Act of 2007. The Committee also approved pending Committee business. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 327, Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act; H.R. 797, amended, Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act; and H.R. 1284, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007. TRAUMATIC BRAIN AND POLY-TRAUMA CENTERS Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Traumatic Brain and Poly-trauma Centers. Testimony was heard from Barbara Sigford, National Program Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. AMERICAN WORKERS--ECONOMIC SECURITY Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Increasing Economic Security for American Workers. Testimony was heard from former Secretary of Labor Robert B. Reich; and public witnesses. NONMARKET ECONOMY TRADE REMEDY ACT Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on H.R. 1229, Nonmarket Economy Trade Remedy Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Visclosky; David M. Spooner, Assistant Secretary, Import Administration, International Trade Administration; and public witnesses. CIA BRIEFING; GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a CIA briefing. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. The Committee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on Geospatial Intelligence. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/03/16 Daily Digest - Friday, March 16, 2007; pages D351 - D352 Committee Meetings WHITE HOUSE PROCEDURES FOR SAFEGUARDING CLASSIFIED INFORMATION Committee on Oversight and Reform: Held a hearing on White House Procedures for Safeguarding Classified Information. Testimony was heard from James Knodell, Director, Office of Security, Executive Office of the President; J. William Leonard, Director, Information Security Oversight Office, National Archives and Records Administration; Valerie Plame Wilson, former Employee, CIA; and public witnesses. [Page: D352] 2007/03/19 Daily Digest - Monday, March 19, 2007; pages D353 - D358 Committee Meetings FINANCIAL SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions held a hearing on OMB. Testimony was heard from Robert J. Portman, Director, OMB. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Employment and Training Administration/Office of Job Corps/Veterans Training/Vocational and Adult Education. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Education: Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration; Esther R. Johnson, Director, Office of Job Corps; and Troy Justesen, Assistant Secretary, Vocational and Adult Education; and Charles S. Ciccolella, Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Training Administration, Department of Labor. SELECT INTELLIGENCE OVERSIGHT Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Intelligence Oversight met in executive session to hold a hearing on National Reconnaissance Office Budget. Testimony was heard from Donald Kerr, Director, National Reconnaissance Office, Department of Defense. CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE INTERFERENCE Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Allegations of Political Interference with Government Climate Change Science. Testimony was heard from James Connaughton, Chairman, Council on Environmental Quality; James Hansen, Director, Goddard Institute for Space Studies, NASA; Philip Cooney, former Chief of Staff, Council on Environmental Quality; George Deutsch, former Public Affairs Officer, NASA; and a public witness. GULF COAST HURRICANE HOUSING RECOVERY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules, Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule for consideration of H.R. 1227, Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of 2007. The rule provides one hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services, modified by the amendment printed in Part A of the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. The bill as amended shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of further amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill as amended, and no further amendments shall be in order except those amendments printed in Part B of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. [Page: D356] The rule provides that the further amendments made in order in Part B may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank of Massachusetts, Representatives Corrine Brown of Florida, Biggert and Neugebauer. 2007/03/20 Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 20, 2007; pages D360 - D370 Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Research and Economics. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Gale Buchanan, Under Secretary; Education and Economics; Merle D. Pierson, Deputy Under Secretary, Research Education and Economics; Edward B. Knipling, Administrator, Agriculture Research Service; Colien Hefferan, Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; Katherine Smith, Acting Administrator, Economic Research Service; R. Ronald Bosecker, Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies held a hearing on Equal Employment Opportunities Commission. Testimony was heard from Naomi C. Earp, Chair, EEOC. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on International Trade Administration/Bureau of Industry and Security. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Commerce: Franklin L. Lavin, Under Secretary, International Trade; and Mark Foulon, Acting Under Secretary, Bureau of Industry and Security. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Energy: Energy Supply and Conservation/Fossil Energy/Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Kevin M. Kolevar, Director, Electricity and Energy Reliability; and Thomas D. Shope, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy. HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Determining Critical Infrastructure and How To Protect It. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: George Foresman, Under Secretary, National Protection and Programs Directorate; Robert Stephan, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection, and Gregory Garcia, Assistant Secretary, Cyber Security and Communications; Eileen Larence, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues; and David Powner, Director, IT Management Issues, both with GAO. INTERIOR AND ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the National Endowment for the Humanities/National Endowment for the Arts. Testimony was heard from Bruce Cole, Chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities; and Dana Gioia, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Worker Protection Agencies. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Labor: Mark Wilson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Employment Standards Administration; Bradford P. Campbell, Acting Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration; Edwin G. Foulke, Assistant Secretary, OSHA; James Carter, Deputy Under Secretary, Bureau of International Labor Affairs; and Richard E. Stickler, Assistant Secretary, Mine Safety and Health. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on Library of Congress: Future of Digital Libraries. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Library of Congress: James H, Billington, Librarian of Congress; JoAnn C. Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer, Office of the Librarian; Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian, Library Services; Laura Campbell, Associate Librarian, Strategic Initiatives; Rubens Medina, Law Librarian; Marybeth Peters, Register of Copyrights; and Daniel P. Mulhollan, Director, CRS. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Base Realignment and Closure. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Phil Grone, Deputy Under Secretary, Installations and Environment; Keith Eastin, Assistant Secretary, Army, for Installations and Environment; B.J. Penn, Assistant Secretary, Navy, Installations and Environment; and William C. Anderson, Assistant Secretary, Air Force, Installations, Environment and Logistics. [Page: D366] The Subcommittee also held a hearing on VA Long-Term Health/Nursing Home Care. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Kussman, M.D., Acting Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans' Affairs. WOUNDED WARRIOR ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2007 Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1538, Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUESTS--BASE CLOSURES/FACILITIES MAINTENANCE BUDGET. Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Requests for military construction, family housing, base closures and facilities' operations and maintenance. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Philip Grone, Deputy Under Secretary, Installations and Environment; Keith Eastin, Assistant Secretary, Army, Installations and Environment; B.J. Penn, Assistant Secretary, Navy, Installations and Environment; and William C. Anderson, Assistant Secretary, Air Force, Installations, Environment and Logistics. SHIPYARD MODERNIZATION/SHIP COST REDUCTION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on U.S. shipyard modernization initiatives and ship cost reduction. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: VADM Paul Sullivan, USN, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command; Allison Stiller, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ship Programs; RADM Charles Goddard, USN, Program Executive Officer, Ships; RADM David Architzel, USN, Program Executive Officer, Carriers; and RADM William Hilirades, USN, Program Executive Officer, Submarines; and public witnesses. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for the Department of Energy's atomic energy defense activities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Thomas P. D'Agostino, Acting Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; James Rispoli, Assistant Secretary, Environmental Management; and Glenn Podonsky, Director, Office of Health, Safety and Security. CLIMATE CHANGE--UTILITY CEO'S VIEWS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing on Climate Change: Perspectives of Utility CEOs. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTE IMPORTATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials approved for full Committee action H.R. 518, International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2007. DARFUR ACCOUNTABILITY AND DIVESTMENT ACT Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology held a hearing on H.R. 180, Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Senator Brownback; Representatives Lee, Wolf and Payne; and public witnesses. IRAQ--PROPOSED LEGISLATION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on proposed legislation on Iraq. Testimony was heard from the following Representatives who have introduced legislation on this subject: Bordallo, Lynch, Murtha, Jackson-Lee of Texas; Thompson of California; Blumenauer; Lee, Sires, Larson of Connecticut; Woolsey, Rogers of Alabama; Udall of Colorado; Lipinski, Schakowsky, King of Iowa, Berman, Patrick J. Murphy of Pennsylvania; Sestak, McGovern; Price of North Carolina; Tauscher, and Farr. WELCOME TO AMERICA? Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on Welcome to America? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY BUDGET/US-VISIT REVIEW Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Organizational and Policy Proposals for the Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Homeland Security Authorization: Positioning US-VISIT for Success and Establishing a Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Process." Testimony was heard from Robert A. Mocny, Acting Director, US-VISIT, Department of Homeland Security; Richard Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. [Page: D367] BORDER CROSSINGS; IMMIGRANTS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism continued hearings entitled "Crossing the Border: Immigrants in Detention and Victims of Trafficking, Part II." Testimony was heard from Gabriel Garcia, Program Manager, Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit, Office of Investigations, Immigration and Customs Information, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. ELECTION REFORM Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections continued hearings on Election Reform: Auditing Federal Elections. Testimony was heard from Ion Sancho, Supervisor of Elections, Leon County, Florida; Matt Damschroder, Director, Franklin County, Board of Elections, Ohio; and public witnesses. FBI'S USE OF NATIONAL SECURITY LETTERS Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on the Inspector General's Independent Report on the FBI's Use of National Security Letters. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Glen A. Fine, Inspector General; and Valerie Caproni, General Counsel, FBI. SECOND CHANCE ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on the Second Chance Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE/PUBLIC LANDS ENERGY Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing on the effect of global climate change on public lands and resources as a result of federal energy policies and actions. Testimony was heard from Mark Myers, Director, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior; Deborah Williams, former Assistant to the Department of the Interior, Alaska; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK BISON Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Lands held an oversight hearing on Yellowstone National Park Bison. Testimony was heard from Representative Rehberg; Mike Soukup, Associate Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; John Clifford, D.V.M., Deputy Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA; Robin Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana; and public witnesses. FEDERAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on Federal Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2006: Fiscal Outlook, Management Weaknesses and Consequences. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; Linda Combs, Controller, OMB; James T. Campbell, Acting Chief Financial Officer and William Maharay, Deputy Inspector General, Audit Services, both with the Department of Energy; David Norquist, Chief Financial Officer and James L. Taylor, Deputy Inspector General, both with the Department of Homeland Security. NSF REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on National Science Foundation Reauthorization, Part I. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the NSF: Arden L. Bement, Jr., Director; and Steven C. Beering, Chairman, National Science Board. OVERSIGHT--POST-KATRINA TEMPORARY HOUSING Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held an oversight hearing on Post-Katrina Temporary Housing: Dilemmas and Solutions. Testimony was heard from Representative Ross; David R. Paulison, Director, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. MOTORCOACH SAFETY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on Motorcoach Safety. Testimony was heard from John H. Hill, Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation; Mark V. Rosenker, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; and public witnesses. IRS OPERATIONS AND THE TAX GAP Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing on IRS Operations and the Tax Gap. Testimony was heard from Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, IRS, Department of the Treasury. [Page: D368] U.S. KOREA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on the U.S./Korea Free Trade Agreement Negotiations. Testimony was heard from Karan K. Bhatia, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; and public witnesses. SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Signals Intelligence. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/03/21 Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 21, 2007; pages D371 - D380 Committee Meetings USDA'S RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing to review the USDA rural development programs and the agency's rural development proposal for the 2007 Farm Bill. Testimony was heard from Tom Dorr, Under Secretary, Rural Development, USDA; and public witnesses. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a hearing on NOAA. Testimony was heard from VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Department of Justice Overview. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on the Federal Judiciary. Testimony was heard from Julia Smith Gibbons, Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; and James C. Duff, Director, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Enhancing Privacy and Civil Rights While Meeting Homeland Security Needs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Hugo Teufel III, Chief Privacy Officer; and Daniel Sutherland, Office Civil Rights and Liberties; and Linda Koontz, Director, Information Management Issues, GAO. [Page: D376] INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies held a hearing on Holocaust Museum/National Gallery of Art/Commission on Fine Arts/National Capital Planning Commission/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Testimony was heard from Sara Bloomfield, Director, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; Earl A. Powell III, Director, National Gallery of Arts and Chairman, Commission of Fine Arts; and Thomas Luebke, Secretary, Commission on Fine Arts; Patricia E. Gallagher, Executive Director, National Capital Planning Commission; and John Fowler, Executive Director, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Public Broadcasting. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting: Patricia Harris, President and CEO; Cheryl Halpern, Chairman, Board of Directors; and Kenneth A. Konz, Inspector General; Ken Stern, CEO, National Public Radio; and Paula Kerger, CEP, Public Broadcasting Service. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs held a hearing on International Affairs Budget. Testimony was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State. MILITARY COMMANDS BUDGET Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the U.S. Strategic Command, Northern Command, Transportation Command, and Southern Command. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN James E. Cartwright, USMC, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command; ADM Timothy J. Keating, USN, Command, NORAD and U.S. NORTHCOM; GEN Norton A. Schwartz, USAF, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and ADM James Stavridis, USN, Commander, U.S. Southern Command. DEFENSE COUNTERPROLIFERATION/COUNTERTERRORISM Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a hearing on Department of Defense counterproliferation, counterterrorism, and science and technology priorities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: John Young, Director, Defense Research and Engineering; James Tegnelia, Director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency; Anthony J. Tether, Director, Defense Advanced Research Project Agency; Thomas H. Killion, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Army, Research and Technology; RADM William Landay III, USN, Chief of Naval Research; and Terry Jaggers, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Air Force, Science, Technology and Engineering, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Acquisition. CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on the Budget: Ordered reported, as amended, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2008. ESEA REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on ESEA Reauthorization: Options for Improving NCLB's Measures of Progress. Testimony was heard from Peter McWalters, Commissioner, Department of Education, State of Rhode Island; Valerie A. Woodruff, Secretary of Education, State of Delaware; and public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANGE PERSPECTIVES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality and the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the Committee on Science and Technology held a joint hearing entitled "Perspectives on Climate Change." Testimony was heard from former Vice President Al Gore, of TN; and a public witness. SHAREHOLDER VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PAY; COMMITTEE BUSINESS Committee on Financial Services: Began mark of H.R. 1257, Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act. Will continue tomorrow. The Committee also approved pending Committee business. [Page: D377] DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS THREAT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on the Global Threat of Drug-Resistant TB: A Call to Action for World TB Day. Testimony was heard from Representative Engel; the following officials of the Department of State: Mark R. Dybul, Coordinator, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator; and Kent R. Hill, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Global Health, U.S. Agency for International Development; Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject, Testimony was heard from Mario Raviglione, M.D., Director, Stop TB Department, Work Heath Organization. U.S.-PAKISTAN POLICY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on U.S. Policy Toward Pakistan. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SECURING LIQUID NATURAL GAS TANKERS Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Securing LNG Tankers to Protect the Homeland." Testimony was heard from Jim Wells, Director, Energy, NRC, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; RADM Brian M. Salerno, USCG, Director, Inspection and Compliance, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; and H. Keith Lesnick, Director, Office of Deepwater Post Licensing, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation; J. Mark Robinson, Director, Office of Energy Projects, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. RADIATION DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "Countering the Nuclear Threat to the Homeland: Evaluating the Deployment of Radiation Detection Technologies." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office; and Jayson Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection. ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS--INVESTIGATION OF RECENT U.S. ATTORNEYS TERMINATION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law approved a motion authorizing the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary to issue subpoenas to the following individuals to secure testimony pursuant to the Committee's investigation concerning the recent termination of U.S. Attorneys and related subjects: D. Kyle Sampson; Karl Rove, Harriet Miers; William Kelley; and Scott Jennings. MORTGAGES IN URBAN AMERICA Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on Foreclosure, Predatory Mortgage and Payday Lending in America's Cities. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSE VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 4, a closed rule. The rule provides one hour and twenty minutes of general debate on H.R. 1433, District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007, with one hour equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary and twenty minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment printed in the report shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points of order against the bill, as amended, and provides that the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Conyers, Representatives Sensenbrenner, Issa, King of Iowa, Sessions, Rohrabacher, Flake, Bishop of Utah, and Price of Georgia. U.S. TROOPS READINESS, VETERANS' HEALTH AND IRAQ ACCOUNTABILITY ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a closed rule. The rule provides 4 hours of general debate on H.R. 1591, U.S. Troops Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member ofthe Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment printed in the report shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points of order against the bill, as amended, and provides that the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey, Representatives Lynch, Waters, Woolsey, Lee, Watson, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Lewis of California, Kirk, Sessions, Hunter, Shays, McHugh, Flake, Wilson of South Carolina, Cole of Oklahoma, Gingrey, King of Iowa, and Kuhl. [Page: D378] WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES FEDERAL CONTRACTING Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology held a hearing on Federal Government Efforts in Contracting with Women-Owned Businesses. Testimony was heard from Jovita Carranza, Deputy Administrator, SBA; Frank Spampinato, Chief Acquisition Officer, Department of Energy; Glenn Perry, Director, Contracts and Acquisitions Management, Department of Education; Thomas Luedtke, Assistant Administrator, NASA; and public witnesses. FAA FINANCING PROPOSAL Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on the Federal Aviation Administration's Financing Proposal. Testimony was heard from Representatives Tiahrt and Barrow; from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Daniel K. Elwell, Assistant Administrator, Aviation Policy, Planning and Environment, FAA; and Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector General; Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. KATRINA TAX RELIEF ACT; GENETIC INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1562, Katrina Housing Tax Relief Act of 2007; and H.R. 493, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. MEDICARE ADVANTAGE Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the Medicare Advantage. Testimony was heard from Leslie V. Norwalk, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Mark Miller, Executive Director, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; and Peter R. Orszag, Director, CBO. BRIEFINGS--HOT SPOTS FBI/CIA Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. The Committee also met in executive session to receive a briefing on FBI/CIA. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/03/22 Daily Digest - Thursday, March 22, 2007; pages D382 - D390 Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Conditions and Trends in Rural Communities. Testimony was heard from Katherine Smith, Acting Administrator, Economic Research Service, USDA. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies held a hearing and on the DEA/Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Karen Tandy, Administrator, DEA; and Michael J. Sullivan, Acting Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Energy: Nuclear Nonproliferation. Testimony was heard from Will Tobey, Administrator, Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, Department of Energy. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on SBA. Testimony was heard from Steven C. Presten, Administrator, SBA. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Minerals Management Service/Office of Surface Mining. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Johnnie Burton, Director, Minerals Management Service; and Brent T. Wahlquist, Acting Director, Office of Surface Mining. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on Library of Congress and Open World: Budget. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Library of Congress: James Billington, Librarian of Congress; Jo Ann Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer, and a public witness. [Page: D387] TRANSPORTATION, AND HUD AND RELATED AGENCIES Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies held a hearing on the FAA. Testimony was heard from Marion Blakey, Administrator, FAA, Department of Transportation. DOD AIRCRAFT PROGRAMS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces and the Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a joint hearing on Department of Defense Aircraft Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: David G. Ahern, Director, Portfolio Systems Acquisition, Office of the Under Secretary, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; James P. Woolsey, Assistant Director, Cost Analysis and Research Division, Institute for Defense Analyses; BG Stephen Mundt, USA, Director, Army Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Army; William Balderson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Naval Air Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development and Acquisition; RADM Bruce W. Clingan, USN, Director, Air Warfare Division, Headquarters, U.S. Navy; LTG John G. Castellaw, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; LTG Carrol H. Chandler, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Plans, and Requirements, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force; and LTG Donald J. Hoffman, USAF, Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Acquisition; and Michael J. Sullivan, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO. BP--TEXAS CITY DISASTER AND WORKER SAFETY Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on the BP-Texas City Disaster and Worker Safety. Testimony was heard from Carolyn W. Merritt, Chair, U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; and public witnesses. COLLEGE PREPARATION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness held a hearing on The Higher Education Act: Approaches to College Preparation. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTE IMPORTATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2007; GENETIC INFORMATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported H.R. 518, International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2007. The Committee began mark-up of H.R. 493, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow. SAFETY OF DRUG SUPPLY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations continued hearings on The Adequacy of FDA Efforts To Assure the Safety of the Drug Supply, Part II. Testimony was heard from Andrew C. Von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; Marcia G. Crosse, Director, Public Health and Military Health Care Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing entitled "Oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and Innovations in Interoperability." Testimony was heard from John M.R. Kneuer, Assistant Secretary, Communications and Information, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. OIL DEPENDENCE AND FOREIGN POLICY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Foreign Policy and National Security Implications of Oil Dependence. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. GUINEA--PROSPECTS FOR PEACE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on Prospects for Peace in Guinea. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs; and Walter North, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Africa Bureau, U.S. Agency for International Development; and public witnesses. EUROPEAN OPINION OF U.S. POLICIES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Europe held a joint hearing on Polling Data on European Opinion of American Policies, Values and People. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [Page: D388] OVER-CLASSIFICATION/INFORMATION SHARING Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Over-classification and Pseudo-classification: The Impact on Information Sharing." Testimony was heard from J. William Leonard, Director, Information Security Oversight Office, National Archives and Records Administration; Chief Cathy L. Lanier, Metropolitan Police Department; Michael P. Downing, Assistant Commanding Officer, Counter-Terrorism/Criminal Intelligence Bureau, Los Angeles Police Department. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held a hearing on Changing Tides: Exploring the Current State of Civil Rights Enforcement within the Department of Justice and an oversight hearing on the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. Testimony was heard from Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. COPYRIGHT ACT REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property held a hearing on Reforming Section 115 of the Copyright Act for the Digital Age. Testimony was heard from Marybeth Peters, Register of Copyrights, Library of Congress. PUERTO RICO MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 900, Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007; and H.R. 1230, Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Kenneth Thomas, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 50, Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 465, Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2007; and H.R. 1205, Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2007. D.C. COLLEGE ACCESS ACT EXTENSION Committee on Oversight and Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held a hearing on H.R. 1124, To extend the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999. Testimony was heard from Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, District of Columbia; and public witnesses. NOAA BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on NOAA Fiscal Year 2008 Budget. Testimony was heard from VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.), Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and a public witness. FAA'S RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET PRIORITIES FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on FAA's Research and Development Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2008. Testimony was heard from Victoria Cox, Air Traffic Organization Vice President for Operations Planning, FAA, Department of Transportation; R. John Hansman, Co-Chair, FAA's Research Engineering and Development Advisory Committee; and public witnesses. HIDDEN TAX ON SMALL BUSINESS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The New Hidden Tax on Small Business." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FAA'S OPERATIONAL AND SAFETY PROGRAMS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing to review FAA's Operational and Safety Program. Testimony was heard from Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; Warren Kroeppel, General Manager, LaGuardia Airport, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and public witnesses. NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE EDUCATION BENEFITS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on Education Benefits for National Guard and Reserve members. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Craig W. Duehring, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Reserve Affairs; MG Terry L. Scherling, USAF, Director, Joint Staff, National Guard Bureau; and MG William D. Wofford, USA, State Adjutant General, Arkansas National Guard; and representatives of veterans organizations. [Page: D389] ELDERLY AND DISABLED REFUGEES ASSISTANCE Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Assistance for Elderly and Disabled Refugees. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a hearing on the Alternative Minimum Tax. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. COUNTERINTELLIGENCE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold hearing on Counterintelligence. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/03/23 Daily Digest - Friday, March 23, 2007; pages D391 - D402 Committee Meetings NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVES Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Second Report to Congress by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves. Testimony was heard from MG Arnold Punaro, USMC (Ret.), Chairman, Commission on the National Guard and Reserves. [Page: D396] DEFENSE SPACE ACTIVITIES BUDGET Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request and the status of space activities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Ronald Sega, Under Secretary and GEN J. Kevin Chilton, USAF, Command, Air Force Space Command; and Donald Kerr, Director, National Reconnaissance Office. GENETIC INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 493, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing on Impact of NCLB on English Language Learners. Testimony was heard from Cornelia M. Ashby, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. PUBLIC INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on the Role of Public Investment in Promoting Economic Growth. Testimony was heard from Andrew F. Haughwout, Research and Statistics Group, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses. FOREIGN OWNERSHIP Committee on Homeland Security,: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, hearing entitled "Foreign Ownership: Discussion of Challenges Posed by Foreign Ownership To Using Critical Infrastructure." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Stewart A. Baker, Assistant Secretary, Policy; COL Robert B. Stephan, USAF (Ret.) Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection; and Gregory Garcia, Assistant Secretary, Cyber Security and Telecommunications; and Ann Calvaresi Barr, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO. ELECTION REFORM--VOTER CONFIDENCE AND INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections continued hearings on Election Reform, H.R. 811, Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Holt and Petri; Charlie Cast, Governor of Florida; Debra Bowen, Secretary of State, California; Chris Nelson, Secretary of State, South Dakota; and public witnesses. 2007/03/26 Daily Digest - Monday, March 26, 2007; pages D404 - D410 Committee Meetings SELECT INTELLIGENCE OVERSIGHT Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Select Intelligence Oversight met in executive session to hold a hearing on the National Security Agency. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. INTERNATIONAL TRADE IMPACTS ON WORKERS Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on How Effective are Existing Programs in Helping Workers Impacted by International Trade? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. IRAQI VOLUNTEERS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on Iraqi Refugees: What is America's Obligation? Testimony was heard from Ellen Sauerbrey, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Department of State; and public witnesses. GENERIC BIOTECH DRUGS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Safe and Affordable Biotech Drugs--The Need for a Generic Pathway. Testimony was heard from Janet Woodcock, M.D., Deputy Commissioner, Operations and Chief Medical Officer, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. RAIL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 4, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour and 20 minutes of general debate on H.R. 1401, Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007, with 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Homeland Security and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Homeland Security shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except for those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. Finally, the rule provides 1 motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Thompson and Chairman Oberstar, Representatives Jackson-Lee of Texas, Arcuri, Cohen, King of New York, Lungren, Dent, Brown-Waite, Mica, Brown of South Carolina and Sessions. [Page: D408] HAWAIIAN HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 4, a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 835, Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and against its consideration except those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides 1 motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Abercrombie and Hirono. 2007/03/27 Daily Digest - Tuesday, March 27, 2007; pages D411 - D422 Committee Meetings RURAL AMERICA CREDIT AVAILABILITY Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research held a hearing to review credit availability in rural America. Testimony was heard from Glen L. Keppy, Associate Administrator, Farm Service Agency, USDA; Nancy C. Pellet, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Farm Credit Administration; and public witnesses. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a hearing on State and Local Grants, and on Bureau of Prisons. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Regina B. Schofield, Director, Office of Justice Programs; Carl R. Peed, Director, Community Oriented Policing Services; and Mary Beth Buchanan, Acting Director, Office of Violence Against Women; John F. Clark, Director United Marshals Service; Harley Lappin, Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons; and Stacia Hylton, Trustee, Office of the Federal Detention Trustee. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on the SEC. Testimony was heard from Christopher Cox, Chairman, SEC HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Priorities in Enforcing Immigration Laws and Temporary Worker Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Julie Myers, Assistant Secretary, Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Emilio Gonzalez, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; and Jim Taylor, Deputy Inspector General. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies held a hearing on National Park Service. Testimony was heard from Mary Bomar, Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies continued appropriations hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Will continue tomorrow. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on Government Printing Office: Budget/Printing Technology in the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GPO: William Turri, Acting Public Printer; Michael Wash, Chief Technology Officer; and Robert Tapella, Chief of Staff. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a hearing on International Organizations and International Peacekeeping Programs. Testimony was heard from Kristen Silverberg, Assistant Secretary, International Organization Affairs, Department of State. TRANSPORTATION, HUD AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Housing Needs of Special Populations. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: Orlando Cabrera, Assistant Secretary, Public and Indian Housing; and Brian Montgomery, Assistant Secretary, Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner. ARMY GROUND FORCE ACQUISITION PROGRAMS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces held a hearing on Army ground force acquisition programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: James I. Finley, Deputy Under Secretary, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; Claude M. Bolton, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Army, Acquisition, Logistics and Technology; and LTG John M. Curran, USA, Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command; and Paul L. Francis, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO. [Page: D417] MILITARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on the state of the military health care system. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: MG Gale S. Pollock, USA, Acting Surgeon General of the Army; VADM Donald C. Arthur, USN, Surgeon General of the Navy, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery; and LTG James G. Roudebush, USAF, Surgeon General, Department of the Air Force; and public witnesses. ARMY/AIR NATIONAL GUARD READINESS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the readiness of the Army and Air National Guard. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief, National Guard Bureau; LTG Clyde A. Vaughn, USA, Director, Army National Guard; and LTG Craig R. McKinley, USAF, Director, Air National Guard. MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAMS BUDGET Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for missile defense programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG Henry A. Obering, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agency; LTG Kevin T. Campbell, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command; Charles E. McQueary, Director, Operational Test and Evaluation; Brian Green, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Strategic Capabilities. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR CLASSIFICATION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on Providing Fairness to Workers Who Have Been Misclassified as Independent Contractors. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANGE AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Climate Change--International Issues, Engaging Developing Countries." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CHILDREN'S DENTAL CARE Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Insuring Bright Futures: Improving Access to Dental Care and Providing a Healthy Start for Children." Testimony was heard from Christine Farrell, Medicaid Policy Specialist, Department of Community Health, Medical Service Administration, State of Michigan; and public witnesses. SUBPRIME/PREDATORY MORTGAGE LENDING Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions held a hearing entitled "Subprime and Predatory Lending: New Regulatory Guidance, Current Market Conditions, and Effects on Regulated Financial Institutions." Testimony was heard from Sheila Bair, Chairman, FDIC; John Reich, Director, Office of Thrift Supervision; JoAnn Johnson, Chairman, National Credit Union Administration; E. Wayne Rushtop, Senior Deputy Comptroller, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the Treasury; Sandra F. Braunstein, Director, Division of Consumer and Community Affairs, Federal Reserve Board, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses. NATURAL DISASTER INSURANCE Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Perspectives on Natural Disaster Insurance." Testimony was heard from Representatives Taylor; Klein of Florida; Mahoney of Florida; and Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 982, ADVANCE Democracy Act of 2007; H.R. 1405, amended, Wildlife GAINS Act of 2007; H.R. 1441, Stop Arming Iran Act; H.R. 1469, Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act of 2007; H.R. 1681, amended, American Red Cross Governance Modernization Act of 2007; and H.R. 1678, Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2007. The Committee also favorably considered and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that the following measures be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 100, Expressing the sympathy of the House of Representatives to the families of women and girls murdered in Guatemala and encouraging the Government of Guatemala to bring an end to these crimes; H. Res. 125, amended, Expressing deep concern over the use of civilians as "human shields" in violation of international humanitarian law and the law of war during armed conflict, including Hezbollah's tactic of embedding its forces among civilians to use them as human shields during the summer 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and the State of Israel; H. Res. 158, amended, Observing the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the D418British slave trade and encouraging the people of the United States, particularly the youth of the United States, to remember the life and legacy of William Wilberforce, a member of the British House of Commons who devoted his life to the suppression and abolition of the institution of slavery, and to work for the protection of human rights throughout the world; H. Res. 196, Supporting the goals and ideals of World Water Day; H. Res. 240, Urging all member countries of the International Commission of the International Tracing Service (ITS) who have yet to ratify the May 2006 Amendments to the 1955 Bonn Accords Treaty, to expedite the ratification process to allow for open access to the Holocaust archives located at Bad Arolsen, Germany; and H. Res. 267, Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of British marines and sailors held captive by Iran; and H. Con. Res. 100, Condemning the recent violent actions of the Government of Zimbabwe against peaceful opposition party activists and members of civil society. [Page: D418] U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on U.S.-China Relations. Testimony was heard from Thomas J. Christensen, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State. IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION FUNDING Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held a joint hearing on Can Iraq Pay for its Own Reconstruction? Testimony was heard from David Satterfield, Senior Adviser, Coordinator for Iraq, Department of State; and Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. SECOND CHANCE ACT; CRIMINAL OFFENDERS MENTAL ILLNESS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security approved for full Committee action H.R. 1593, Second Chance Act of 2007. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Criminal Justice Responses to Offenders with Mental Illness. Testimony was heard from Steven Leifman, Judge, Criminal Division, Miami-Dade County Court, Florida's 11th Judicial Circuit, Miami, Florida; Lieutenant Richard Wall, Los Angeles Police Department; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL LAND RECREATION Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Access Denied: The Growing Conflict Between Fishing, Hunting, and Energy Development on Federal Lands. Testimony was heard from Dan Gibbs, Representative, General Assembly, State of Colorado; and public witnesses. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COLLEGE ACCESS ACT EXTENSION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia approved for full Committee action H.R. 1124, To extend the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999. CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 3, a structured rule. The rule provides four hours of general debate on H. Con. Res. 99, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, with three hours to be equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on the Budget and one hour on the subject of economic goals and policies equally divided and controlled by Representative Maloney of New York and Representative Saxton of New Jersey or their designees. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the concurrent resolution. The Rule provides that the concurrent resolution shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule and shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule permits the Chairman of the Budget Committee to offer amendments in the House to achieve mathematical consistency. The rule provides that the concurrent resolution shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question of its adoption. Testimony was heard from Chairman Spratt and Representatives Cooper, Scott of Virginia, Berkley, Ryan of Wisconsin, Porter, Kirk, Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania and Jordan of Ohio. [Page: D419] WOUNDED WARRIOR ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides one hour and twenty minutes of general debate on H.R. 1538, Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007, with one hour equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Armed Services and twenty minutes equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Armed Services shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except for those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Skelton and Representatives Sestak, Welch of Vermont, Lowey, Stupak, Kennedy, Pascrell, Hunter, Kline of Minnesota, Moran of Kansas, Bilirakis, Shays, Weller of Illinois and Pearce. CRUISE SHIP CRIMES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Crimes Against Americans on Cruise Ships. Testimony was heard from Salvador Hernandez, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI, Department of Justice; RADM Wayne Justice, USCG, Assistant Commandant for Response, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. FEDERAL FUEL TAX/HIGHWAY TRUST FUND Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on the Structure of the Federal Fuel Tax and the Long-Term Viability of the Highways Trust Fund. Testimony was heard from David B. Marron, Deputy Director, CBO; and public witnesses. MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE ABUSE PARITY Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Mental Health and Substance Abuse Parity. Testimony was heard from Representatives Kennedy and Ramstad; and public witnesses. DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATION Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session held a hearing on Integration of Domestic Intelligence. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/03/28 Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 28, 2007; pages D423 - D434 Committee Meetings CROP PROTECTION PROVISIONS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing to review proposals to amend the program crop provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Rural Development. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Tom Dorr, Under Secretary; Jack Gleason, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service; Russ Davis, Administrator, Rural Housing Service; James Andrew, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Sullivan, Acting Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Justice. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Energy: Nuclear Energy/Office of Civilian Nuclear Waste/Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Dennis R. Spurgeon, Assistant Secretary, Nuclear Energy; Edward F. Sproat III, Director, Office of Civilian Nuclear Waste; and Dale E. Klein, Chairman, Nuclear Regulatory Commission. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on Secretary of the Treasury. Testimony was heard from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury. HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Ensuring that the Department of Homeland Security's Research and Technology Investments Pay Off. Testimony was heard from Jay Cohen, Under Secretary, Science and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Department of Interior: Office of Insular Affairs/Departmental Management/Office of the Solicitor. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Dale Hall, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Nikolao Pula, Director, Office of Insular Affairs; R. Thomas Weimer, Assistant Secretary, Policy, Management, and Budget; and David Bernhardt, Solicitor. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Army Budget. Testimony was heard from GEN Richard Cody, USA, Vice Chief of Staff, Department of the Army. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a hearing on Latin America and Caribbean. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Tom Shannon, Assistant Secretary, Western Hemisphere Affairs; and Adolpho Franco, D430Assistant Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development. [Page: D430] TRANSPORTATION, HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Federal Railroad Administration/National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK). Testimony was heard from Joseph Boardman, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation; and Alexander Kummant, President and CEO, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK). IRAQI SECURITY FORCE TRANSITION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on outside perspectives on transitioning security to the Iraqi security forces. Testimony was heard from Robert Perito, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Institute for Peace; and public witnesses. DOD IT BUDGET Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request on information technology. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: John Grimes, Assistant Secretary, Networks and Information Integration and Chief Information Officer; and LTG Charles Croom, USAF, Director, Defense Information Systems Agency. COAL MINE SAFETY Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Protecting the Health and Safety of America's Mine Workers. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. DIGITAL TV TRANSITION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing entitled "Status of the Digital Television Transition." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1257, Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act. The Committee began markup of H.R. 1427, Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow. BAD AROLSEN HOLOCAUST ARCHIVES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on Opening up of the Bad Arolsen Holocaust Archives in Germany. Testimony was heard from Representative Hastings of Florida; J. Christian Kennedy, Special Envoy, Holocaust Issues, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Department of State; Paul Shapiro, Director, Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; and public witnesses. AFRICAN OPINIONS ON U.S. POLICIES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Africa, and Global Health held a joint hearing on African Opinion on U.S. Policies, Values and People. Testimony was heard from a public witness. TRADE, FOREIGN POLICY EFFECTS ON AMERICAN WORKERS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade held a hearing on Trade, Foreign Policy and the American Worker. Testimony was heard from Carla A. Hills, former U.S. Trade Representative; and public witnesses. AMERICAS--POVERTY AND INEQUALITY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere held a hearing on Poverty and Inequality in the Americas: The Unaddressed Problem. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT FY 2008 Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1684, Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. SECOND CHANCE ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported H.R. 1593, Second Chance Act of 2007. OVERSIGHT--ROYALTIES AT RISK Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Royalties at Risk? Testimony was heard from C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Interior; Mark Gaffigan, Acting Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Bobby Maxwell, former Auditor, Minerals Management Service, Department of the Interior; Dennis Roller, Audit Manager, Auditors Office--Royalty Audit Section, State of North Dakota; Michael Geesey, Director, Department of Audit, State of Wyoming; and public witnesses. GSA--ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Allegations of Misconduct at the General Services Administration. Testimony was heard from Senator Grassley; and the following officials of the GSA: Lurita A. Doan, Administrator; and Brian D. Miller, Inspector General. [Page: D431] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 362, amended, 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds, Science and Math Scholarship Act; H. Con. Res. 76, Honoring the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) and its past contributions to space research, and looking forward to future accomplishments; and H. Res. 252, Recognizing the 50th anniversary of John Herschel Glenn, Jr.'s, historic achievement in becoming the first United States astronaut to orbit the Earth. MEDIA INFLUENCING SCIENCE POLICY Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on Shaping the Message, Distorting the Science: Media Strategies to Influence Science Policy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SMALL MEDICAL PRACTICES HEALTH IT Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulation, Health Care and Trade held a hearing entitled "The Value of Health IT to Solo and Small Medical Practices." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FAA'S AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on the FAA's Airport Improvement Program. Testimony was heard from D. Kirk Shaffer, Associate Administrator, Airports, FAA, Department of Transportation; Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure, GAO; James E. Bennett, President and CEO, Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority; and public witnesses. TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1677, Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007. NATIONAL SECURITY LETTERS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on National Security Letters. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Glenn A. Fine, Inspector General; John S. Pistole, Deputy Director, FBI; and Kenneth Wainstein, Assistant Attorney General, National Security Division; and public witnesses. 2007/03/29 Daily Digest - Thursday, March 29, 2007; pages D435 - D472 Committee Meetings HONEY BEE DECLINE Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture held a hearing to review colony collapse disorder in honey bee colonies across the United States. Testimony was heard from Caird E. Rexroad, Associate Administrator, Agriculture Research Service, USDA; and public witnesses. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food Safety and Inspection Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Richard Raymond, Under Secretary, Food Safety; David Goldman, Acting Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies held a hearing on Commission on Civil Rights/Legal Services Corporation/State Justice Institute. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Legal Services Corporation: Helaine M. Barnett, President and Frank B. Strickland, Chairman, Board of Directors; Kevin Linskey, Executive Director, State Justice Institute; and Kenneth L. Marcus, Staff Director, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on International Trade Commission. Testimony was heard from Daniel Pearson, Chairman, International Trade Commission. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Secretary of Defense. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Robert Gates, Secretary; and GEN Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Weapons Activities Oversight. Testimony was heard from former Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia and Co-Chairman and CEO, Nuclear Threat Initiative; William Perry, former Secretary of Defense; GEN James E. Cartright, USA, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Department of Defense; and a public witness. [Page: D441] The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Department of Energy: Weapons Activities/and Naval Reactors. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Thomas D'Agostino, Acting Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; and ADM Kirkland Donald, USN, Deputy Administrator, Naval Reactors. FINANCIAL SERVICES, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services, General Government, and Related Agencies held a hearing on IRS. Testimony was heard from Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, IRS, Department of the Treasury. HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Bioterrorism Preparedness and the Role of Department of Homeland Security Chief Medical Officer. Testimony was heard from Keith Rhodes, Director, Technology and Engineering, GAO; and the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: John Vitko, Division Head, Chemical and Biological Division, Science and Technology; and Tom McGinn, Director of Veterinary and Agriculture Security; and a public witness. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies held a hearing on Bureau of Indian Affairs/Office of the Special Trustee. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Jim Cason, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs; and Ross Swimmer, Special Trustee, American Indians. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies continued appropriations hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on House of Representatives. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the House of Representatives: Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk; William Livingood, Sergeant at Arms; and Dan Beard, Chief Administrative Officer. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VA, AND RELATED AGENCIES Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Air Force Budget. Testimony was heard from GEN T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Chief of Staff, Department of the Air Force. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. TRANSPORTATION, HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Transportation Safety: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration/Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration/National Transportation Safety Board. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Nicole Nason, Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; John Hill, Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; and Thomas J. Barrett, Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; and Mark V. Rosenkar, Board Member, National Transportation Safety Board. MILITARY COMMISSIONS ACT--USE OF GUANTANAMO BAY Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Military Commissions Act and the continued use of Guantanamo Bay as a detention facility. Testimony was heard from William H. Taft IV, former Legal Adviser, Department of State and former Deputy Secretary of Defense; Patrick F. Philbin, former Associate Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION PROGRAM Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on overview of morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Leslye A. Arsht, Deputy Under Secretary, Military Community and Family Policy; BG Belinda Pinckney, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command; RADM Mark A. Handley, USN, D442Vice Commander, Navy Installations Command; Michael P. Downs, Director, Personal and Family Readiness Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and Arthur J. Myers, Director, Air Force Services. [Page: D442] NCLB EFFECTS ON DISABLED Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education hearing on How NCLB Affects Students with Disabilities. Testimony was heard from Rebecca Cort, Deputy Commissioner, Office for Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Department of Education, State of New York; and public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANGE Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Climate Change: Lessons Learned from Existing Cap and Trade Programs." Testimony was heard from Brian McLean, Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1515, to amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to treat certain communities as metropolitan cities for purposes of the community development block grant program; H.R. 1427, amended, Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007; H.R. 1675, Preservation Approval Process Improvement Act of 2007; and H.R. 1676, Native American Home Ownership Opportunity Act of 2007. U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on the 2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and the Promotion of Human Rights in U.S. Foreign Policy. Testimony was heard from the following former Assistant Secretaries for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department of State: Harold Hongju Koh; and John Shattuck. SECURE HANDLING OF AMMONIUM NITRATE ACT OF 2007 Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology approved for full Committee action H.R. 1680, Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of 2007. VOTER CONFIDENCE INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on House Administration: Met to discuss the status of H.R. 811, Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007, which is before the Subcommittee on Elections. DECEPTIVE PRACTICES AND VOTER INTIMIDATION PREVENTION ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1281, Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007. ENSURING EXECUTIVE BRANCH ACCOUNTABILITY Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on Ensuring Executive Branch Accountability. Testimony was heard from the following former Assistants to President Bill Clinton: John Podesta, Chief of Staff; and Beth Nolan, Counsel; Noel J. Francisco, former Associate Counsel to President George W. Bush; and a public witness. OVERSIGHT--OCEAN POLICY PRIORITIES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight hearing on ocean policy priorities in the United States. Testimony was heard from Mary M. Clackin, Assistant Administrator, Program Planning and Integration, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and the following Co-Chairs of the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative: ADM James D. Watkins, USN (ret.); and former Representative Leon Panetta of California. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 189, Paterson Great Falls National Park Act of 2007; H.R. 359, Cesar Estrade Chavez Study Act; and H.R. 1080, Grand Teton National Park Extension Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Cubin, Pascrell, Jr., and Solis; Dan Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 625, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4230 Maine Avenue in Baldwin Park, California, as the "Atanacio Haro-Marin Post Office;" H.R. 1124, To extend the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999; H.R. 1402,To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 320 South Lecanto Highway in Lecanto, Florida, as the "Sergeant Dennis J. Flanagan Lecanto Post Office Building;" H.R. 1425, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4551 East 52nd Street in Odessa, Texas, as the "Staff Sergeant Marvin "Rex" Young Post Office Building;" H.R. 988, To designate the Facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5757 Tilton Avenue in Riverside, California, as the "Lieutenant Todd Jason Bryant Post Office;" H.R. 1434, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 896 Pittsburgh Street in Springdale, Pennsylvania, as the "Rachel Carson Post Office Building;" H. Con. Res. 88, Honoring the life of Ernest Gallo; H. Con. Res. 71, Commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the Nation's 1.3 million American citizens of Greek Ancestry, and Philhellenes; H. Res. 179, Expressing support for a National Foster Parents Day; and H. Res. 273, Supporting the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month. [Page: D443] The Committee began consideration of H.R. 401, National Capital Transportation Amendments Act of 2007. The Committee also approved Oversight Plans for the 110th Congress. TAXPAYER FUNDED STADIUMS/FACILITIES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on Build It and They Will Come: Do Taxpayer-financed Sports Stadiums, Convention Centers and Hotels deliver as promised for America's Cities. Testimony was heard from Donald Korb, Chief Counsel, IRS, Department of the Treasury. NSF REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on reauthorizing the National Science Foundation, Part 2. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NEXT GENERATION AIR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on JPDO and the Next Generation Air Transportation System: Status and Issues. Testimony was heard from Charles Leader, Director, Joint Planning and Development Office, FAA, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESSES--PATENT REFORM Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The Importance of Patent Reform on Small Businesses." Testimony was heard from John Doll, Commissioner of Patents, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce; and Public witnesses. FAA'S OVERSIGHT--OUTSOURCED AIR CARRIER MAINTENANCE Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on the FAA's oversight of Outsourced Air Carrier Maintenance. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Nicholas Sabatini, Associate Administrator, Aviation Safety, FAA; Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector General; and public witnesses. 2007/03/30 Daily Digest - Friday, March 30, 2007; pages D473 - D474 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. [Page: D474] 2007/04/10 Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 10, 2007; pages D475 - D480 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/04/11 Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 11, 2007; pages D481 - D486 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/04/12 Daily Digest - Thursday, April 12, 2007; pages D488 - D494 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/04/16 Daily Digest - Monday, April 16, 2007; pages D496 - D502 Committee Meetings No Committee meetings were held. 2007/04/17 Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 17, 2007; pages D503 - D512 Committee Meetings LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry held a hearing to review the market structure of the livestock industry. Testimony was heard from James E. Link, Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administrator, USDA; and public witnesses. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Army Force Posture/Acquisition Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Army: GEN Richard Cody, USA, Vice Chief of Staff; and Claude Bolton, Assistant Secretary, Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. The Subcommittee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on U.S. Central Command. Testimony was heard from ADM William Fallon, USN, Commander, U.S. Central Command, Department of Defense. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on the FCC. Testimony was heard from Kevin J. Martin, Chairman, FCC. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies held a hearing on Indian Health Service. Testimony was heard from Charles W. Grim, M.D., Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS' AFFAIRS AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing on Central Command. Testimony was heard from ADM William J. Fallon, USN, Commander, Central Command, Department of Defense. TRANSPORTATION, HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Federal Highway Administration/Federal Transit Administration. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Richard Kapka, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration; and James Simpson, Administrator, Federal Transit Administration. PRESCRIPTION DRUG USER FEE ACT REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act." Testimony was heard from Teresa M. Mullin, M.D., Assistant Commissioner, Planning, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. [Page: D508] RISING MORTGAGE FORECLOSURES POSSIBLE RESPONSES Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Possible Responses to Rising Mortgage Foreclosures." Testimony was heard from Representatives Kaptur and Turner; Sheila C. Bair, Chairman, FDIC; Brian Montgomery, Assistant Secretary, Housing, Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Daniel H. Mudd, President and CEO, Fannie Mae; Richard F. Syron, Chairman and CEO, Freddie Mac; and public witnesses. KOSOVA--OUTLOOK FOR INDEPENDENCE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on the Outlook for the Independence of Kosova. Testimony was heard from R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary, Political Affairs, Department of State. U.S. COUNTERTERRORISM POLICY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations and Human Rights and the Subcommittee on Europe held a joint hearing on Extraordinary Rendition in the U.S. Counterterrorism Policy: The Impact on Transatlantic Relations. Testimony was heard from the Michael F. Scheuer, former Chief, Bin Laden Unit, CIA; and a public witness. The Subcommittees also held a joint briefing on this subject. They were briefed by the following Members of the European Parliament: Jonathan Evans, Chairman, European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the United States; Claudio Fava; and Baroness Sarah Ludford, Vice-Chairman, Temporary Committee on the Alleged Use of European Countries by the CIA for the Transportation and Illegal Detention of Prisoners. SECURE HANDLING OF AMMONIUM NITRATE ACT Committee on Homeland Security: Began mark up of H.R. 1680, Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of 2007. Committee recessed subject to the call of the Chair. OVERSIGHT--BANKRUPTCY CASES AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held an oversight hearing on Executive Compensation in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases: How Much Is Too Much? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on H.R. 1592, Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Mark Shurtleff, Attorney General, State of Utah; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--IMPLEMENTING OIL/GAS ENERGY POLICY Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing on Implementation of Title III, the Oil and Gas provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Testimony was heard from Abraham Haspel, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Department of the Interior; Senator Curtis Bramble, Majority Leader, Senate, State of Utah; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--CLIMATE CHANGE AND WILDLIFE/OCEANS Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight hearing on Wildlife and Oceans in a Changing Climate. Testimony was heard from C. Mark Eakin, Coordinator, NOAA Coral Reef Watch, NOAA Satellite Oceanography and Climate, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 554, Paleontological Resources Preservation Act; H.R. 986, Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act; H. R. 1100, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Boundary Revision; and H.R. 1285, Snoqualmie Pass Land Conveyance Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives McGovern, Courtney and Hastings of Washington; Sue Masica, Chief of Staff, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; Frederick Norbury, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. U.S. POSTAL SERVICE Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia held a hearing on the U.S. Postal Service: 101. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Postal Service: John E. Potter, Postmaster General/CEO; James C. Miller, III, Chairman, Board of Governors; and David C. Williams, Inspector General; Dan G. Blair, Chairman, Postal Regulatory Commission; Katherine A. Siggerud, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. [Page: D509] OVERSIGHT--WALTER REED Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Security, and Foreign Affairs continued hearings on Is This Any Way to Treat Our Troops--Follow-up on Corrective Measures Taken at Walter Reed and Other Medical Facilities Caring for Wounded Soldiers. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary (Personnel and Readiness); MG Gale S. Pollack, USA, Army Surgeon General (Acting) and Commander, U.S. Army Medical Command; and MG Eric Schoomaker, USA, Commander, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; and the following officials of the Independent Review Group: Togo D. West, Jr., former Secretary of Veterans Affairs and former Secretary of the Army; Jack Marsh, former Secretary of the Army; Arnold Fisher; Lawrence Holland, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, Reserve Affairs; and Charles Roadman, former Air Force Surgeon General. SHAREHOLDER VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule with a preprinting requirements. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1257, Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The rule also provides that each section of the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. The rule makes in order only those amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute that have been pre-printed in the Congressional Record on or before Tuesday, April 17, 2007 or are pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate. The rule provides that each amendment printed in the Congressional Record may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or a designee, and that each amendment shall be considered as read. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank and Representative Bachus. RECOVERY ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1361, RECOVERY Act, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Small Business. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Small Business, modified by the amendment printed in Part A of the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. The bill as amended shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of further amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill as amended, and provides that no further amendments shall be in order except those amendments printed in Part B of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that such further amendments made in order in Part B may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairwoman Velazquez and Representative Chabot. CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on the State of Climate Change Science 2007: The Findings of the Fourth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Working Group II: Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. PUBLIC-PRIVATE CONTRACTING Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on Public-Private Partnerships: Innovating Contracting. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: James Ray, Acting Deputy Administrator, Federal Highway Administration; and David B. Horner, Chief Counsel, Federal Transit Administration; John Njord, Director, Department of Transportation, State of Utah; and public witnesses. [Page: D510] ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION AND WATER QUALITY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on Nonpoint Source Pollution: Atmospheric Deposition and Water Quality. Testimony was heard from Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, EPA; Arleen O'Donnell, Acting Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection, State of Massachusetts; and public witnesses. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 67, Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 1435, Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2007; H.R. 1444, To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make interim benefit payments under certain remanded claims; and H.R. 1490, To provide for a presumption of service-connectedness for certain claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from Representatives McIntyre, Baca, Donnelly, and Upton; Ronald R. Aument, Deputy Under Secretary, Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. PERSONNEL AND SECURITY Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Personnel and Security. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/04/18 Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 18, 2007; pages D514 - D524 Committee Meetings ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture held a hearing to review the economic impacts of production, processing and marketing of organic agricultural products. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Army Reset. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Army: LTG Stephen Speakes, G8; LTG Ann Dunwoody G4; and LTG William Mortensen, Army Material Command. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Army/Marine Corps Personnel Issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG Michael D. Rochelle, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G1; and LTG Ronald S. Coleman, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Power. FINANCIAL SERVICE AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee n Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on the GSA. Testimony was heard from Lurita A. Doan, Administrator, GSA. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearing. Testimony was heard from public witnesses (Native Americans). U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND BUDGET Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request U.S. Central Command. Testimony was heard from ADM William Fallon, USN, Commander, U.S. Central Command, Department of Defense. ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION FUELS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Alternative Transportation Fuels: An Overview." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MEDICARE PROGRAM EFFICIENCY AND INTEGRITY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Medicare Program Efficiency and Integrity." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Leslie V. Norwalk, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and Stuart E. Wright, Deputy Inspector General, Evaluation and Inspections; Daniel S. Fridman, Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General and Special Counsel for Health Care Fraud, Department of Justice; and Mark E. Miller, Executive Director, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. LEBANON'S POLITICAL SITUATION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on the Political Situation in Lebanon. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: C. David Welch, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and Mark Ward, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, U.S. Agency for International Development. ISOLATING PROLIFERATORS AND SPONSORS OF TERROR Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, and the Subcommittee on Domestic, and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology of the Committee on Financial Services held a joint hearing on Isolating Proliferators and Sponsors of Terror: The Use of Sanctions and the International Financial System to Change Regime Behavior. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Daniel Glaser, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence; and Adam J. Szubin, Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control; the following officials of the Department of State: Paul E. Simons, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs; and Patricia McNerney, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation; Sarah Steelman, Treasurer, State of Missouri; and public witnesses. [Page: D520] NATIONAL SECURITY AND MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, hearing entitled "Can BioShield Effectively Procure Medical Countermeasures that Safeguard the Nation?" Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Runge, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs (Acting) and Chief Medical Officer, Office of Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security; and the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Gerry Parker, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Preparedness and Response; Anthony Fauci, M.D., Director, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH; and Jesse Goodman, M.D., Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA. SUBPOENAS REGARDING RECENT TERMINATION OF U.S. ATTORNEYS Committee on the Judiciary: Postponed consideration of the following: a resolution authorizing the Chairman to issue a subpoena to Monica Goodling for testimony and related documents at a hearing before the Committee regarding the circumstances surrounding recent terminations of U.S. Attorneys, representations to Congress regarding those circumstances, and related matters; and a resolution directing the House General Counsel to apply to a United States district court for an order immunizing from use in prosecutions the testimony of, and related information provided by, Monica Goodling under compulsion at proceedings before or ancillary to the Committee regarding the circumstances surrounding recent terminations of U.S. Attorneys, representations to Congress regarding those circumstances, and related matters. The Committee also considered pending Committee business. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1294, Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2006; and H.R. 65, Lumbee Recognition Act. Testimony was heard from Senator Dole; Representatives McIntryre, Moran of Virginia, Scott of Virginia, Wolf; Hayes, Jones of North Carolina, and McHenry; Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. NATIONAL CAPITAL TRANSPORTATION AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2007 Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 401, National Capital Transportation Amendments Act of 2007. ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives held a hearing on Ensuring Fairness and Accuracy in Elections Involving Electronic Voting Systems. Testimony was heard from Gracia Hillman, Commissioner, U.S. Election Assistance Commission; Randolph Hite, Director, Information Technology Architecture and Systems, GAO; Robin Carnahan, Secretary of State, State of Missouri; and public witnesses. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1495, Water Resources Development Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure as an original bill for the purpose of further amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order those amendments printed in the report and waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, during consideration of H.R. 1495 in the House, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson, Welch of Vermont, Stupak, Blumenauer and Baker. SOWING THE SEEDS THROUGH SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 363, Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Science and Technology. [Page: D521] The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Science and Technology as the original bill for the purpose of further amendment. The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as an original bill and shall be considered as read. All points of order against the committee amendment are waived except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order those amendments printed in the report and waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, during consideration of the bill the Chair may postpone further consideration to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was head from Chairman Gordon and Representative Hall of Texas. DC HOUSE VOTING RIGHTS ACT; AMEND INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO ADJUST ESTIMATED TAX PAYMENT SAFE HARBOR BASED ON INCOME FOR PRECEDING YEAR IN THE CASE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME GREATER THAN $5 MILLION Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 4, a closed rule. With respect to H.R. 1905, the rule provides for 1 hour of debate on H.R. 1905, District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and its consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 1905 with or without instructions. With respect to H.R. 1906, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to adjust the estimated tax payment safe harbor based on income for the preceding year in the case of individuals with adjusted gross income greater than $5 million, the rule provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and its consideration except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 1906 with or without instructions. The rule further provides that, if either bill fails of passage or fails to reach the question of passage by an order of recommittal, then both bills shall be laid upon the table. Otherwise, in the engrossment of H.R. 1905, the Clerk shall add the text of H.R. 1906 at the end and conform the resulting bill. H.R. 1906 and H.R. 1433 shall be laid upon the table. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, during consideration of either H.R. 1905 or H.R. 1906, the Chair may postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representative Issa. OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE DOWNSIZING Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held an oversight hearing on Proposals to Downsize the Federal Protective Service and Effects on the Protection of Federal Buildings. Testimony was heard from Representative Wu; Michael P. Jackson, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security; the following employees of the Federal Protective Service: Inspector Michael J. Brown; Inspector Sterling Proctor, Jr.; Corporal Stanley Nowak; and Officer Jim Ward; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--COAST GUARD DEEPWATER REQUIREMENTS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held an oversight hearing on Compliance with Requirements of the Coast Guard's Deepwater Contract. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security: Scott Sampson, Section Chief, Development Section, U.S. Coast Guard Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic in the Vessel Specifications Branch; Debu Ghosh, Naval Architect, Branch Chief, Boat Engineering Branch; Joe Michael, Assistant Deputy, Systems Implementation, Nationwide Automatic Identification System Project; LCDR Chad Jacoby, USCG, Program Manager, Scaleable Composite Vessel Prototype Program Science and Technology Directorate; Cathy Martindale, Contracting Office Chief, Engineering and Logistics Center; and RADM Gary T. Blore, USCG, Program Executive Officer, Integrated Deepwater System; VADM Paul E. Sullivan, USN, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, U.S. Navy; and public witnesses. VA HEALTHCARE ACCESS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported H.R. 1642, Homeless Veterans Housing at Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center Promotion Act. [Page: D522] WWII MERCHANT MARINE BENEFITS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on H.R. 23, Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Bradley G. Mayes, Director, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; former Merchant Marine Combat Veterans; and representatives of U.S. Merchant Marine veterans organizations. VA HEALTH CARE Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on access to VA Health Care: How Easy is it for Veterans? Addressing the Gaps. Testimony was heard from Marcia Brand, M.D., Associate Administrator, Rural Heath Policy, Health Resources Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services; Gerald Cross, M.D., Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses. ALL-SOURCE ANALYSIS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to hold a hearing on All-Source Analysis. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. GEOPOLITICAL IMPLICATIONS--RISING OIL DEPENDENCE AND GLOBAL WARMING Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "Geopolitical Implications of Rising Oil Dependence and Global Warming." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/04/19 Daily Digest - Thursday, April 19, 2007; pages D526 - D534 Committee Meetings FARM BILL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research held a hearing to review USDA Farm Bill conservation programs. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies continued hearings on Food Safety and Inspection Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Richard Raymond, Under Secretary, Food Safety; David Goldman, Acting Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session to hold a hearing on U.S. Special Operations--Command. Testimony was heard from GEN Doug Brown, Combatant Commander, Department of Defense. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress and public witnesses. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on the GAO. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: David Walker, Comptroller General; Gene Dodaro, Chief Operating Officer; and Sallyanne Harper, Chief Administrative Officer. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a hearing on Public Diplomacy and Broadcasting Programs. Testimony was heard from Karen Hughes, Under Secretary, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Department of State. INTELLIGENCE/RECONNAISSANCE BUDGET Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Davi M. D'Agostino, and Sharon L. Pickup, both Directors, Defense Capabilities and Management Issues; and Michael J. Sullivan, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management Issues; and the following officials of the Department of Defense: Joe Landon, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Command, Control, Communication, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance; BG Walt Davis, USA, Commander, Joint Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence; LTG David A. Deptula, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, U.S. Air Force; MG Jeffrey A. Sorenson, USA, Deputy, Acquisition and Systems Management, Office of the Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology); RADM Bruce W. Clingan, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Deputy Director, Air Warfare; and BG Randolph Alles, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab. NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE--RENEWING THE SPIRIT Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities held a hearing on Renewing the Spirit of National and Community Service. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SPY ACT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 964, Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act. DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, continued hearings entitled "Digital Future of the United States: Part III: Spectrum Opportunities and the Future of Wireless." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FHA REFORM Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing entitled "The Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007": H.R. 1852, to modernize and update the National Housing Act and enable the Federal Housing Administration to use risk-based pricing to more effectively reach under served borrowers; and related FHA Modernization Issues. Testimony was heard from Brian D. Montgomery, Assistant Secretary, Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses. [Page: D531] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; DARFUR CRISIS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Favorably considered and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that the following resolutions, as amended, be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 243, Calling on the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to immediately and unconditionally release Father Nguyen Van Ly, Nguyen Van Dai, Le Thi Cong Nhan, and other political prisoners and prisoners of conscience; H. Res. 272, Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade; and H. Con. Res. 7, Calling on the League of Arab States to acknowledge the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan and to step up their efforts to stop the genocide in Darfur. The Committee also held a hearing on the Current Situation in Darfur. Testimony was heard from Mia Farrow, Goodwill Ambassador, UNICEF; and public witnesses. FEDERAL SYSTEMS CYBER SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science Technology held a hearing entitled "Cyber Insecurity: Hackers are Penetrating Federal Systems and Critical Infrastructure." Testimony was heard from Dave Jarrell, Manager, Critical Infrastructure Protection Program, Department of Commerce; Donald Reid, Senior Coordinator, Security Infrastructure, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Department of State; Jerry Dixon, Director, National Cyber Security Division, Department of Homeland Security; Greg Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT MORALE Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight held a hearing entitled "Addressing the Department of Homeland Security's Morale Crisis." Testimony was heard from Marta Brito Perez, Chief Human Capital Officer, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. AIRPORT SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Airport Security: The Necessary Improvements to Secure America's Airports." Testimony was heard from Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. FEDERAL JUDICIAL COMPENSATION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on Federal Judicial Compensation. Testimony was heard from the following Presiding Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court: Stephen G. Breyer; and Samuel A. Alito. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law held a hearing on Shortfalls of 1986 Immigration Reform Legislation. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Hearings continue tomorrow. FEDERAL LANDS ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing on Renewable Energy Opportunities and Issues on Federal Lands: Review of Title II, Subtitle B-Geothermal Energy of EPAct; and other renewable programs and proposals for public resources. Testimony was heard from Jim Hughes, Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing on Current Economic, Social and Security Conditions of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Testimony was heard from Pedro A. Tenorio, Resident Representative, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; David B. Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior; and Jeanette Franzel, Director, Financial Management and Assurance, GAO. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Natural Parks, Forests and Public Lands approved for full Committee action the following measures: H.R. 359, amended, Cesar Estrada Chavez Study Act; H.R. 713, amended, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 986, Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act, H.R. 1080, Grand Teton National Park Extension Act of 2007; H.R. 1100, amended, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Boundary Revision Act of 2007; and H. Con. Res. 116, Expressing the sense of Congress that the National Museum of Wildlife Art, located in Jackson, Wyoming, shall be designated as the "National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States." [Page: D532] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 487, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Equitable Compensation Amendments Act of 2007; H.R. 1114, Alaska Water Resources Act of 2007; H.R. 1140, South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act; H.R. 1337, to provide for a feasibility study of alternatives to augment the water supplies of the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District and cities served by the District; and H.R. 1662, to amend the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to authorize improvements for the security of dams and other facilities. CONTRACTOR TAX ENFORCEMENT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement held a hearing on the following measures: H.R. 1870, Contractor Tax Enforcement Act; and H.R. 1865, To amend title 31, United States Code, to allow certain local tax debt to be collected through the reduction of Federal tax funds. Testimony was heard from Paul A. Denett, Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, OMB; J. Russell George, Inspector General, Tax Administration, Department of the Treasury; Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, GAO; and public witnesses. NSF AUTHORIZATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science approved for full Committee, as amended, H.R. 1867, National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2007. TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AND MANUFACTURING STIMULATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1868, Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act of 2007. SMALL BUSINESSES' FEDERAL CONTRACTS Committee on Small Business:, Held a hearing entitled "Expanding Small Businesses' Access to Federal Contracts." Testimony was heard from Paul Hsu, Associate Administrator, Government Contracting and Business Development, SBA; and public witnesses. HIGH-SPEED RAIL SYSTEMS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on High-Speed Rail Systems. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AGRICULTURE'S IMPACT ON WATER QUALITY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on Nonpoint Source Pollution: The Impact of Agriculture on Water Quality. Testimony was heard from Richard Coombe, Regional Assistant Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA; Craig Hooks, Director, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, Office of Water, EPA; and public witnesses. VETERANS EDUCATION/TRAINING PROGRAMS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on State Approving Agencies. Testimony was heard from George Scott, Acting Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; John McWilliam, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of Labor; Carol Griffiths, Chief, Accrediting Agency Evaluation Unit, Accreditation and State Liaison Staff, Department of Education; Keith M. Wilson, Director of Education Service, Department of Veterans Affairs. SALISBURY VA MEDICAL CENTER INVESTIGATIONS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Surgical Services at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina. Testimony was heard from John D. Daigh, M.D., Assistant Inspector General, Healthcare Inspections, Office of the Inspector General; and the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Sidney Steinberg, M.D., Chief of Staff, W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center; and William F. Feeley, Deputy Under Secretary, Health, for Operations and Management. ENERGY AND TAX POLICY Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a hearing on Energy and Tax Policy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NATIONAL CLANDESTINE SERVICE/HUMAN INTELLIGENCE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Meet in executive session to hold a hearing on National Clandestine Service/Human Intelligence. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/04/20 Daily Digest - Friday, April 20, 2007; pages D536 - D544 Committee Meetings DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Guard and Reserve--Oversight. Testimony was heard from LTG H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief of the National Guard Bureau; LTG Jack C. Stultz, USAR, Chief of Army Reserve; VADM John G, Cotton, USN, Chief of Naval Reserve; LTG John A. Bradley, USAF, Chief, Air Force Reserve; and LTG John W. Bergman, USMC, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on the District of Columbia. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the District of Columbia: Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor; Vincent C. Gray, Chairman, City Council; and Natwar M. Gandhi, Chief Financial Officer. READING FIRST PROGRAM INVESTIGATION Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Mismanagement and Conflicts of Interest in the Reading First Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Education: John P. Higgins, Jr., Inspector General; and Edward Kame'enui, Commissioner, National Center for Special Education Research; Starr Lewis, Associate Commissioner, Office of Teaching and Learning, Department of Education, State of Kentucky; Christopher Doherty, former Program Director, Reading First, Department of Education; and public witnesses. LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LAB MISMANAGEMENT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Department of Energy's Response to Ongoing Mismanagement at the Los Alamos National Labs." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary; and Gregory H. Friedman, Inspector General; and Michael R, Anastasio, Director, Los Alamos National Laboratory. FEDERAL HOMELAND SECURITY CONTRACTING Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Responsibility in Federal Homeland Security Contracting." Testimony was heard from Elaine Duke, Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law continued hearings on Shortfalls of 1986 Immigration Reform Legislation. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AVIATION CONSUMER ISSUES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on Aviation Consumer Issues. Testimony was heard from Representatives Meeks of New York; Thompson of California and Schmidt; the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General; and Andrew B. Steinberg, Assistant Secretary, Aviation and International Affairs; and public witnesses. FEMA'S EMERGENCY SUPPLY SYSTEM Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on FEMA's Emergency Food Supply System. Testimony was heard from Harvey Johnson, Deputy Administrator, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; and Larry Glasco, Deputy Director, Logistics Operations and Readiness, Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense. 2007/04/23 Daily Digest - Monday, April 23, 2007; pages D545 - D550 Committee Meetings NCLB: PREVENTING DROPOUTS AND ENHANCING SCHOOL SAFETY Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on NCLB: Preventing Dropouts and Enhancing School Safety. Testimony was heard from Jane P. Norwood, Vice-Chair, Board of Education, State of North Carolina; and public witnesses. 10,000 TEACHERS, 10 MILLION MINDS SCIENCE AND MATH SCHOLARSHIP ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 362, 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Science and Technology. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Science and Technology as the original bill for the purpose of further amendment. The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as an original bill and shall be considered as read. All points of order against the committee amendment are waived except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 or rule XXI. The rule makes in order those amendments printed in the report and waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, during consideration of the bill the Chair may postpone further consideration to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard form Representatives Lipinski and Hall of Texas. 2007/04/24 Daily Digest - Tuesday, April 24, 2007; pages D551 - D562 Committee Meetings FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDERS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry held a hearing to review the Federal Milk Marketing Order rulemaking procedures. Testimony was heard from Lloyd Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marking Service, USDA; Kelly Krug, Director, Marketing Services, Department of Food and Agriculture, State of California; and public witnesses. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND FEDERAL AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Navy and Marine Corps Force Posture and Acquisition Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Navy: Delores M. Etter; Assistant Secretary; VADM Jonathan W. Greenert, USN, Deputy Chief, Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources; and LTG Emerson Gardner, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Policy and Integration. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Woodrow Wilson Center/Kennedy Center. Testimony was heard from Lee H. Hamilton, Director, Woodrow Wilson Center; and Michael M. Kaiser, Director, Kennedy Center. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on the Capitol Visitors Center. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Architect of the Capitol's Office: Stephen Ayers, Acting Architect; Douglas Jacobs, Project Executive, Capitol Visitors Center; and David Ferguson, Chief Administrative Officer; and Terrell Dorn, Director-Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO. ENSURING EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Strengthening the Middle Class: Ensuring Equal Pay for Women. Testimony was heard from Representatives DeLauro and Norton; and public witnesses. OSHA STANDARDS/WORKPLACE HAZARDS Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on Have OSHA Standards Kept Up With Workplace Hazards? Testimony was heard from Edwin Foulke, Assistant Secretary, OSHA, Department of Labor; and public witnesses. ENERGY DEPARTMENT LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Implementation of EPACT 2005 Loan Guarantee Programs by the Department of Energy." Testimony was heard from Dennis R. Spurgeon, Acting Under Secretary, Department of Energy; James C. Cosgrove, Acting Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses. [Page: D557] FDA FOOD SUPPLY SAFETY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Diminished Capacity: Can the FDA Assure the Safety and Security of the Nation's Food Supply?" Testimony was heard from Lisa Shames, Acting Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses. OVERSEAS DIGITAL BROADBAND LESSONS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunication and the Internet continued hearings entitled "Digital Future of the United States: Part IV: Broadband Lessons from Abroad." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Policy Options for Extending the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AIDS RELIEF Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on PEPFAR: An Assessment of Progress and Challenges. Testimony was heard from Mark R. Dybul, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Department of State. U.S.-COLUMBIA RELATIONS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a hearing on U.S.-Columbia Relations. Testimony was heard from Representative Hastert; the following officials of the Department of State: Anne W. Patterson, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; and Charles Shapiro, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs; Mark Schneider, former Director, Peace Corps; Robert Charles, former Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. AVIATION SECURITY--PILOT PROGRAM TO SCREEN AIRPORT WORKERS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1413, To direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to address vulnerabilities in aviation security by carrying out a pilot program to screen airport workers with access to secure and sterile areas of airports. TULSA GREENWOOD RIOT ACCOUNTABILITY ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held a hearing on H.R. 1995, Tulsa Greenwood Race Riot Claims Accountability Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security approved for full Committee action H.R. 1592, Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Act of 2007. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1700, COPS Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 916, John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act of 2007; and H.R. 933, Witness Security and Protection Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Mark Epley, Senior Counsel, Office of the Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice; Kamala D. Harris, District Attorney, City of San Francisco, California; and public witnesses. EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION WORKSITE ENFORCEMENT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on Problems in the Current Employment Verification and Worksite Enforcement System. Testimony was heard from Jonathan R. Scharfen, Deputy Director, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF RENEWABLE ENERGY Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans and the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a joint hearing on Renewable Energy Opportunities and Issues on the Outer Continental Shelf. Testimony was heard from Mike Olsen, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management, Department of the Interior; Ann F. Miles, Director, Division of Hydropower Licensing, Office of Energy Projects, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; Tim Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. BATTLEFIELD MISINFORMATION INCIDENTS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Misleading Information from the Battlefield. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Thomas F. Gimble, Acting Inspector General; BG Rodney Johnson, USA, Army Criminal Investigative Command; Specialist Bryan O'Neil, USA; Sr. Chief Stephen White, USN, Navy Seal and LTC John Robinson, USA, Director, Media Services Division, Soldiers Media Center; and public witnesses. [Page: D558] CENSUS 2010 PREPARATION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives held a hearing on Preparations for the 2010 Census. Testimony was heard from Preston Jay Waite, Associate Director, Decennial Census, U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce; Mathew J. Scire, Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; Joseph J. Salvo, Director, Population Division, Department of City Planning, New York City; and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS LENDING IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1332, Small Business Lending Improvements Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Small Business. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Small Business now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in this report and provides that they may be offered only in the order printed in this report, may be offered only by a Member designated in this report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Velazquez and Representatives Matheson, Chabot, and Boozman. TO RESTORE THE PROHIBITION ON THE COMMERCIAL SALE AND SLAUGHTER OF WILD FREE-ROAMING HORSES AND BURROS Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule with a pre-printing requirement. The rule provides one hour of general debate on H.R. 249, to restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule provides that notwithstanding clause 11 of rule XVIII, no amendment to the bill shall be in order except those printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII and except pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate. Each amendment so printed may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or his designee and shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representative Rahall. U.S. TROOP READINESS, VETERANS' CARE, KATRINA RECOVERY, AND IRAQ ACCOUNTABILITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 1591, U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007, making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes, and against its consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey and Representative Lewis of California. REAUTHORIZE SBA PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES RELATING TO PROCUREMENT Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1873, To reauthorize the programs and activities of the Small Business Administration relating to procurement. BUY AMERICA Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on Buy America. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: J. Richard Capka, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration; and James S. Simpson, Administrator, Federal Transit Administration; Randall Iwasaki, Chief Deputy Director, Department of Transportation, State of California; John B. Catoe, Jr., General Manager, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; and public witnesses. [Page: D559] VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1660, to direct the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs to establish a national Cemetery for Veterans in the southern Colorado region. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Helping Those Left Behind: Are We Doing Enough for the Parents, Spouses and Children of Veterans. Testimony was heard from Representatives Ellsworth and Latham; Jack McCoy, Associate Deputy Under Secretary, Policy and Program Management, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans' organizations; and public witnesses. ENERGY AND TAX POLICY Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a hearing on Member proposals on Energy and Tax Policy. Testimony was heard from Representatives McDermott, Jefferson, Peterson of Minnesota, Pomeroy, Blumenauer, Berkley, Nunes, Doyle, Weldon of Florida, McGovern, Terry, Ferguson, Shimkus, Grijalva, Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania, Baird, Davis of Kentucky, and Inslee. INTELLIGENCE MATTERS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Intelligence Matters. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/04/25 Daily Digest - Wednesday, April 25, 2007; pages D564 - D574 Committee Meetings COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies continued appropriations. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Shipbuilding (Industry Officials). Testimony was heard from public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Shipbuilding (Navy Officials). Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: Allison Stiller, Deputy Assistant Secretary; RADM Charles H. Goddard, USN, Program Executive Officer for Ships; and RADM William H. Hilarides, USN, Program Executive Officer for Submarines. IRAQI SECURITY FORCES CONTRACTING Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Contracting for the Iraqi Security Forces. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Gary J. Motsek, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary, Program Support; and COL Anita M. Raines, USA, Chief, Logistics Service Division J4 Directorate, Joint Staff; Anne W. Patterson, Assistant Secretary, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Department of State; Bruce Swartz, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. STUDENT LOAN INDUSTRY ETHICS Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Examining Unethical Practices in the Student Loan Industry. Testimony was heard from Andrew M. Cuomo, Attorney General, State of New York. UNREGULATED PERCHLORATE EXPOSURE Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials held a hearing entitled "Perchlorate: Health and Environment Impacts of Unregulated Exposure." Testimony was heard from Alex Beehler, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary, Environment Safety and Occupational Health, Department of Defense; the following officials of the EPA: Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water; Susan Parker Bodine, Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response; and George Gray, Assistant Administrator, Office of Research and Development; John B. Stephenson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: James Pirkle, M.D., Deputy Director, Sciences, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Robert E. Brackwett, Director, Center for Food and Safety and Nutrition, FDA; Gary Ginsberg, Department of Public Health, State of Connecticut; and public witnesses. HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Living Without Health Insurance: Why Every American Needs Coverage." Testimony was heard from Michael K. Smith, Secretary, Agency of Administration, State of Vermont; former Senator Thomas A. Daschle of South Dakota; and public witnesses. INDUSTRIAL BANK HOLDING COMPANY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on H.R. 698, Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Sheila C. Bair, Chairman, FDIC; Donald L. Kohn, Vice Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; John M. Reich, Director, Office of Thrift Supervision; Robert Colby, Deputy Director, Market Regulation, SEC, G. Edward Leary, Commissioner, Department of Financial Institutions, State of Utah; and public witnesses. MALARIA AWARENESS DAY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on Malaria Awareness Day: Leveraging Progress for Future Advances. Testimony was heard from ADM Timothy Ziemer, USN (Ret.), Malaria Initiative Coordinator, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State; and public witnesses. [Page: D571] MILITARY'S CIVIL AUTHORITY DISASTER SUPPORT Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response held a hearing entitled "Examining the Military's Support of Civil Authorities During Disasters." Testimony was heard from MG Terry L. Scherling, USAF, Director, Joint Staff, National Guard Bureau, Department of Defense; MG Timothy J. Lowenberg, Adjutant General, State of Washington; MG Tony Pineda, National Commander, Civil Air Patrol. Glenn Cannon, Assistant Administrator, Disaster Operations, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; and Mike Womack, Director, Emergency Management Agency, State of Mississippi. CYBERSECURITY CHALLENGES Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "Addressing the Nation's Cybersecurity Challenges: Reducing Vulnerabilities Requires Strategic Investment and Immediate Action." Testimony was heard from Douglas Maughan, Program Manager, Cyber Security R&D, Science and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight, hearing entitled "Strong Oversight at the Department of Homeland Security: A Predicate to Good Government." Testimony was heard from Norman J. Rabkin, Managing Director, Homeland Security and Justice Team, GAO; and Paul A. Schneider, Under Secretary, Management, Department of Homeland Security. SUBPOENAS; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Approved the following: a resolution directing the House General Counsel to apply to a United States district court for an order immunizing from use in prosecutions the testimony of, and related information provided by, Monica Goodling under compulsion at proceedings before or ancillary to the Committee regarding the circumstances surrounding recent terminations of U.S. Attorneys, representations to Congress regarding those circumstances, and related matters; and a resolution authorizing the Chairman to issue a subpoena to Monica Goodling for testimony and related documents at a hearing before the Committee regarding the circumstances surrounding recent terminations of U.S. Attorneys, representations to Congress regarding those circumstances, and related matters. The Committee also ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 1592, amended, Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007; H.R. 692, amended, Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag Code Amendment Act of 2007; and H. Res. 314, Supporting the goals of World Intellectual Property Day. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 65, Lumbee Recognition Act; H.R. 1294, Thomasina E. Jordon Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2006; and H.R. 1328, Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2007. PUERTO RICO MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs continued hearings on the following bills: H.R. 900, Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007; and H.R. 1230, Puerto Rico Self Determination Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from C. Kevin Marshall, Co-Chair, Task Force on Puerto's Political Status and Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, Department of Justice; the following officials of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico: Anibal Acevedo Vila, Governor and former Member of Congress; Pedro Rossello, former Governor and Current Senator; Kenneth D. McClintock, President, Senate; Jose Aponte-Hernandez, Speaker, House of Representatives; Jose L. Dalmau-Santiago, Senate Minority Leader; and Hector Ferrer-Rios, House Minority Leader; Rafael Hernandez Colon, former Governor, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Carlos Romero Barcelo, former Governor and Member of Congress, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and public witnesses. ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS Committee on Oversight and Government: Approved the following: issuance of a subpoena to the Republican National Committee for documents and for Mike Duncan to testify before the Committee on May 8, 2007; issuance of a subpoena to the Republican National Committee for documents; and issuance of a subpoena to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to testify before the Committee. FEDERAL ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION CORRIDORS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on the examination of Section 1221 on the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by the Department of Energy. Testimony was heard from Kevin Kolevar, Director, Office of Electricity Reliability, Department of Energy; Representative Bill DeWeese, Majority Leader, House of Representatives, State of Pennsylvania; Assemblyman Paul D. Tonko, Chair, Committee on Energy, Assembly, State of New York; Kurt Adams, Chairman Public Utilities Commission, State of Maine; Elizabeth Merritt, Deputy General Counsel, National Trust for Historic Preservation; and public witnesses. [Page: D572] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 1867, amended, National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2007; H.R. 1868, amended, Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act of 2007; H. Con. Res. 95, amended, Honoring the career and research accomplishments of Frances E. Allen, the 2006 recipient of the A.M. Turing Award; and H. Res. 316, Recognizing the accomplishments of Roger D. Kornberg, Andrew Fire, Craig Mello, John C. Mather, and George F. Smott for being awarded Novel Prizes in the fields of chemistry, physiology or medicine, and physics. AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on Essential Air Services Program/Small Community Air Service Development Program. Testimony was heard from Representatives Everett and Thompson of California; Gerald L. Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; Michael W. Reynolds, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Aviation and International Affairs, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL SAFETY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety. Testimony was heard from Representative Frank of Massachusetts; RADM Craig Bone, USCG, Assistant Commandant, Prevention, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. MEDICARE TRUSTEES REPORT Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on 2007 Medicare Trustees Report. Testimony was heard from Richard S. Foster, Chief Actuary, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services. BRIEFING--HOT-SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot-Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/04/26 Daily Digest - Thursday, April 26, 2007; pages D575 - D584 Committee Meetings FARM CROP PROVISIONS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, hearing to review proposals to amend the program crop provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Climate Change. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Tom Armstrong, Senior Advisor, Global Change Programs, U.S. Geological Survey; Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Secretary; Sam D. Hamilton, Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Dan Kimball, Superintendent, Everglades National Park, and Don L. Neubacher, Superintendent, Point Reyes National Seashore, both with the National Park Service; Ron Huntsinger, National Science Coordinator, and Mike Pellant, Great Basin Restoration Initiative Coordinator, both with the Bureau of Land Management; and Jim Hubbard, Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry, Forest Service, USDA. LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing of the Secretary of Labor. Testimony was heard from Elaine Chao, Secretary of Labor. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on the Office of Compliance/Congressional Budget Office. Testimony was heard from Peter Orszag, Director, CBO; Tamara Chrisler, Acting Executive Director; and Peter Eveleth, General Counsel, both with the Office of Compliance. CREDIT CARD PRACTICES Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled "Credit Card Practices: Current Consumer and Regulatory Issues." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SECURE HANDLING OF AMMONIUM NITRATE ACT OF 2007 Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1680, Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of 2007. SAFE PORT ACT Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "The SAFE Port Act: A Six-Month Review." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: ADM Craig E. Bone, USCG, Assistant Commandant, Prevention, U.S. Coast Guard; Jayson Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection; and Maurine S. Fanguy, Program Director, Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program, Transportation Security Administration; Stephen L. Caldwell, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; George P. Cummings, Director, Homeland Security, Port of Los Angeles, California; Richard A. Wainio, Port Director and CEO, Tampa Port Authority, Florida; and public witnesses. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SHARING/CLASSIFICATION Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "The Over-Classification and Pseudo-Classification of Government Information: The Response of the Program Manager of the Information Sharing Environment." Testimony was heard from Ambassador Thomas E. McNamara, Program Manager, Information Sharing Environment, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; Carter Morris, Director, Informational Sharing and Knowledge Management, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security; Wayne M. Murphy, Assistant Director, Directorate of Intelligence, FBI, Department of Justice; COL Bart R. Johnson, New York State Police; and Mark Zadra, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Law Enforcement, Florida. [Page: D579] PATIENT REFORM ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, The Internet, and Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 1908, Patent Reform Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. EMPLOYER CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK ACCESS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1700, COPS Improvements Act of 2007; and H.R. 916, John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act of 2007. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Employer Access to Criminal Background Checks: The Need for Efficiency and Accuracy. Testimony was heard from Frank Campbell, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. ELECTRONIC EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION AND WORKSITE ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law held a hearing on Proposals for Improving the Electronic Employment Verification and Worksite Enforcement System. Testimony was heard from Representatives Calvert, Dreier, Reyes, Gutierrez, and Flake; and public witnesses. OCEANS CONSERVATION, EDUCATION, AND NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR 21ST CENTURY ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 21, Oceans Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Farr and Allen; Jack Dunnigan, Assistant Administrator, Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--ONSHORE OIL AND GAS LEASING DEVELOPMENT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands and the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a joint oversight hearing on Land-use Issues Associated with Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Development. Testimony was heard from Representative Peterson of Pennsylvania; Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of Interior; Tony L. Ferguson, Director, Minerals and Geology Management, Forest Service, USDA; John Emmerich, Deputy Director, Department of Game and Fish, State of Wyoming; and public witnesses. PLATTE RIVER RECOVERY Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on H.R. 1462, Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and Pathfinder Modification Authorization Act. Testimony was heard from Jason Peltier, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Water and Science, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of Interior; Ann Bleed, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources, State of Nebraska; Ted Kowalski, Program Manager, Water Conservation Board, State of Colorado; Mike Purcell, Director, Water Development Commission, State of Wyoming; and public witnesses. ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY--ENERGY Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on Establishing the Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy--H.R. 364, To provide for the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FEDERAL REGULATORY SYSTEM Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on Amending Executive Order 12866: Good Governance or Regulatory Usurpation? Part II. Testimony was heard from Steve Aitken, General Counsel, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB; and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing on Small Business Innovation Reauthorization on the 25th Program Anniversary. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. IRS TAX GAP PROPOSALS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Closing the Tax Gap Without Creating Burdens for Small Businesses." Testimony was heard from Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, Internal Revenue, IRS, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. [Page: D580] OVERSIGHT--FEMA'S PREPAREDNESS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held an oversight hearing on FEMA's Preparedness and Response to All Hazards. Testimony was heard from VADM Harvey Johnson, USCG (Ret.) Deputy Administrator, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 92, Veterans' Timely Access Health Care Act; H.R. 315, Help Establish Access to Local Timely Healthcare for Your Veterans (Healthy Vets) Act of 2007; H.R. 339, Veterans' Outpatient Care Access Act of 2007; H.R. 463, Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act; H.R. 538, South Texas Veterans' Access to Care Act of 2007; H.R. 542, To require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide mental health services in languages other than English, as needed, for veterans with limited English proficiency; H.R. 1426, Richard Helm Veterans' Access to Local Health Care Options and Resources; H.R. 1470, Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act; H.R. 1471, Better Access to Chiropractors to Keep Our Veterans' Health Act (BACK Veterans' Health Act); H.R. 1527, Rural Veterans' Access to Care Act; and a draft discussion on the Rural Health Care bill and a proposed TBI bill. Testimony was heard from Chairman Filner; and Representatives Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida; Pearce, Rothman, Ortiz, Solis, Latham, Moran of Kansas and Altmire; Gerald M. Cross, Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. POVERTY REDUCTION Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Poverty Reduction. Testimony was heard from Linda Gibbs, Deputy Mayor, Health and Human Services, City of New York; and public witnesses. R&D AND SYSTEMS ACQUISITION Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on R&D and Systems Acquisition. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. DANGEROUS CLIMATE CHANGE Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "Dangerous Climate Change." Testimony was heard from James Hansen, Director, Goddard Institute for Space Studies, NASA; and public witnesses. 2007/04/30 Daily Digest - Monday, April 30, 2007; pages D585 - D588 Committee Meetings DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session to hold a hearing on the Missile Defense Agency. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/05/01 Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 1, 2007; pages D590 - D600 Committee Meetings CROP INSURANCE INDUSTRY Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing to review the crop insurance industry. Testimony was heard from. The following officials of the USDA: Keith Collins, Chief Economist; and Eldon Gould, Administrator, Risk Management Agency; and public witnesses. RURAL BROADBAND PROGRAMS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing on review of rural broadband programs operated by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service. Testimony was heard from James Andrew, Rural Utilities Service, USDA; and public witnesses. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Health Personnel Overview. Testimony was heard from David S. C. Chu, Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Preventative Medicine and Cancers Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Ellen Embry, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Force Health Protection and Readiness and Director, Deployment Health Support; BG Michael B. Cates, USA, Commander, U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine; BG Theresa Casey, M.D., USAF, Assistant Surgeon General for Modernization; RADM David Smith, USN, Deputy Chief of Staff for Health Care Operations; and COL Janet Harris, Director, Congressionally Director Medical Research Program; and public witnesses. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch continued appropriations hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FINANCING COLLEGE EDUCATION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness held a hearing on "Paying For a College Education: Barriers and Solutions for Students and Families." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY STANDARDS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Achieving--At Long Last--Appliance Efficiency Standards." Testimony was heard from Alexander A. Karsner, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy; Arthur H. Rosenfeld, Commissioner, Energy Commission, State of California; and public witnesses. HEART DISEASE EDUCATION, ANALYSIS RESEARCH, AND TREATMENT FOR WOMEN ACT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on H.R. 1014, Heart Disease Education, Analysis Research, and Treatment for Women Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION RESEARCH Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on H.R. 20, Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act. Testimony was heard from Catherine Roca, M.D. Chief, Women's Programs, National Institutes of Mental Health, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. U.S. CHINA RELATIONS FUTURE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on the Future of Political, Economic and Security Relations with China. Testimony was heard from John D. Negroponte, Deputy Secretary, Department of State. FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The Direction and Viability of the Federal Protective Service." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: James L. Taylor, Deputy Inspector General; and Gary Schenkel, Director, Federal Protective Service; and public witnesses. SUBPOENA ISSUANCE; BANKRUPTCY ABUSE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law approved a resolution authorizing the Chairman to issue a subpoena to James Comey for testimony and related documents at a hearing before the Committee regarding the circumstances surrounding recent terminations of U.S. Attorney's, representatives to Congress regarding those circumstances, and related matters. [Page: D595] The Committee also held a hearing on the Second Anniversary of the Enactment of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005: Are Consumers Really Being Protected Under the Act. Testimony was heard from Yvonne D. Jones, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO; and public witnesses. INTERNET SPYWAVE PREVENTION ACT; SECURING AIRCRAFT COCKPITS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1525, Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2007; and H.R. 1615, Securing Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2007. Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on these measures. Testimony was heard from Representatives Zoe Lofgren of California, Goodlatte, and Keller. POINT SYSTEMS FOR SELECTING IMMIGRANTS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on An Examination of Point Systems as a Method for Selecting Immigrants. Testimony was heard from Senator Sessions; the following Foreign Law Specialists, Law Library of Congress: Clare Feikert; Stephen F. Clarke, Senior Foreign Law Specialist; and Lisa White; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--FUTURE OF FOSSIL FUELS Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a joint oversight hearing on The Future of Fossil Fuels: Geological and Terrestrial Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide. Testimony was heard from Patrick Leahy, Associate Director, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior; Carl Bauer, Executive Director, National Energy Technology Laboratory, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--WINDS TURBINES WILDLIFE IMPACTS Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight hearing on Gone with Wind: Impacts of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats. Testimony was heard from Representative Mollohan; Dale Hall, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; FDA CHALLENGES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 1873, amended, Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act; H.R. 2080, To amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to conform the District charter to revisions made by the Council of the District of Columbia relating to public education; H.R. 2081, amended, To amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to increase the salary of the Chief Financial Officer of the District of Columbia; H.R. 1617, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 561 Kingsland Avenue in University City, Missouri, as the "Harriett F. Woods Post Office Building;" H.R. 2025, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11033 South State Street in Chicago, Illinois, as the "Willye B. White Post Office Building;" H. Res. 53, Recognizing the life of Lamar Hunt and his outstanding contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs, the National Football League, and the United States; H.R. 1722, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 601 Banyan Trail in Boca Raton, Florida, as the "Leonard W. Herman Post Office;" H. Con. Res. 105, Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Suffragists Day to promote awareness of the importance of the women suffragists who worked for the right of women to vote in the United States; H. Res. 307, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the National during Public Service Recognition Week, May 7 through 13, 2007; H.R. 1335, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 508 East Main Street in Seneca, South Carolina, as the "S/Sgt Lewis G. Watkins Post Office Building;" H.R. 1260, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6301 Highway 58 in Harrison, Tennessee, as the "Claude Ramsey Post Office;" H. Con. Res. 117, Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown; and H. Res. 291, Supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day. The Committee also held a hearing on FDA's Critical Mission and Challenges for the Future. Testimony was heard from Andrew C. Von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and the following former Commissioners of the FDA: Donald Kennedy; Frank Young, M.D., and David Kessler, M.D. [Page: D596] IMPROVING HEAD START ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1429, Improving Head Start Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rules XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in this report and provides that they may be offered only in the order printed in this report, may be offered only by a Member designated in this report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman George Miller of California; and Representatives Kildee, Welch of Vermont, Kennedy, Carnahan, Shuler, McKeon, Castle, Fortuno, Mica, Putnam and Porter. TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AND MANUFACTURING STIMULATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1868, Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Science and Technology. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Science and Technology now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. All points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in this report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in this report, may be offered only by a Member designated in this report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Wu, Hall of Texas, and Manzullo. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule with a preprinting requirement. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1867, National Science Foundation Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Science and Technology. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Science and Technology as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that notwithstanding clause 11 of rule XVIII, no amendment to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII and except pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate. Each amendment so printed may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or his designee and shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Baird, Hall of Texas and Weldon of Florida. [Page: D597] SSA's DISABILITY CLAIMS BACKLOG Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing to examine the SSA's ability to hire Administrative Law Judges to address the growing disability claims backlog. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner, SSA; and Linda M. Springer, Director, OPM. 2007/05/02 Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 2, 2007; pages D601 - D610 Committee Meetings USDA'S SECURITY BRANCH Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing on review of the USDA's release of program beneficiaries' Social Security numbers and the Department's information systems, generally. Testimony was heard from Charles Christopherson, Chief Financial Officer, USDA. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Appropriations held a hearing on Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Mark E. Keenum, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; Teresa A. Lasseter, Administrator, Farm Service Agency; Eldon Gould, Administrator, Risk Management Agency; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on the Defense Health Program Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: S. Ward Casscells, MD, Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs; MG Gale S. Pollock, USA, M.D., Acting Surgeon General, U.S. Army; VADM Donald C. Arthur, USN, M.D., Surgeon General, U.S. Navy; and LTG James G. Roudebush, USAF,. MD, Surgeon General, U.S. Air Force. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces approved for full Committee action H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel approved for full Committee action H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces approved for full Committee action H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. PROTECTING CONSUMER ACCESS TO GENERIC DRUGS ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing on H.R. 1902, Protecting Consumer Access to Generic Drugs Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Jon Leibowitz, Commissioner, FTC; and public witnesses. BIOSIMILAR MEDICINES POLICY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Assessing the Impact of a Safe and Equitable Biosimilar Policy in the United States." Testimony was heard from Janet Woodcock, M.D., Deputy Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. INDUSTRIAL BANK HOLDING COMPANY ACT OF 2007; EXPANDING HOMEOWNERSHIP ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported as amended, H.R. 698, Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2007. The Committee began markup of H.R. 1852, Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow. STATE DEPARTMENT COUNTRY REPORTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing to review the State Department's 2006 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Testimony was heard from Barry F. Lowenkron, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Department of State. CONTESTED ELECTION--13TH DISTRICT OF FLORIDA Committee on House Administration: The Election Task Force met to discuss matters pertaining to the Contested Election in the 13th Congressional District of Florida. The following motions were adopted: a motion that the Task Force initiate an investigation of the Florida 13th Congressional District election; adopted a motion authorizing and directing to secure the assistance of the GAO, which shall be requested to design and propose testing protocols to determine the reliability of the equipment used in the FL-13 election, taking into account recommendations by the contestant and contestee; the Task Force shall approve any testing protocols prior to execution by the GAO. The GAO may procure such expertise and assistance from governmental or non-governmental experts and entities as it deems necessary, and shall report its findings to the task force. [Page: D607] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1700, amended, COPS Improvements Act of 2007; H.R. 916, amended, John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act of 2007; H.R. 1525, Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2007; and H.R. 1615, Security Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1595, amended, Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act; H.R. 359, amended, Cesar Estrada Chavez Study Act; H.R. 713, amended, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 1100, amended, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Boundary Revision Act of 2007; H.R. 986, amended, Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act; H.R. 505, Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007; H.R. 487, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Equitable Compensation Amendments Act of 2007; H.R. 1114, Alaska Water Resources Act of 2007; H.R. 1080, Grand Teton National Park Extension Act of 2007; and H.R. 1140 South Orange County Recycled Water Enhancement Act. MEDICAID CHILDREN'S DENTAL PROGRAM Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on Evaluating Children's Dentistry Under Medicaid. Testimony was heard from James Cosgrove, Director, Health Care, GAO; Dennis Smith, Director, Center for Medicaid and State Operations, Department of Health and Human Services; Susan Tucker, Executive Director, Office of Health Services, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, State of Maryland; and public witnesses. LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by vote of 9 to 4, a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate on H.R. 1592, Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary, modified by the amendment printed in the report, shall be considered as adopted, and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the bill, as amended. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Conyers and Representatives Smith of Texas, Daniel E. Lungren of California, Gohmert and Weldon of Florida. NASA SPACE SCIENCE PROGRAM Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on NASA's Space Science Programs: Review of Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request and Issues. Testimony was heard from Alan Stern, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA; and public witnesses. VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing entitled "Is the Veterans Corporation Prepared To Provide Entrepreneurial Development Assistance to Service Men and Women Returning From Iraq and Afghanistan?" Testimony was heard from William D. Elmore, Associate Administrator, Office of Veterans Business Development, SBA; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS SURVEY RESOLUTIONS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following measures: H. Res. 352, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week; H. Con. Res. 79, Authorizing the Use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; H. Con. Res. 123, Authorizing the Use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run; H. Con. Res. 124, Authorizing the Use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service; H.R. 1505, amended, To designate the Federal building located at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, as the "James A. Leach Federal Building;" H.R. 1773, amended, Safe American Roads Act of 2007. The Committee also approved U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Survey Resolutions. FISCAL YEAR 2008 INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session and ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2082, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. 2007/05/03 Daily Digest - Thursday, May 3, 2007; pages D612 - D620 Committee Meetings DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session to hold a hearing on Mobility Aircraft. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Sue C. Payton, Assistant Secretary, Air Force Acquisition; and GEN Duncan J. McNabb, USAF, Commander, Air Mobility Command; and Christopher Bolkcom, Specialist in National Defense, Congressional Research Service. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Joint Strike Fighter and Tactical Aircraft. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG Carrol H. Chandler, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Plans and Requirements; BG Charles R. Davis, USAF, Program Executive Officer, F-35 Lightning II Program; LTG John G. Castellaw, USAF, Deputy Commandant, Aviation; and Bruce W. Clingan, USN, Director, Air Warfare. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces approved for full Committee action H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities approved for full Committee action H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. PENSION PROTECTION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on Retirement Security: Strengthening Pension Protections. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ELECTRIC GRID TRANSITION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Facilitating the Transition to a Smart Electric Grid." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Kevin Kolevar, Director, Office of Energy Delivery and Electricity Reliability; and Jon Wellinghoff, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Robert F. Lieberman, Commissioner, Commerce Commission, State of Illinois; and public witnesses. EXPANDING AMERICAN HOMEOWNERSHIP ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1852, Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007. U.S.-EUROPE MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade held a joint hearing on Do the United States and Europe Need A Missile Defense System? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs; and John C. Rood, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation. ARAB OPINION ON AMERICAN POLICIES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a joint hearing on Arab Opinion on American Policies, Values, and People. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. COMMITTEE BUSINESS Committee on House Administration: Met to discuss pending Committee business. [Page: D618] U.S. ATTORNEYS CONTROVERSY Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law continued hearings on the Continuing Investigation into the U.S. Attorneys Controversy. Testimony was heard from James B. Comey, former Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice. COURT SECURITY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2008 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on H.R. 660, Court Security Improvement Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from John F. Clark, U.S. Marshal, Eastern District of Virginia, Department of Justice; David Bryan Sentelle, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia; Chairman, Judicial Conference Committee on Judicial Security; and Robert M. Bell, Chief Judge, Court of Appeals, State of Maryland. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on the U.S. Economy, U.S. Workers, and Immigration Reform. Testimony was heard from Representative King of Iowa; Patricia Buckley, Senior Economic Adviser to the Secretary, Department of Commerce; Leon R. Sequeira, Assistant Secretary, Policy, Department of Labor; Peter R. Orszag, Director, CBO; and public witnesses. INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a precursor to the Conference of the Parties. Testimony was heard from Todd, Willens, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior; Osborne Earl Baker III, Department of Natural Resources, State of South Carolina; and public witnesses. FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM OVERSIGHT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Eldon Gould, Administrator, Risk Management Agency; and Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General; Lisa Shames, Acting Director, National Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses. CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule to provide for consideration in the House of S. Con Res. 21, Setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the concurrent resolution and provides that the concurrent resolution shall be considered as read. An amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of H. Con. Res. 99, as adopted by the House, shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points of order against the concurrent resolution, as amended, and provides that, if the concurrent resolution, as amended, is adopted then it shall be in order to move that the House insist on its amendment and request a conference with the Senate. GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH PROGRAM Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on Reorienting the U.S. Global Change Research Program Toward a user-driven research endeavor, H.R. 906, Global Change Research Data Management Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from James R. Mahoney, former Assistant Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere and Deputy Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. TRANSITING ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMENTS LABORATORY TO DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on Transitioning the Environmental Measurements Laboratory to the Department of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: John F. Clarke, Deputy Director, Office of National Laboratories, Science and Technology Directorate; Jay M. Cohen, Under Secretary, Science and Technology; and Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office; Tony Feinberg, former Program Manager, Radiological and Nuclear Countermeasures, Office of Research and Development, Science and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; Lynn Albin, Radiation Health Physicist, Office of Radiation Protection, Department of Health, State of Washington; and a public witness.. RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION RURAL IMPACTS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The Impact of Renewable Energy Production in Rural America." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [Page: D619] ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on The Southeast Crescent Authority, The Northern Border Economic Development Commission, and the Southwest Regional Border Authority. Testimony was heard from Senator Dole; and Representatives Hodes, Welch of Vermont; McIntyre, Hayes, Butterfield, Reyes, Filner, Hinojosa, Rodriguez and Cuellar. VETERANS EDUCATION BENEFITS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on Accelerated Education Benefits for Veterans. Testimony was heard from Representative Michaud; the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: James Bombard, Chairman, Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education; and Keith M. Wilson, Director, Education Service; representatives of veterans organizations; and a public witness. LOW-INCOME MEDICARE BENEFICIARY MEDICARE PROGRAMS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on financial assistance programs for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Testimony was heard from Representatives Doggett and Altmire; S. Lawrence Kocot, Senior Advisor to the Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Beatrice Disman, Regional Commissioner, New York Region, SSA; J. Ruth Kennedy, Medicaid Deputy Director, Department of Health and Hospitals, State of Louisiana; and public witnesses. ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF GLOBAL WARMING Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "Economic Impacts of Global Warming: Part I--Insurance." Testimony was heard from John B. Stephenson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Mike Kreidler, Commissioner of Insurance, State of Washington; and a public witness. 2007/05/04 Daily Digest - Friday, May 4, 2007; pages D622 - D626 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/05/07 Daily Digest - Monday, May 7, 2007; pages D627 - D632 Committee Meetings SELECT INTELLIGENCE OVERSIGHT PANEL Committee on Appropriations: Select Intelligence Oversight Panel met in executive session to hold a hearing on the National Geospatial Agency. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. THOMASINA E. JORDAN INDIAN TRIBES OF VIRGINIA FEDERAL RECOGNITION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by non-record vote, a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate on H.R. 1294, Thomasina E. Jordon Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2007, in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill, modified by the amendments printed in the report of the Committee on Rules, shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the bill, as amended. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Grijalva and Moran of Virginia. 2007/05/08 Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 8, 2007; pages D634 - D642 Committee Meetings WELFARE OF ANIMALS IN AGRICULTURE Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry held a hearing to review the welfare of animals in agriculture. Testimony was heard from former Representative Charles W. Stenholm of Texas; and public witnesses. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness approved for full Committee action H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. SUPERVISOR MISCLASSIFICATION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on "Are NLRB and Court Rulings Misclassifying Skilled and Professional Employees as Supervisors?" Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ALTERNATIVE FUELS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Alternative Fuels: Current Status, Proposals for New Standards, and Related Infrastructure Issues." Testimony was heard from Robert J. Meyers, Associate Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA; Alexander A. Karsner, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. ROLE OF SECONDARY MARKET IN SUBPRIME MORTGAGE LENDING Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on the Role of the Secondary Market in Subprime Mortgage Lending. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. RURAL HOUSING PROGRAMS Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Rural Housing Programs: Review Fiscal Year 2008 Budget and Pending Rural Housing Legislation," including the following bills: H.R. 1980, Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2007; and H.R. 1982, Rural Housing and Economic Development Improvement Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Pamela Patenaude, Assistant Secretary, Community Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Russell T. Davis, Administrator, Rural Development Housing and Community Facilities Programs, USDA; and public witnesses. JEWISH AND PALESTINIAN REFUGEES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on Two Sides of the Same Coin: Jewish and Palestinian Refugees. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. VOTER CONFIDENCE AND INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY ACT OF 2007; ELECTION CONTESTS DISMISSED; COMMITTEE FRANKING ALLOCATION RESOLUTION Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported the following: H.R. 811, amended, Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007; and four resolutions dismissing Election contests in the following cases: Russell v. Brown-Waite (FL-5); Gonzalez v. Diaz-Balart (FL-21); Curtis v. Feeney (FL-24); and Cox v. McCrery (LA-4). The Committee also approved a Committee Franking Allocation Resolution. ANTITRUST MODERNIZATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS Committee on the Judiciary: Antitrust Task Force held a hearing on the findings and recommendations of the Antitrust Modernization Commission, as established by the Antitrust Modernization Commission Act of 2002. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Antitrust Modernization Commission: Deborah A. Garza, Chair; and Jon Yarowsky, Vice Chair. [Page: D639] U.S. IMMIGRATION SYSTEM--ROLE OF FAMILY-BASED IMMIGRATION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on the Role of Family-Based Immigration in the U.S. Immigration System. Testimony was heard from Representative Gingrey; and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS FAIRNESS IN CONTRACTING ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1873, to reauthorize the programs and activities of the Small Business Administration relating to procurement, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Small Business. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment except for those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by the Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairwoman Velazquez, Representative Sestak, Chairman Waxman, Representatives Braley, Welch of Vermont, Wynn, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Chabot, and Sessions. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1684, to authorize appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule considers as an original bill for the purpose of further amendment the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Homeland Security. The committee amendment shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment except for those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order those amendments printed in the report and waives all points of order against such amendments except for those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Thompson of Mississippi, Representatives Hastings of Florida, Cardoza, Castor, Sherman, Lipinski, King of New York, Shays, Tom Davis of Virginia, Davis of Tennessee, Hastings of Washington, Royce, Mica, Hayes, Terry, Bilbray, Blackburn, Garrett of New Jersey, and Poe. LEVEE/DAM SAFETY PROGRAMS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a joint hearing on National Levee Safety and Dam Safety Programs. Testimony was heard from David I. Maurstad, Assistant Administrator, Mitigation Directorate, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Steven L. Stockton, Deputy Director, Civil Works, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. RAIL SAFETY LEGISLATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Rail Safety Legislation. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Joseph Boardman, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration; and Kurt W. Hyde, Assistant Inspector General, Surface and Maritime Programs, Office of Inspector General; Mark Rosenker, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; and public witnesses. [Page: D640] VETERANS CEMETERIES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on Veterans Cemeteries: Honoring Those Who Served. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: John Metzler, Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery; and William F. Tuerk, Under Secretary, Memorial Affairs; BG John W. Nicholson, USA (ret.), Secretary, American Battle Monuments Commission; and representatives of veterans organizations. DOD/VA MEDICAL RECORDS SHARING Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Sharing of Electronic Medical Records between Department of Defense and Department of Veterans' Affairs. Testimony was heard from Valerie Melvin, Director, Human Capital and Management Information Systems Issues, GAO; Gerald M. Cross, M.D., Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; and Stephen Jones, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs, Department of Defense. INDEPENDENT WORKER MISCLASSIFICATION Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support and the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a joint hearing on Independent Workers. Testimony was heard from Sigurd Nilsen, Education, Workforce and Income Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 2007/05/09 Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 9, 2007; pages D644 - D654 Committee Meetings IMPORTED FOOD/FEED INGREDIENTS SAFETY Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the impact of imported contaminated food and feed ingredients and of recent food safety emergencies on food safety and animal health systems. Testimony was heard from Kenneth E. Petersen, Food Safety Inspection Service, USDA; and David Acheson, M.D., Assistant Commissioner, Food Protection, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session to hold a hearing on Guantanamo, Panel I. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: RADM Harry B. Harris, Jr., USN, Commander, Joint Task Force-Guantanamo; Daniel J. Dell'Orto, Principal Deputy General Counsel; and Joseph A. Benkert, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Global Security Affairs. The Subcommittee continued hearings on this subject, Panel II. Testimony was heard from COL Dwight Sullivan, USMCR, Chief Defense Counsel, Office of Military Commissions, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. U.S. MEDICINE SUPPLY SAFETY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Assessing the Safety of Our Nation's Drug Supply." Testimony was heard from Steven K. Galson, M.D., Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; Marcia Crosse, Director, Health Care Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC-MILITARY SUPPORT FOR IRAQ Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight held a hearing on the Economic and Military Support for the U.S. Efforts in Iraq: The Coalition of the Willing, Then and Now. Testimony was heard from Joseph A. Christoff, Director, International Affairs and Trade Team, GAO; Kenneth Katzman, Specialist in Middle East Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and a public witness. [Page: D650] FEDERAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE COORDINATION Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response held a hearing entitled "Assessing the Capabilities and Coordination of Federal Emergency Response Teams." Testimony was heard from Bob Powers, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator, Disaster Operations Directorate, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law continued hearings on the U.S. Economy, U.S. Workers, and Immigration Reform. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT IMPLEMENTATION Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Endangered Species Act Implementation: Science or Politics? Testimony was heard from P. Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Secretary, Department of the Interior; John Young, former Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1870, amended, Contractor Tax Enforcement Act; H.R. 1865, To amend title 31, United States Code, to allow certain local tax debt to be collected through the reduction of Federal tax refunds; and H.R. 404, amended, Federal Customer Service Enhancement Act. U.S. AID TO PAKISTAN Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing entitled "Making the Grade on the 9/11 Commission Report Card: American Support of Pakistani Education Reform." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by vote of 8 to 3, a structured rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 2081, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 of rule XXI. The rule XXI. The rule considers as an original bill for the purpose of further amendment the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The committee amendment shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment except those arising under clause 8 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order those amendments printed in the report and waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clause 9 or 10 or rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Reyes, Representatives Hastings of Florida, Holt, Thompson of California, Hoekstra, Wilson of New Mexico, and Rogers of Michigan. TO PROVIDE FOR THE REDEPLOYMENT OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND DEFENSE CONTRACTORS FROM IRAQ--H.R. 2237; U.S. TROOP READINESS, VETERANS' CARE, KATRINA RECOVERY, AND IRAQ ACCOUNTABILITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007--H.R. 2206; AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE AND WESTERN STATES EMERGENCY UNFINISHED BUSINESS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007--H.R. 2207 Committee on Rules: Granted by a vote of 8 to 3, a closed rule. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2237, to provide for the Redeployment of United States Armed Forces and Defense Contractors from Iraq. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and against its consideration and provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule contains one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule also provides for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2206), the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007. The rule provides one hour of general debate in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. It provides that the amendment printed in Part A of this report shall be considered as adopted and that the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The Rule waives all points of order against the bill, as amended, and contains one motion to recommit on H.R. 2206 with or without instructions. [Page: D651] The rule further provides for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2207), the Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act, 2007. The rule provides one hour of general debate in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. It provides that the amendment printed in Part B of this report shall be considered as adopted and that the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The Rule waives all points of order against the bill, as amended, and contains one motion to recommit on H.R. 2207 with or without instructions. The rule also provides that in the engrossment of H.R. 2206, the Clerk shall await the disposition of H.R. 2237 and H.R. 2207 and shall add the respective texts of H.R. 2237 and H.R. 2207, as passed by the House, as new matter at the end of H.R. 2206 and shall make appropriate conforming changes. Finally the rule provides that during consideration of H.R. 2237, H.R. 2206 and H.R. 2207, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of any such bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey and Representative Kucinich. RURAL BROADBAND SERVICES Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship held a hearing entitled "Maximizing the Value of Broadband Services to Rural Communities." Testimony was heard from Jonathan Adelstein, Commissioner, FCC; and public witnesses. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL MODERNIZATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on the Future of Air Traffic Control Modernization. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Robert Sturgell, Deputy Administrator and Interim Chief Operating Officer, Air Traffic Organization, FAA; and Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector General; Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR VETERANS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Results of the Administration's Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes. Testimony was heard from R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. VA'S LONG-TERM CARE PROGRAMS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to examine VA's Long-Term Care Programs. Testimony was heard from Patricia Vandenberg, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary, Health Policy and Planning, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. CURRENCY MANIPULATION IMPACTS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology of the Committee on Financial Services held a joint hearing on Currency Manipulation and Its Effect on U.S. Businesses and Workers. Testimony was heard from Mark Sobel, Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Monetary and Financial Policy, Department of the Treasury; Stephen Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations, Department of Commerce; Daniel Brinza, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, Monitoring and Enforcement; Donald L. Evans, former Secretary of Commerce; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. FOREIGN OIL--ECONOMICS OF DEPENDENCE Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "Economics of Dependence on Foreign Oil--Rising Gasoline Prices." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/05/10 Daily Digest - Thursday, May 10, 2007; pages D656 - D664 Committee Meetings AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research held a hearing to review agricultural research programs. Testimony was heard from Gale Buchanan, Under Secretary, Research, Education and Economics, USDA; and public witnesses. FOOD AID/AGRICULTURE TRADE PROGRAMS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing to review food aid and agriculture trade programs operated by the USDA and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Testimony was heard from Representatives McGovern and Emerson; Michael Yost, Administrator, Foreign Agriculture Service, USDA; William Hammink, Director, Office of Food for Peace, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State; and public witnesses. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Bruce Knight, Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Kenneth C. Clayton, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service; W. Ron DeHaven, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; James E. Link, Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Contracting Out. Testimony was heard from John P. Hutton, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; Joseph T. McDermott, Assistant Inspector General, Audits, and Special Inspector General, Iraq Reconstruction, and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STUDENT LOAN AND THE READING FIRST PROGRAM Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Accountability for the Department of Education's Oversight of Student Loans and the Reading First Program. Testimony was heard from Margaret Spellings, Secretary of Education. FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY SCHOOL PROGRAMS Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities held a hearing on Using School Wellness Plans To Help Fight Childhood Obesity. Testimony was heard from Representative Woolsey; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 964, Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act; and H.R. 948, Social Security Number Protection Act of 2007. [Page: D662] FUTURE OF VIDEO Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet continued hearings entitled "Digital Future of the United States: Part V: The Future of Video." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FINANCIAL CRIMES LAW ENFORCEMENT Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Suspicious Activity and Currency Transaction Reports: Balancing Law Enforcement Utility and Regulatory Requirements." Testimony was heard from William F. Baity, Deputy Director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN, Department of the Treasury; Salvador Hernandez, Deputy Assistant Director, Criminal Investigative Division, FBI, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. NUCLEAR WEAPONS NONPROLIFERATION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Every State a Superpower? Stopping the Spread of Nuclear Weapons in the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from former Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia; and public witnesses. GUINEA AND ETHIOPIA HUMAN RIGHTS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, and the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a joint hearing on Is There a Human Rights Double Standard? U.S. Policy Toward Equatorial Guinea and Ethiopia Testimony was heard from public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY INFORMATION SHARING Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Fixing the Homeland Security Information Network: Finding the Way Forward for Better Information Sharing." Testimony was heard from Wayne Parent, Deputy Director, Office of Operations Coordination, Department of Homeland Security; David Powner, Director, Information Technology Management Issues, GAO; Barry S. Lindquist, Inspector, Office of Statewide Intelligence, Department of Law Enforcement, State of Florida; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--JUSTICE DEPARTMENT Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice. Testimony was heard from Alberto Gonzales, The Attorney General, Department of Justice. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 523, Douglas County, Washington PUD Conveyance Act; and H.R. 1011, Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Boucher and Hastings of Washington; Mike Ferguson, Assistant Director, Business and Fiscal Resources, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. GUN PURCHASE LAWS LOOPHOLES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing entitled "Lethal Loopholes: Deficiencies in State and Federal Gun Purchase Laws." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Rachel L. Brand, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy; and Stephen R. Rubenstein, Chief Counsel, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; John Feinblatt, Criminal Justice Coordinator, City of New York; and public witnesses. DIVERSITY IN GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia held a hearing entitled "The Lack of Diversity in the Top Levels of the Federal Government." Testimony was heard from George H. Stalcup, Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; Nancy Kichak, Associate Director, Strategic Human Resources Policy Division, OPM; Carlton Hadden, Director, Office of Federal Operations, EEOC; Gail Lovelace, Chief Human Capital Officer, GSA; Vickers Meadows, Chief Administrative Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce; Reginald Wells, Deputy Commissioner, SSA; Susan LaChance, Vice President, Employee Development and Diversity, U.S. Postal Service; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 364, amended, To provide for the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy; and H.R. 632, H-Prize Act of 2007. GREEN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing on Green Transportation Infrastructure: Challenges to Access and Implementation. Testimony was heard from Gloria Shepherd, Associate Administrator, Planning, Environment, and Realty, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation; Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, EPA; and public witnesses. [Page: D663] IMMIGRATION POLICIES SMALL BUSINESS IMPACTS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Immigration Policies and their Impact on Small Businesses. Testimony was heard from Representative Gutierrez; and public witnesses. GSA CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND LEASING PROGRAM Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on General Services Administration's Fiscal Year 2008 Capital Investment and Leasing Program. Testimony was heard from David L. Winstead, Commissioner, Public Building Service, GSA. KATRINA RECOVERY PROBLEMS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on "Legislative Fixes for Lingering Problems that Hinder Katrina Recovery." Testimony was heard from Representatives Taylor, Pickering, Baker, Boustany, Jefferson, Melancon and Jindal. FEDERAL TRANSIT PROJECTS PROGRAMS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on FTA Implementation of the New Starts and Small Starts Programs. Testimony was heard from James S. Simpson, Administrator, Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation; Katherine A. Siggerud, Director, Physical Infrastructure, GAO; and public witnesses. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2199, To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide certain improvements in the treatment of individuals with traumatic brain injuries; and H.R. 1470, Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act. MEDICARE PHYSICIAN QUALITY Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Options To Improve Quality and Efficiency Among Medicare physicians. Testimony was heard from A. Bruce Steinwald, Director, Health Care, GAO; Herb Kuhn, Acting Deputy Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Glen M. Hackbarth, Chairman, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; and public witnesses. 2007/05/11 Daily Digest - Friday, May 11, 2007; pages D665 - D670 Committee Meetings ESEA REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on ESEA Reauthorization: Boosting Quality in the Teaching Profession. Testimony was heard from Joel I. Klein, Chancellor, Department of Education, New York City; Jack D. Dale, Superintendent, Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia; Joseph P. Burke, Superintendent of Schools, Springfield, Massachusetts; and public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY INDEPENDENCE--ADMINISTRATION PROPOSALS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on Administration Proposals on Climate Change and Energy Independence. Testimony was heard from Mary E. Peters, Secretary of Transportation; Stephen Johnson, Administrator, EPA; John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Civil Works, Department of the Army; and Lurita Alexis Doan, Administrator, GSA; Stephen T. Ayers, Acting Architect of the Capitol and Deputy Architect/Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Congress; and Daniel P. Beard, Chief Administrative Officer, House of Representatives. 2007/15/14 Daily Digest - Monday, May 14, 2007; pages D672 - D676 Committee Meetings FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing to review the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SELECT INTELLIGENCE OVERSIGHT PANEL Committee on Appropriations: Select Intelligence Oversight Panel met in executive session on Domestic Agencies Intelligence Programs. Testimony was heard from Charles Allen, Assistant Secretary, Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security; Rolf Mowatt-Larssen, Director, Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Department of Energy; and Willie T. Hulon, Executive Assistant Director, National Security Branch, FBI, Department of Justice. 2007/05/15 Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 15, 2007; pages D677 - D686 Committee Meetings FRESH PRODUCE SAFETY Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture held a hearing to review industry response to the safety of fresh and fresh-cut produce. Testimony was heard from Lloyd Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA; David Acheson, M.D., Assistant Commissioner, Food Protection, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. COLLEGE CAMPUS SAFETY Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Best Practices for Making College Campuses Safe. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. PRIVATE SECTOR WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTIONS Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on Private Sector Whistleblowers: Are There Sufficient Legal Protections? Testimony was heard from Richard Fairfax, Director of Enforcement, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor; Tom Devine, Legal Director, GAO; and public witnesses. CHILDREN'S PRODUCT SAFETY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "Protecting Our Children: Current Issues in Children's Product Safety." Testimony was head from Nancy A. Nord, Acting Chairman, Consumer Product Safety Commission; and public witnesses. MEDICARE SAVINGS PLAN AND LOW INCOME SUBSIDY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Medicare Savings Plan and Low Income Subsidy: Keeping Medicare's Promise for Seniors and People with Disabilities." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. U.S. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on U.S. Re-Engagement in the Global Effort to Fight Climate Change. Testimony was heard from Eileen Claussen, former Assistant Secretary, Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. HURRICANE SEASON PREPAREDNESS Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The 2007 Hurricane Season: Are We Prepared?" Testimony was heard from R. David Pulison, Director, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; William Jenkins, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues Division, GAO; Craig Fugate, Director, Division of Emergency Management, State of Florida; and Joe Becker, Senior Vice President, Preparedness and Response, National Headquarters, American Red Cross. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1239, National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 1388, Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Act; H.R. 1483, To amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for certain national heritage areas; and H.R. 1528, New England National Scenic Trail Designation Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Regula, Olver, Hastings of Florida; Castle and Murphy of Connecticut; Chris Jarvi, Associate Director, Partnerships and Visitor Experience, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; Robert Stanton, former Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by vote of 9 to 4, a structured rule. The rule provides for ninety minutes of general debate on H.R. 1585, National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Armed Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Armed Services shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of further amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. [Page: D683] The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the report and waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule also permits the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services or his designee to offer amendments en bloc if those amendments have been printed in the report and not earlier disposed of. The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may recognize for consideration any amendment printed in this report out of the order printed but not sooner than 30 minutes after the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services announces from the floor a request to that effect. Finally, the resolution permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Skelton, Representatives, Boren, Ellsworth, McGovern, Moran of Virginia, Scott of Virginia, Holden, Blumenauer, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Tierney, Schakowsky, Thompson of California, Israel, Michaud, Lipinski, Braley, Carney, Walz, Saxton, Akin, Miller of Michigan, Franks of Arizona, Drake, Davis of Kentucky, Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida, Sessions, Tom Davis of Virginia, LaHood, Latham, Weller, Goode, Terry, Capito, King of Iowa, Musgrave and McCotter. FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE REFORM ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule with a preprinting requirement. The rule provides one hour of general debate on H.R. 1427, Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules, shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule. The amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be read by title rather than by section and each title shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute, as amended, except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute that have been pre-printed in the Congressional Record before the beginning of consideration of the bill or are pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate. The rule provides that each amendment so printed may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or a designee, and that each amendment shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank, Representatives Bachus. ADVANCED COAL TECHNOLOGIES Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on Prospects for Advanced Coal Technologies: Efficient Energy Production, Carbon Capture and Sequestration. Testimony was heard from Carl O. Bauer, Director, National Energy Technology Laboratory, Department of Energy; Robert J. Finley, Director, Energy and Earth Resources Center, Geological Survey, State of Illinois; and public witnesses. MATH EDUCATION PROGRAMS Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on Federal STEM Education Programs: Educators' Perspectives. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 612, amended, Returning Servicemember VA Health Insurance Act of 2007; H.R. 67, amended, Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 1660, amended, To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the southern Colorado region; H.R. 1470, Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act; and H.R. 2199, amended, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide certain improvements in treatment of Individuals with traumatic brain injuries; and H.R. 2239, amended, Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act. MEDICARE PROVIDER PAYMENTS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Payments to Certain Medicare Fee-for-Service Providers, Testimony was heard from Herb Kuhn, Acting Deputy Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Mark Miller, Executive Director, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; and public witnesses. [Page: D684] STATE CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security held a hearing on challenges Facing the Child Welfare System. Testimony was heard from Cornelia M. Ashby, Director of Education, Workforce and Income Security, GAO; Mary Nelson, Administrator, Division of Child and Family Services, Department of Human Services, State of Iowa; Anne Holton, First Lady of Virginia; and public witnesses. 2007/05/16 Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 16, 2007; pages D688 - D698 Committee Meetings MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMS Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Evaluating the Effectiveness of MSHA's Mine Safety and Health Programs. Testimony was heard from Representatives Rahall and Capito; Dan Bertoni, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Team, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Labor: Richard Stickler, Assistant Secretary, Mine Safety and Health; and Jonathan Snare, Acting Solicitor of Labor; and a public witness. MEDICAL DEVICE USER FEE AND MODERNIZATION REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Reauthorization of the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act." Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., Assistant Commissioner, Policy, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. BP PRUDHOE BAY SHUTDOWN Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "2006 Prudhoe Bay Shutdown: Will Recent Regulatory Changes and BP Management Reforms Prevent Future Failures." Testimony was heard from Stacy Gerard, Acting Assistant Administrator Chief Safety Officer, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Department of Transportation; Carolyn Merritt, Chair and CEO, U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; Richard Fairfax, Director, Directorate of Enforcement Programs, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor; Jonne Slemons, Coordinator, Petroleum Systems Integrity Office, Division of Oil and Gas, Department of Natural Resources, State of Alaska; and a public witness. PRIVATE EQUITY'S EFFECTS FROM MARKET IMPACTS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Private Equity's Effects on Workers and Firms." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [Page: D695] AFRICA'S WATER CRISIS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a briefing on Africa's Water Crisis and the 2006 UNDP Human Development Report. The Subcommittee was briefed by Cecilia Ugaz, Deputy Director, Human Development Report Office, Development Program, United Nations; and Amina Salum Ali, Permanent Representative to the United States, The African Union. AFRICA'S WATER CRISIS--U.S. RESPONSE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on Africa's Water Crisis and the U.S. Response. Testimony was heard from Representative Blumenauer; the following officials of the Department of State: Claudia McMurray, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; and Walter North, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development; and a public witness. MIDDLE EAST AND SOUTH ASIA DIPLOMACY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on Public Diplomacy in the Middle East and South Asia: Is the Message Getting Through? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Jeremy Curtin, Coordinator, Bureau of International Information Programs; Gretchen Welch, Director, Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources; Thomas A. Farrell, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Academic Programs, and Alina L. Romanowski, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Professional and Cultural Exchanges, both with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; and the following members of the Board of the Broadcasting Board of Governors: Joaquin F. Blaya and D. Jeffrey Hirschberg. U.S. INFRASTRUCTURE--FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN U.S. Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "The Impact of Foreign Ownership and Foreign Investment on the Security of Our Nation's Critical Infrastructure." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OIL INDUSTRY AND RISING GAS PRICES Committee on the Judiciary: Antitrust Task Force held a hearing on Prices at the Pump: Market Failure and the Oil Industry. Testimony was heard from Representatives Stupak and Wilson of New Mexico; Richard Blumenthal, Attorney General, State of Connecticut; and public witnesses. PATENT REFORM ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, The Internet, and Intellectual Property approved for full Committee action H.R. 1908, Patent Reform Act of 2007. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law held a hearing on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Becoming Americans--U.S. Immigration Integration. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CONFERENCE REPORT--CONCURRENT BUDGET RESOLUTION FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order against the conference report to accompany the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 21) setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012, and against its consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. The rule also provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget. Testimony was heard from Chairman Spratt and Representative Ryan of Wisconsin. CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on the State of Climate Change Science 2007: The Findings of the Fourth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Working Group III: Mitigation of Climate Change. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SBA ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on legislation affecting the SBA's Entrepreneurial Development programs, including its Small Business Development Center and Women's Business Center Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the SBA: Wilma Goldstein, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development; and C.E. Rowe, Associate Administrator, Congressional Legislative Affairs; and public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND TRANSPORTATION ISSUES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing on Climate Change and Energy Independence: Transportation and Infrastructure Issues. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [Page: D696] 2007/05/17 Daily Digest - Thursday, May 17, 2007; pages D700 - D712 Committee Meetings MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Agriculture: Ordered reported the following measures: H. Con. Res. 25, Expressing the sense of Congress that it is the goal of the United States that, not later than January 2, 2025, the agricultural, forestry, and working land of the United States should provide from renewable resources not less than 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States and continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber; H.R. 926, STOPP Act of 2007; and H. Res. 79, Recognizing the establishment of Hunters for the Hungry programs across the United States and the contributions of those programs to decrease hunger and help feed those in need. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Bruce Knight, Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service; W. Ron DeHaven, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; James E. Link, Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration; and Dennis Kaplan, Budget Office. TEACHER PREPARATION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness held a hearing on Preparing Teachers for the Classroom: The Role of the Higher Education Act and No Child Left Behind. Testimony was heard from George Scott, Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. BROADBAND AVAILABILITY AND QUALITY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunication and the Internet held a hearing on a proposed measure addressing Broadband Mapping and Data Collection. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. REMITTANCES INDUSTRY Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology held a hearing entitled "Remittances: Access, Transparency, and Market Efficiency--A Progress Report." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. RUSSIAN INFLUENCE ON EASTERN EUROPE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Russia: Rebuilding the Iron Curtain. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY MUSLIM COUNTRIES' VIEWS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight held a hearing on Declining Approval for American Foreign Policy in Muslim Countries: Does It Make It More Difficult To Fight al Qaeda. Testimony was heard from a public witness. SCHOOL SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Protecting Our Schools: Federal Efforts To Strengthen Community Preparedness and Response." Testimony was heard from Holly Kuzmich, Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy and Programs, Department of Education; Robert J. Sica, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, National Threat Assessment Center, Department of Homeland Security; Cornelia M. Ashby, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security, GAO; and public witnesses. [Page: D707] COAST GUARD DEEPWATER PROGRAM Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight held a joint hearing entitled "Deepwater: Charting a Course for Safer Waters," Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: RADM Gary T. Blore, USCG, Program Executive Officer, Integrated Deepwater System; Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General; and CAPT Steven T. Baynes, USCG, Chief, Atlantic Area Response Enforcement Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2317, Lobbying Transparency Act of 2007; H.R. 2316, amended, Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007; H.R. 2264, No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act of 2007; and S. 1104, amended, To increase the number of Iraqi and Afghani translators and interpreters who may be admitted to the United States as special immigrants. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on Comprehensives Immigration Reform: Impact of Immigration on States and Localities. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 716, Santa Rosa Urban Water Reuse Plan Act; H.R. 236, North Bay Water Reuse Program Act of 2007; H.R. 1503, Avra/Black Wash Reclamation and Riparian Restoration Project; and H.R. 1725, Rancho California Water District Recycled Water Reclamation Facility Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Robert Quint, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. CARBON-NEUTRAL GOVERNMENT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on the Carbon-Neutral Government Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. GEOTHERMAL/OCEAN POWER TECHNOLOGIES Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on Developing Untapped Potential: Geothermal and Ocean Power Technologies. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NASA WORKFORCE Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on Building and Maintaining a Healthy and Strong NASA Workforce. Testimony was heard from the following officials of NASA: Toni Dawsey, Assistant Administrator, Human Capital Management; and John Stewart, Fellow, National Academy of Public Administration, member, Multisector Workforce Panel; and public witnesses. LIABILITY REFORM'S SMALL BUSINESS IMPACTS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing to review the impact of the current legal system involving products liability on small businesses. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE; GSA FY 2008 CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM RESOLUTIONS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management approved for full Committee action the following: H.R. 2011, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 100 East 8th Avenue in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as the "George Howard, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse;" and GSA's Fiscal Year 2008 Capital Investment Program Resolutions. VETERANS ENTREPRENEURSHIP Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on Veterans Entrepreneurship and Self Employment. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the SBA: William Elmore, Associate Administrator, Veterans Business Development; and Louis J. Celli, Jr., Chairman, Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs; Scott F. Denniston, Director, Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. 2007/05/21 Daily Digest - Monday, May 21, 2007; pages D713 - D718 Committee Meetings HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: On May 18, the Subcommittee on Homeland Security approved for full Committee action the Homeland Security appropriations for fiscal year 2008. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: On May 18, the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: The Future of Undocumented Immigrant Students. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NATIONAL GUARD DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: On May 18, the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on Assuring the National Guard is as Ready at Home as It is Abroad. Testimony was heard from David R. Paulison, Administrator, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; GEN King Sidwell, USA, Adjutant General, National Guard, State of Missouri; and Doug Hoell, Director, Division of Emergency Management, State of North Carolina. 2007/05/22 Daily Digest - Tuesday, May 22, 2007; pages D720 - D730 Committee Meetings 2007 FARM BILL Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research approved for full Committee action H.R. 2419, Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2008. IRAQI SECURITY FORCE TRAINING Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on training of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and employment of transition teams. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Peter Velz, Office of the Secretary, Iraq Directorate; and BG Michael D. Jones, USA, Deputy Director, Politico-Military Affairs (Middle East), J5, The Joint Staff. FEDERAL-STATE HEALTH CARE COORDINATION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on Health Care Reform: Recommendations to Improve Coordination of Federal and State Initiatives. Testimony was heard from Representatives Tierney, Price of Georgia, and Baldwin; John Colmers, Secretary, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, State of Maryland; Steven Goldman, Commissioner, Department of Banking and Insurance, State of New Jersey; John Morrison, Auditor and Commissioner of Insurance and Securities, State of Montana; and public witnesses. PEDIATRIC THERAPIES SAFETY AND INNOVATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Programs Affecting Safety and Innovation in Pediatric Therapies." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: RADM Sandra L. Kweder, USN, M.D., Deputy Director, Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA; and Donald Mattison, M.D., Chief Obstetric and Pediatric Pharmacology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health; Marcia Crosse, Director, Health Care Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. GASOLINE PRICES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Gasoline Prices, Oil Company Profits, and the American Consumer." Testimony was heard from William E. Kovacic, Commissioner, FTC; Guy F. Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy; Thomas J. McCool, Director, Center for Economics, Applied Research and Methods, GAO; Stanley F. Pruss, Deputy Director, Department of Environmental Quality, State of Michigan; and public witnesses. [Page: D726] WORLD BANK COMBATING GLOBAL POVERTY Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "The Role and Effectiveness of the World Bank in Combating Global Poverty." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. IRAQ: IS RECONSTRUCTION FAILING? Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Iraq: Is Reconstruction Failing? Testimony was heard from Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. AFRICA DEBT RELIEF Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on Vulture Funds and the Threat to Debt Relief in Africa: A Call to Action at the G8 and Beyond. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FEDERAL GULF COAST REBUILDING EFFORTS Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing on The Role of the Department of Homeland Security in Gulf Coast Rebuilding and Recovery Efforts. Testimony was heard from Bryan McDonald, Director, Office of Recovery and Renewal, State of Mississippi; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--INTERNET TAX FREEDOM ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Laws held an oversight hearing on the Internet Tax Freedom Act: Internet Tax Moratorium. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1943, Stop AIDS in Prison Act of 2007; and H.R. 1199, Drug Endangered Children Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Cardoza; RADM Newton E. Kendig, M.D., USN, Assistant Director, Health Services Division, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice; Devon Brown, Director, Department of Corrections, District of Columbia; and public witnesses. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law held a hearing on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Perspectives from Faith-Based and Immigration Communities. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE BOUNDARY REVISION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1100, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Boundary Revision Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. All points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Grijalva and Shuler. FEDERAL RAILROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2095, Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007. [Page: D727] COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the Challenges Facing the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Testimony was heard from William P. Greene, Jr., Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; James P. Terry, Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans' organizations. MEDICARE FEE-FOR-SERVICE PLANS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Medicare Advantage Private Fee-For-Service Plans. Testimony was heard from Abby L. Block, Center for Beneficiary Choice, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Sean Dilweg, Commissioner of Insurance, State of Wisconsin; and public witnesses. GLOBAL WARMING--ECONOMIC IMPACTS Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "Economic Impacts of Global Warming: Green Collar Jobs." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/05/23 Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 23, 2007; pages D731 - D742 Committee Meetings ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2008. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations for fiscal year 2008. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2347, amended, Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007; H.R. 1980, Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2007; H.R. 1982, amended, Rural Housing and Economic Development Act of 2007; H.R. 2139, amended, FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2007. The Committee began mark up of H.R. 1851, Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 885, amended, International Nuclear Fuel for Peace and Nonproliferation Act 2007; H.R. 2446, Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2007; H.R. 2420, amended, International Climate Cooperation Re-Engagement Act of 2007. The Committee also favorably considered the following resolutions and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the Suspension Calendar: S. 676, To provide that the Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank or the Alternate Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank may serve on the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation; H. Con. Res. 21, amended, Calling on the United Nations Security Council to charge Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the United Nations Charter because of his calls for the destruction of the State of Israel; H. Con. Res. 80, amended, Calling on the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to recommit to a political solution to the conflict in northern Uganda and to recommence vital peace talks, and urging immediate and substantial support for the ongoing peace process from the United States and the international community; H. Con. Res. 151, amended, Noting the disturbing pattern of killings of dozens of independent journalists in Russia over the last decade, and calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to authorize cooperation with outside investigators in solving these murders; H. Con. Res. 152, Relating to the 40th anniversary of the reunification of the City of Jerusalem; H. Res. 137, amended, Honoring the life and six decades of public service of Jacob Birnbaum and especially his commitment freeing Soviet Jews from religious, cultural and communal extinction; H. Res. 226, amended, To recognize John Pehle for his contributions to the Nation in helping rescue Jews and other minorities from the Holocaust during World War II; H. Res. 233, amended, Recognizing over 200 years of sovereignty of the Principality of Liechtenstein, and expressing support for efforts by the United States to continue to strengthen its relationship with that country; H. Res. 295, amended, Recognizing the strong alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States and expressing appreciation to the Republic of Korea for its efforts in the global war against terrorism; H. Res. 395, Supporting the ideals and values of the Olympic movement; H. Res. 397, amended, Condemning violence in Estonia and attacks on Estonia's embassies in 2007, and expressing solidarity with the Government and the people of Estonia; H. Res. 412, amended, Expressing gratitude to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, for their State Visit to the United States and reaffirming the friendship that exists between the United States and the United Kingdom; H. Res. 418, Recognizing and welcoming the delegation of Presidents, Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers from the Caribbean to Washington, D.C., and commending the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for holding the Conference on the Caribbean; H. Res. 222, Calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to use its unique influence and economic leverage to stop genocide and violence in Darfur, Sudan; and H. Res. 430, amended, Calling on the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately release Dr. Haleh Esfandiari. [Page: D738] U.S. AID TO PALESTINIANS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on U.S. Assistance to the Palestinians. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: C. David Welch, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; LTG Keith W. Dayton, U.S. Security Coordinator; and Mark Ward, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, U.S. Agency for International Development. U.S. AGRICULTURE SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "Reducing Threats to Our Nation's Agriculture: Authorizing a Bio and Agro-Defense Facility." Testimony was heard from John Vitko, M.D., Head, Chemical and Biological Division, Science and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; and the following officials of the USDA: Edward Knipling, M.D., Administrator, Agricultural Research Service; and Kevin Shea, Assistant Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. U.S. ATTORNEYS INVESTIGATION Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing to continue investigation into the U.S. Attorneys Controversy and Related Matters. Testimony was heard from Monica Goodling, former Senior Counsel to the Attorney General and White House Liaison, Department of Justice. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law continued hearings on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Becoming Americans--U.S. Immigrant Integration. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ENERGY POLICY REFORM Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Walter Cruickshank, Deputy Director, Mineral Management Service; and Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management; Michael M. Simpson, Deputy Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, U.S. Forest Service, USDA; Vickie VanZandt, Senior Vice President, Transmission Business Line, Bonneville Power Administration, Department of Energy; Timothy R. E. Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. CLIMATE PROTECTION OPPORTUNITIES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Achievements and Opportunities for Climate Protection under the Montreal Protocol. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. WEAPONIZING SPACE Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Weaponizing Space: Is Current U.S. Policy Protecting Our National Security? Testimony was heard from MG James B. Armor, Jr., USAF, Director, National Security Space Office, Department of Defense; Donald Mahley, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Threat Reduction, Department of State; and public witnesses. PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007 Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a rule providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2206, Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. The rule makes in order a motion by the chairman of the Committee of Appropriations to concur in the Senate amendment with each of the two House amendments printed in this report. The rule waives all points of order against the motion and provides that the Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read. The rule provides one hour of debate on the motion equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule also provides that the Chair shall divide the question of adoption of the motion between the two House amendments and if both amendments are adopted, they will be engrossed into a single amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2206. The rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the motion to a time designated by the Speaker. [Page: D739] The rule further provides that during consideration in the Committee of the Whole of a bill making FY08 supplemental appropriations for military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan, before consideration of any other amendment, it shall be in order to consider an amendment only proposing to add to the bill the text of H.R. 2451. Such amendment shall be considered as read and shall not be amendable or divisible. All points of order against such amendment are waived except clause 9 of rule XXI. The rule provides that section 4(a) of the resolution does not apply to a regular FY08 Department of Defense appropriations bill. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey. LOBBYING TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2007; HONEST LEADERSHIP AND OPEN GOVERNMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 4, a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2317, Lobbying Transparency Act of 2007 and H.R. 2316, Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007. With respect to H.R. 2317, the rule provides a closed rule with one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary, modified by the amendment printed in part A of the report, shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as modified, shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. With respect to H.R. 2316, the rule provides a structured rule with one hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule considers as an original bill for the purpose of further amendment the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary. The committee amendment shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment except for those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order those amendments printed in part B of the report and waives all points of order against such amendments except for those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule permits the Chair, during consideration of either H.R. 2317 or H.R. 2316, to postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Finally the rule amends the Rules of the House governing Member and staff attendance at charitable events. Testimony was heard from Chairman Conyers and Representatives Jackson Lee of Texas, Cardoza, Kaptur, Abercrombie, Moore of Kansas, Smith of Texas, Dreier, Wolf, Castle, English, Terry, Flake, Kirk, Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida, and Gingrey. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 364, amended, To provide for the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy; H.R. 1467, 10,000 Trained by 2010 Act; H.R. 1716, amended, Green Energy Education Act of 2007; and H.R. 632, amended, H-Prize Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2359, SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007; H.R. 2366, SBA Veterans' Programs Act of 2007; H.R. 2284, To amend the Small Business Act to expand and improve the assistance provided by Small Business Development Centers to Indian tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians; H.R. 2397, SBA Women's Business Programs Act of 2007; and H.R. 2389, Small Energy Efficient Businesses Act. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported H.R. 2011, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 100 East 8th Avenue in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as the "George Howard, Jr., Federal Building and United States Courthouse." The Committee also approved the following: General Services Administration Capital Investment Resolutions, as amended; and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Survey Resolutions. IRS USE OF PRIVATE COLLECTION FIRMS Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on IRS's Private Debt Collection. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the IRS, Department of the Treasury: Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate; and Kevin M. Brown, Acting Commissioner; Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, GAO; and public witnesses. [Page: D740] BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/05/24 Daily Digest - Thursday, May 24, 2007; pages D743 - D752 Committee Meetings FARM BILL EXTENSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2419, Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. IRAQI POLICE TRAINING Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on training and development of the Iraqi police service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: COL Richard Swengros, USA, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Army Military Police School; COL Robert J. Coates, USMC, Assistant Chief of Staff, Training and Experimentation Group, First Marine Expeditionary; and LTC Robert E. McCarthy, USMC, Executive Officer, Fifth Marine Regiment. WORKPLACE SAFETY/OSHA COVERAGE Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on Workplace Safety: Why Do Millions of Workers Remain Without OSHA Coverage? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ISSUES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Legislative Hearing on Discussion Drafts Concerning Energy Efficiency, Smart Electricity Grid, Energy Policy Act of 2005 Title XVII Loan Guarantees, and Standby Loans for Coal-to-Liquids Projects." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: David Rodgers, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency; and Katherine A. Fredriksen, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Policy and International Affairs; and public witnesses. SECTION 8 VOUCHER REFORM ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1851, Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007. [Page: D750] INTERNATIONAL FOOD AID PROGRAMS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on International Food Aid Programs: Options To Enhance Effectiveness. Testimony was heard from William P. Hammink, Director, Office of Food for Peace, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State; Thomas Melito, Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; and public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was briefed by Luis Eduardo Sitoe, Counselor Commercial, Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique. VISA WAIVER PROGRAM Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on expanding the Visa Waiver Program, Enhancing Transatlantic Relations. Testimony was heard from Stephen A. Edson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Visa Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State; and Nathan A. Sales, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Policy Development, Office of Policy, Department of Homeland Security. OPIC REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade held a hearing on the Reauthorization of OPIC. Testimony was heard from Robert Mosbacher, Jr., President and CEO, OPIC; and public witnesses. NATIONAL GUARD'S DOMESTIC READINESS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight held a hearing entitled "Examining the Impact of Equipment Shortages on the National Guard's Readiness for Homeland Security Missions." Testimony was heard from LTG H. Steven Blum, Chief, National Guard Bureau; Department of Defense; MG Roger P. Lempke, Adjutant General, Nebraska; MG C. Mark Bowen, Adjutant General, Alabama; and MG Robert P. French, Deputy Adjutant General, Army, Joint Forces Headquarters, National Guard, Pennsylvania. IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Labor Movement Perspectives. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. KIDS AND THE OUTDOORS Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans and the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a joint oversight hearing on No Child Left Inside: Reconnecting Kids with the Outdoors. Testimony was heard from James Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary, Department of the Interior; Gail Kimbell, Chief, Forest Service, USDA; Gina McCarthy, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection State of Connecticut; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 31, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Wastewater and Recycled Water Facilities Act of 2007; and H.R. 1526, Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Authorization Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Robert Quint, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; Nancy Parent, Councilmember, Pittsburg, California; and public witnesses. U.S. MILITARY MENTAL HEALTH Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Invisible Casualties: The Incidence and Treatment of Mental Health Problems by the U.S. Military. Testimony was heard from Thomas Insel, Director, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services; from the following officials of the Department of Defense: MG Galle Pollock, USA, Army Surgeon General; Michael E. Kilpatrick, Deputy Director, Deployment Health Support; and public witnesses. NASA'S VIDEO RECORDS DESTRUCTION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on the NASA Administrator's Speech to Office of Inspector General Staff, the Subsequent Destruction of Video Records, and Associated Matters. Testimony was heard from the following officials of NASA: Evelyn R. Klemstine, Assistant Inspector General, Auditing; Kevin Winters, Assistant Inspector general, Investigations; Paul Morrell, Chief of Staff, Office of the Administrator; and Michael Wholley, General Counsel. SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH COVERAGE Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Expanding Small Business Health Insurance Coverage Using the Private Reinsurance Market." Testimony was heard from Leonard D. Crouse, Deputy Commissioner, Captive Insurance Division, Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration, State of Vermont; and public witnesses. [Page: D751] PUBLIC-PRIVATE HIGHWAY/TRANSIT PARTNERSHIPS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on Public-Private Partnerships: State and User Perspectives. Testimony was heard from Edward G. Rendell, Governor, State of Pennsylvania; Alan Lowenthal, Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing, State of California; Terri J. Austin, Chair, House Committee on Roads and Transportation, State of Indiana; and public witnesses. AFFORDABLE HOUSING TAX INCENTIVES Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a hearing on Tax Incentives for Affordable Housing. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Desmond, Tax Legislative Counsel, Department of the Treasury; Orlando J. Cabrera, Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Shaun Donovan, Commissioner, Department of Housing Preservation and Development, City of New York; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--SITUATION IN LEBANON Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on the Situation in Lebanon. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. BRIEFING--DNI Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management met in executive session to receive a briefing on DNI. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/05/25 Daily Digest - Friday, May 25, 2007; pages D753 - D756 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/06/04 Daily Digest - Monday, June 4, 2007; pages D758 - D764 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/06/05 Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 5, 2007 Committee Meetings HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS; SUBALLOCATION OF BUDGET ALLOCATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008; REVISED SUBALLOCATION OF BUDGET ALLOCATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2007 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported, as amended, the Homeland Security Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. The Committee also approved the following: Report on the Suballocation of Budget Allocations Fiscal Year 2008; and the Report on the Revised Suballocation of Budget Allocations Fiscal Year 2007. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government approved for full Committee action the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs approved for full Committee action the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE COOPERATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on Ensuring Collective Bargaining Rights for First Responders: H.R. 980, Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Kildee; Wayne Seybold, Mayor, Marion, Indiana; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS OCEANS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H. Con. Res. 147, Recognizing 200 years of research, service to the people of the United States, and stewardship of the marine environment by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its predecessor agencies; H. Res. 186, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Clean Beaches Week and recognizing the considerable value of American beaches and their role in American culture; H.R. 1834, To authorize the national ocean exploration program and the national undersea research program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and H.R. 2400, Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act. Testimony was heard from Craig McLean, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Programs and Administration, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. AFGHANISTAN FREEDOM AND SECURITY SUPPORT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 2446, Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI and provides that the bill shall be considered as read. No amendments shall be in order except those printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against such amendments except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Lantos and Representatives Jackson-Lee of Texas, Costa, Terry and Franks of Arizona. ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN REDUCING ILLEGAL FILESHARING Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on the Role of Technology in Reducing Illegal Filesharing: A University Perspective. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SARBANES-OXLEY COMPLIANCE SMALL BUSINESS COSTS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404: Will the SEC's and PCAOB's New Standards Lower Compliance Costs for Small Companies? Testimony was heard from Christopher Cox, Chairman, SEC; and public witnesses. 2007/06/06 Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 6, 2007; pages D774 - D784 Committee Meetings FARM BILL EXTENSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2419, Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES AND MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS AND RELATED APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008: Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies; and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch approved for full Committee action the Legislative Branch Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. DOD'S BODY ARMOR PROGRAMS Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Department of Defense body armor programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG N. Ross Thompson III, USA, Military Deputy/Director, Army Acquisition Corps, Office of the Assistant Secretary (Acquisition , Logistics, and Technology); BG Mark Brown, USA, Program Executive Officer, U.S. Army; Roger Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Littoral and Mine Warfare, Department of the Navy; COL Ed Smith, USMC, Product Group Director, Combat Equipment and Support Systems, U.S. Marine Corps; Douglas D. Thomas, Executive Director, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Air Force; and COL Kevin Noonan, USA, Program Executive Office--Special Operations Forces--Warrior, U.S. Special Operations Command; William M. Solis, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management Team, GAO; and public witnesses. NAVY BOAT BARRIERS PROCUREMENT Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on procurement of Navy boat barriers. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Department of the Navy: Tomas Betro, Director; and Cathy Riddick-Brown, Deputy Assistant Director, Acquisition and Logistics; and James A. Williams, Commissioner, Federal Acquisition Service, GSA. CHILD PRODUCT SAFETY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing on measures to Improve Consumer Product Safety for Children, H.R. 2474, To provide for an increased maximum civil penalty for violations under the Consumer Product Safety Act; H.R. 1699, Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act; H.R. 814, Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act; and H.R. 1721, Pool and Spa Safety Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CHINA FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR REFORM Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "U.S. Interests in Reform of China's Financial Services Sector." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. REAUTHORIZATION--NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act." Testimony was heard from Orlando J. Cabrera, Assistant Secretary, Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses. [Page: D781] U.S.-NORTH AFRICA POLICY CHALLENGERS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on U.S. Policy Challenges in North Africa. Testimony was heard from C. David Welch, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State. TUBERCULOSIS INCIDENT RESPONSE Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The XDR Tuberculosis Incident: A Poorly Coordinated Federal Response to an Incident with Homeland Implications." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Jeffrey Runge, M.D., Chief Medical Officer; W. Ralph Basham, Commissioner, and Jayson P. Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, both with Customs and Border Protection; Julie Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. NATIONAL BIO AND AGRO-DEFENSE FACILITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1717, To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a National Bio and Agro-defense Facility. COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM; RULES OF PROCEDURE PRIVATE IMMIGRATION BILLS AND PRIVATE CLAIMS BILLS; POLICY ON GRANTING CHARTERS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law, to continue hearings on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Business Community Perspectives. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. The Subcommittee also continued hearings on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Government Perspectives on Immigration Statistics. Testimony was heard from Representatives Crowley and Rohrabacher; Ron Bird, Chief Economist and Director, Office of Economic Policy and Analysis, Department of Labor; Michael Hoefer, Director. Office of Immigration Statistics, Department of Homeland Security; Charles Oppenheim, Chief, Visa Control and Reporting Division, Department of State; and Ruth Ellen Wasem, Specialist in Immigration Policy, CRS, Library of Congress. The Subcommittee also adopted the following: Rules of Procedure and Statement of Policy for Private Immigration Bills; Rules of Procedure for Private Claims Bills, and the Subcommittee's Policy on the Granting of Federal Charters. ENERGY POLICY REFORM AND REVITALIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Natural Resources: Began markup of H.R. 2337, Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow. FDA'S DRUG SAFETY EVALUATION OF AVANDIA Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on FDA's Role in the Evaluation of Avandia's Safety. Testimony was heard from Andrew C. Von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. STEM CELL RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2006 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate on S. 5, Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and its consideration except those arising under close 10 of rule XXI. The bill shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to commit. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representative DeGette and Weldon of Florida. LUMBEE RECOGNITION ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate in the House on H.R. 65, Lumbee Recognition Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in the report, shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points of order against the bill, as amended, and provides that the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Faleomavaega, McIntyre. Schuler and Shays. [Page: D782] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment approved for full Committee action, as amended the following bills: H.R. 906, Global Change Research and Data Management Act of 2007; H.R. 2304, Advanced Geothermal Energy Research and Development Act of 2007; and H.R. 2313, Marine Renewable Energy Research and Development Act of 2007. STEM EDUCATION PROGRAMS Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on STEM Education Programs. Testimony was heard from Cora Marrett, Assistant Director, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, NSF; Joyce Winterton, Assistant Administrator, Office of Education, NASA; Bruce Fuchs, Director, Office of Science Education, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services; and William Valdez, Director, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists, Office of Science, Department of Energy. DATA SECURITY Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Finance and Tax held a hearing on Data Security: Small Business Perspectives. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NTSB AVIATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on the National Transportation Safety Board's Most Wanted Aviation Safety Improvements. Testimony was heard from Mark V. Rosenker, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; Margaret Gilligan, Associate Administrator, Aviation Safety, FAA, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. 2007/06/07 Daily Digest - Thursday, June 7, 2007; pages D786 - D796 Committee Meetings FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM INTEGRITY AND EFFICACY Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing to review the integrity and efficacy of the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Eldon Gould, Administrator, Risk Management Agency; and Kathleen S. Tighe, Deputy Inspector General; Robert A. Robinson, Managing Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses. FARM BILL EXTENSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2419, Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. TEMPORARY FOREIGN LABOR RECRUITMENT AND EMPLOYMENT Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Protecting U.S. and Guest Workers: the Recruitment and Employment of Temporary Foreign Labor. Testimony was heard from Ray Marshall, former Secretary of Labor; and public witnesses. [Page: D790] ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing on Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Act: Current and Prospective Flexibility Under No Child Left Behind. Testimony was heard from Rick Melmer, Secretary, Department of Education, State of South Dakota; Kathleen Strauss, President, Board of Education, State of Michigan; Carol Johnson, Superintendent, Memphis City Schools, Memphis, State of Tennessee; and public witnesses. ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND VEHICLES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled "Legislative Hearing on Discussion Draft Concerning Alternative Fuels, Infrastructure, and Vehicles." Testimony was heard from Alexander A. Karsner, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy; Robert J. Meyers, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA; and public witnesses. INDIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on H.R. 1328, Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2007. Testimony was heard from Charles W. Grim, D.D.S., Assistant Surgeon General, Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. IMPROVING CREDIT CARD PROTECTION Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled "Improving Credit Card Consumer Protection: Recent Industry and Regulatory Initiatives." Testimony was heard from Frederic Mishkin, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: John Dugan, Comptroller of the Currency; and John Reich, Director, Office Thrift Supervision; Sheila Bair, Chairman, FDIC; Jo Ann Johnson, Chairman, National Credit Union Administration; and public witnesses. NIGERIA AT A CROSSROADS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on Nigeria at a Crossroads: Elections, Legitimacy and a Way Forward. Testimony was heard from Jendayi Frazer, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. SECURE BORDER INITIATIVE NETWORK Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "Project 28: The Future of SBInet." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Chief David V. Aguilar, Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Gregory Giddens, Executive Director, Secure Border Initiative; and a public witness. DOMESTIC SURVEILLANCE CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITATIONS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held an oversight hearing on the Constitutional Limitations on Domestic Surveillance. Testimony was heard from Steven G. Bradbury, Assistant Attorney General, Office of General Counsel, Department of Justice; Louis Fisher, American Law Division, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. BAIL BOND FORFEITURES/COURT SECURITY IMPROVEMENT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security approved for full Committee action H.R. 660, Court Security Improvement Act of 2007. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 2286, To amend title 18, United States Code, and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure with respect to bail bond forfeitures. Testimony was head from Representatives Wexler, and Keller; Tommy E. Miller, Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern, Virginia; and a public witness. ENERGY POLICY REFORM AND REVITALIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Natural Resources: Continued markup of H.R. 2337, Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007. Will continue June 13. NATIONAL LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION SYSTEM ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on H.R. 2016, National Landscape Conservation System Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Bono and Moran of Virginia; Elena Daly, Director, National Landscape Conservation System, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation; and public witnesses. D.C. AUTONOMY Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia held a hearing on D.C. Autonomy. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the District of Columbia: Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor; Vincent Gray, Chairman, City Council; Natwar Gandhi, Chief Financial Officer; and Brian Flowers, General Counsel, City Council; and public witnesses. [Page: D791] FEDERAL IT SECURITY Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives and the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement held a joint hearing on Federal IT Security: The Future for FISMA. Testimony was heard from Karen S. Evans, Administrator, Office of E-Government and Information Technology, OMB; Gregory C. Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues, GAO; Vance Hitch, Chief Information Officer, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. DARFUR AND THE OLYMPICS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Darfur and the Olympics: A Call for International Action. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. WEATHER SATELLITE PROGRAM Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on NPOESS, Weather Satellite Program. Testimony was heard from David Powner, Director, Information Technology Management Issues, GAO; BG Sue Mashiko, USAF, Program Executive Officer for Environmental Monitoring, Department of the Air Force; John Marburger III, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy. FAMILY FARMERS/RURAL SMALL BUSINESS PRIORITIES Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Family Farmer and Rural Small Business Priorities for 2007 Farm Bill. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CONGESTION AND MOBILITY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on Congestion and Mobility. Testimony was heard from Jeffrey N. Shane, Under Secretary for Policy, Department of Transportation; Peggy Catlin, Deputy Executive Director, Department of Transportation, State of Colorado; Craig Stone, Deputy Administrator, Urban Corridors, Department of Transportation, State of Washington; and a public witness. SPECIALLY ADAPTIVE HOUSING Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on Specially Adaptive Housing. Testimony was heard from Keith Pedigo, Director, Loan Guaranty Service, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION SYSTEMS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on Employment Eligibility Verification Systems. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the SSA: Frederick G. Streckewald, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Program Policy Office of Disability and Income Security Programs; and Steve Schaeffer, Assistant Inspector General, Office of Audit; Richard Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--SECURITY CLEARANCE PROCESS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management met in executive session to receive a briefing on Security Clearance Process. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/06/08 Daily Digest - Friday, June 8, 2007; pages D797 - D798 Committee Meetings INTERNET GAMBLING REGULATION Committee on Financial Services, Held a hearing entitled "Can Internet Gambling Be Effectively Regulated to Protect Consumers and the Payments System?" Testimony was heard from public witnesses. HOT WEATHER GASOLINE MEASURING STANDARDS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on Hot Fuels: Big Oil's Double Standard for Measuring Gasoline. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CAPITOL VISITORS CENTER Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on What Visitors Can Expect at the Capitol Visitors Center: Transportation, Access, Security, and Visuals. Testimony was heard from Stephen Ayers, Acting Architect of the Capitol; Phillip Morse, Chief of Police, U.S. Capitol Police; Bernard Ungar, Director, Physical Infrastructure, GAO; Leslie Shepherd, Chief Architect, GSA; Emeka Moneme, Director, Department of Transportation, District of Columbia; and Marshall Purnell, President, American Institute of Architects. EPA GREENHOUSE GAS REGULATION Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "Massachusetts v. U.S. EPA: Implications of the Supreme Court Verdict." Testimony was heard from Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator, EPA; Nicole Nason, Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation; Jerry Brown, Attorney General, State of California; and Martha Coakley, Attorney General, State of Massachusetts. [Page: D798] 2007/06/11 Daily Digest - Monday, June 11, 2007; page D799 - D804 Committee Meetings FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported as amended, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. TRANSPORTATION, AND HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008 HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 10 to 0, an open rule providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2638) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the Congressional Record. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Price of North Carolina and Rogers of Kentucky. 2007/06/12 Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 12, 2007; pages D806 - D814 Committee Meetings STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008; REVISED SUBALLOCATIONS OF BUDGET ALLOCATIONS FISCAL BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported amended the following appropriations for fiscal year 2008: State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; and Legislative Branch. The Committee also approved Revised Suballocation of Budget Allocations, Fiscal Year 2008. SECURITY FORCES Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on the development of the Iraqi Security Forces. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG Martin Dempsey, USA, Commander, Multi-National Security Transition Command--Iraq; and Mark T. Kimmit, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs, Office of the Secretary. SUPREME COURT'S EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION DECISION Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing entitled "Justice Denied? The Implications of the Supreme Court's Ledbetter v. Goodyear Employment Discrimination Decision." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. HEALTH LEGISLATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Discussion Drafts concerning Prescription Drug User Fee Act Reauthorization, Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act Reauthorization, Drug Safety, and Certain Pediatric Pharmaceutical and Device legislation. Testimony was heard from Randall L. Lutter, Associate Commissioner, Policy and Planning, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. CAMP LEJEUNE CONTAMINATED DRINKING WATER Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Poisoned Patriots: Contaminated Drinking Water at Camp Lejeune." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: MG Robert C. Dickerson, Jr., USMC, Commanding General, Camp Lejeune; and Pat Leonard, Director. Office of The Judge Advocate General, Claims, Investigations, Department of the Navy; Thomas Sinks, Deputy Director, National Center for Environmental Health/ATSDR, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Department of Health and Human Services; the following officials of the EPA: Peter J. Murtha, Director, Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics, and Training, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance; and Franklin Hill, Director, Superfund Division; Marcia G. Crosse, Director, Public Health and Military Health Care Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. FLOOD INSURANCE REFORM AND MODERNIZATIONS ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing on H.R. 1682, Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Edward L. Connor, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Insurance, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight of the Committee on Homeland Security held a joint hearing on National Flood Insurance Program: Issues Exposed by the 2005 Hurricanes. Testimony was heard from Matt Jadacki, Deputy Inspector General, Disaster Assistance Oversight, Department of Homeland Security; and Orice M. Williams, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO. MANDATORY ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on the Mandatory Arbitration Agreements: Are They Fair For Consumers? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. EMMETT TILL UNSOLVED CIVIL RIGHTS CRIME ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberty Liberties and the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a joint hearing on H.R. 923, Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act. Testimony was heard from Grace Chung Becker, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. EMMETT TILL UNSOLVED CIVIL RIGHTS CRIME ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 923, Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act. [Page: D811] BAIL BOND FAIRNESS ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security approved for full Committee action H.R. 2286, Bail Bond Fairness Act of 2007. WATER RECYCLING MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 31, Elisnore Valley Municipal Water District Wastewater and Recycled Water Facilities Act of 2007; H.R. 716, amended, Santa Rosa Urban Water Reuse Plan Act; H.R. 1462, Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and Pathfinder Modification Authorization Act; H.R. 1503, amended, Avra/Black Wash Reclamation and Riparian Restoration Project; H.R. 1526, amended, Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Authorization Act of 2007; and H.R. 1725, Rancho California Water District Recycled Water Reclamation Facility Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 2635, amended, Carbon-Neutral Government Act of 2007; H.R. 404, amended, Federal Customer Service Enhancement Act; H.R. 2127, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 408 West 6th Street in Chelsea, Oklahoma, as the "Clem Rogers McSpadden Post Office Building;" H.R. 2309, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3916 Milgen Road in Columbus, Georgia, as the " Frank G. Lumpkin, Jr. Post Office Building;" S. 1352, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 127 East Locust Street in Fairbury, Illinois, as the "Dr. Frances Townsend Post Office Building;" H. Con. Res. 87, Supporting the goals and ideals of a world day of remembrance for road crash victims; H. Res. 361, Recognizing and Honoring Jack Valenti and expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to his family on his death; H. Con. Res. 155, Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of Congress that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future; H. Con. Res. 148, Recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month; H. Res. 189, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" should be established; H. Res. 257, Supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month; H. Con. Res. 142, Expressing the sense of the Congress that there should be established a National Pet Week; H.R. 2570, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 301 Boardwalk Drive in Fort Collins, Colorado, as the "Dr. Karl E. Carson Post Office Building;" and H.R. 2563, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 309 East Linn Street in Marshalltown, Iowa, as the "Major Scott Nisley Post Office." ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 2641, making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority recognition to Members who have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Visclosky and Hobson. MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2642) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the Congressional Record. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Farr and Wicker. [Page: D812] RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT GLOBALIZATION Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on the Globalization of R&D and Innovation. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. DUPONT AEROSPACE DP-2 AIRCRAFT Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on the duPont Aerospace DP-2 Aircraft. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: John Kinzer, DP-2 Program Manager, Office of Naval Research, Department of the Navy; and LTC Michael Tremper, USAF, Defense Contract Management Agency; and public witnesses. COAST GUARD DEEPWATER PROGRAM UPDATE Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Deepwater: 120-Day Update. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: ADM Thad W. Allen, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard; and Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General. AMTRAK STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Amtrak Strategic Initiatives. Testimony was heard from the following officials of AMTRAK: David Laney, Chairman, Board of Directors; and Alexander Kummant, President and CEO. VA SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE BONUSES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on the process of awarding SES bonuses at the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Testimony was heard from Christopher Mihm, Managing Director, Strategic Management Team, GAO; Gordon Mansfield, Deputy Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs; and a public witness. HEALTH CARE SERVICES EFFECTIVENESS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Strategies to Increase Information on Comparative Clinical Effectiveness. Testimony was heard from Representative Allen; Carolyn M. Clancy, M..D., Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Department of Health and Human Services; Peter R. Orszag, Director, CBO; Mark Miller, Executive Director, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--ICM Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management met in executive session to receive a briefing on ICM. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL TERRORISM: OVERSEAS THREATS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to hold a hearing on Chemical/Biological Terrorism: Overseas Threats. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/06/13 Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 13, 2007; pages D816 - D822 Committee Meetings CHINA SECURITY DEVELOPMENTS Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on China: Recent Security Developments. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Richard P. Lawless, Deputy Under Secretary, Asia-Pacific Affairs; and MG Philip M. Breedlove, USAF, Vice Director, Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Chiefs of Staff COLLEGE COST REDUCTION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2669, College Cost Reduction Act of 2007. FEDERAL FINANCIAL CONSUMER PROTECTION Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on Improving Federal Consumer Protection in Financial Services. Testimony was heard from Randall S. Kroszner, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: John C. Dugan, Comptroller of the Currency; and Scott M. Polakoff, Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer, Office of Thrift Supervision; Sheila C. Bair, Chairman, FDIC; Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman, FTC; Tom Miller, Attorney General, State of Iowa; and a public witness. UN PEACEKEEPING FORCES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on U.N. Peacekeeping Forces: A Force Multiplier for the U.S.? Testimony was heard from former Senator Timothy E. Wirth, State of Colorado; James Dobbins, former Assistant Secretary, Europe, Department of State; Joseph A. Christoff, Director, International Affairs and Trade Team, GAO; and a public witness. SOUTH KOREA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade held a hearing on the United States-South Korea FTA: The Foreign Policy Implications. Testimony was heard from Karan K. Bhatia, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; and Christopher R. Hill, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State. CITIZEN/COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing entitled "Citizen Preparedness: Helping Our Communities Help Themselves." Testimony was heard from Corey Gruber, Acting Deputy Administrator, National Preparedness, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; SUBPOENAS; RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR PRIVATE IMMIGRATION AND CLAIMS BILLS Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 923, amended, Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act; H.R. 660, amended, Court Security Improvement Act of 2007, and H.R. 2286, Bail Bond Fairness Act of 2007. The Committee served subpoenas to the following: Harriet Miers, to appear before the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law; and to Josh Bolten, Chief of Staff, White House, for documents concerning the U.S. Attorneys and the politicizing of the Department of Justice. The Committee also approved the following: Rules of Procedure and Statement of Policy for Private Immigration bills; and Rules of Procedure for Private Claims Bills. ENERGY POLICY REFORM AND REVITALIZATION ACT OF 2007; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2337, Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007. The Committee also held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 673, Cocopah Lands Act; H.R. 1575, Burt Lake Band of Ottoawa and Chippewa Indians Reaffirmation Act; and H.R. 2120, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to proclaim as reservation for the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians a parcel of land now held in trust by the United States for that Indian tribe. Testimony was heard from Representative Stupak; George Skibine, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. GSA--CONTINUING ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Continuing Allegations of Misconduct at the GSA. Testimony was heard from Lurita A. Dean, Administrator, GSA. [Page: D820] INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS, FY 2008 Commitee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Dicks and Representative Tiahrt, but action was deferred on H.R. 2643, Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 2304, Advanced Geothermal Energy Research and Development Act of 2007 and H.R. 2313, Marine Renewable Energy Research and Development Act of 2007. U.S. TRADE POLICY AND SMALL BUSINESS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on U.S. Trade Policy and Small Business. Testimony was heard from Tiffany M. Moore, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison; Israel Hernandez, Assistant Secretary, Trade Promotion and Director General, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce; W. Kirk Miller, Associate Administrator and General Sales Manager, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA; Richard Ginsburg, Acting Assistant Administrator, International Trade, SBA; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/06/14 Daily Digest - Thursday, June 14, 2007; pages D823 - D830 Committee Meetings FARM BILL EXTENSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2419, Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. U.S. TRANS-ATLANTIC RELATIONSHIP Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Deal or No Deal: The State of the Trans-Atlantic Relationship. Testimony was heard from former Secretary of State Lawrence S. Eagleburger. U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY DOUBLE STANDARD Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Operations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on Is There a Human Rights Double Standard? U.S. Policy Toward Saudi Arabia, Iran and Uzbekistan. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. HOMEGROWN TERRORISM PREVENTION Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Assessing and Addressing the Threat: Defining the Role of a National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. GAO ENGAGEMENT PLAN Committee on House Administration: Election Task Force approved a motion to adopt the GAO engagement plan with a target date of July 27, 2007. The engagement plan as approved is a plan to determine to what extent voting machines could have contributed to the large undervote in Florida's 13th Congressional District in the 2006 General Election, and to ascertain whether additional testing is needed to determine whether the voting systems contributed to the undervote. FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on H.R. 2102, Free Flow of Information Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Rachel Brand, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 442, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating the Wolf House, located in Norfolk, Arkansas, as a unit of the National Park System; H.R. 761, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretative Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Inc. certain Federal land associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in Nebraska, to be used as a historical interpretive site along the trail; H.R. 1625, Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 1835, Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act; and H.R. 2197, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park Boundary Adjustment Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives LaHood, Berry, Schiff, Sherman, Fortenberry and Space; William Shaddox, Acting Associate Director, Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands, National Park Service, Department of the Interior. [Page: D828] FEDERAL BIOFUELS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on A Path Toward the Broader Use of Biofuels: Enhancing the Federal Commitment to Research and Development to Meet Growing Needs. Testimony was heard from Thomas Foust, Director, Biofuels Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. FAA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics approved for full Committee action H.R. 2698, Federal Aviation Research and Development Act of 2007. SBA's MICROLOAN PROGRAM Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the SBA's Microloan Program. Testimony was heard from James Tasker, Deputy Associate Administrator, Capital Access, SBA; and public witnesses. FEDERAL RAILROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT; TRANSPORTATION ENERGY SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2095, Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act. The Committee began consideration of H.R. 2701, Transportation Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation Act of 2007, but further proceedings were postponed until June 21st. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee Health held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1448, VA Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2007; H.R. 1853, Jose Medina Veterans' Affairs Police Training Act of 2007; H.R. 1925, To direct the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs to establish a separate Veterans' Integrated Service Network for the Gulf Coast region of the United States; H.R. 2005, Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 2172, Amputee Veterans Assistance Act; H.R. 2173, To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize additional funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase the capacity for provision of mental health service through contracts with community Mental health centers; H.R. 2219, Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline Act of 2007; H.R. 2192, To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an Ombudsman within the Department of Veterans' Affairs; and draft and discussion on Mental Health and Homelessness. Testimony was heard from Representatives Herseth Sandlin; Rodriguez, Moran of Virginia; Watson, Reyes, Salazar, Miller of Florida, Hodes, and Lowey; Michael J. Kussman, M.D., Under Secretary, Health, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. U.S. WORKER COMPETITIVENESS Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Promoting U.S. Worker Competitiveness in a Globalized Economy. Testimony was heard from Representative Smith of Washington; Sigurd R. Nilsen, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; Mason M. Bishop, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor; David R. Williams, Director, Electronic Tax Administration and Refundable Credits, IRS, Department of the Treasury; Tammy Flynn, Trade Adjustment Assistance Coordinator, Bureau of Workforce Programs, Department of Labor and Economic Growth, State of Michigan; Curtis Morrow, Workforce Development Unit Manager, Employment Security Commission, State of North Carolina; and public witnesses. FISA Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on FISA. Testimony was heard from James B. Comey, former Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice. [Page: D829] 2007/06/15 Daily Digest - Friday, June 15, 2007; pages D831 - D840 Committee Meetings PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on H.R. 1424, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Kennedy and Ramstad; and public witnesses. SMITHSONIAN/KENNEDY CENTER OVERSIGHT Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, hearing on Public and Private Responsibility for Maintaining Our National Treasures: The Smithsonian Institution and the John F. Kennedy Center. Testimony was heard from Cristian Samper, Acting Secretary, Smithsonian Institution; and Michael Kaiser, President, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2007/06/18 Daily Digest - Monday, June 18, 2007; pages D842 - D848 Committee Meetings No Committee meetings were held. 2007/06/19 Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 19, 2007; pages D850 - D858 Committee Meetings FARM BILL EXTENSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2419, Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. GENDER EQUITY IN EDUCATION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness held a hearing on Building on the Success of 35 Years of Title IX. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. HEALTH MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee action the following: as amended, the Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 (PDUFA); as amended, the Medical Device User Fee Amendments of 2007 (MDUFA); the Pediatric Medical Device Safety and Improvement Act of 2007; as amended, the Pediatric Research Equity Act of 2007; as amended, the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act of 2007 (BPCA); as amended, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the establishment of the Reagan-Udall Institute for Applied Biomedical Research; to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to conflicts of interest; as amended, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of a clinical trial registry database and a clinical trial results database; and, as amended, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to improve drug safety. CONSUMER CREDIT REPORT DISPUTES Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on Credit Reports: Consumers' Ability to Dispute and Change Inaccurate Information. Testimony was heard from Lydia Parnes, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Sandra Braunstein, Director, Division of Consumer and Community Affairs, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses. [Page: D855] U.S.-SOUTH AMERICA RELATIONSHIP Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on South America and the United States: How to Fix a Broken Relationship. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. WORKING IN A WAR ZONE--POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDERS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on Working in a War Zone: Post Traumatic Stress Disorders in Civilians Returning from Iraq. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: George M. Staples, Director General, Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources; and Laurence G. Brown, M.D., Director, Office of Medical Services; and a public witness. BORDER GUARD TRAINING Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on Ensuring We Have Well-Trained Boots on the Ground at the Border. Testimony was heard from Richard M. Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Art Morgan, Director, Field Operations Academy; and Chief Charlie Whitmire, Director, Border Patrol Training Academy, both with Customs and Border Protection; and Cynthia Atwood, Assistance Director, Field Training Directorate, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; and public witnesses. BORDER TRUCKING THREATS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing on Keeping the Border Secure: Examining Potential Threats Posed by Cross Border Trucking. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Bill Arrington, General Manager, Highway and Motor Carrier Division, Transportation Security Administration; and Greg Olsavsky, Director, Cargo Control, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Mayor Raul G. Salinas, Mayor, Laredo, Texas; and public witnesses. WAR PROFITEERING AND OTHER CONTRACTOR CRIMES COMMITTED OVERSEAS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on War Profiteering and Other Contractor Crimes Committed Overseas. Testimony was heard from Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector General, Iraq Reconstruction; Thomas F. Gimble, Principal Deputy Inspector General, Department of Defense; Barry M. Sabin, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law continued hearings on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Government Perspectives on Immigration Statistics. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NATIONAL OCEAN EXPLORATION PROGRAM ACT; OCEAN AND COASTAL MAPPING INTEGRATION ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1834, National Ocean Exploration Program Act; and H.R. 2400, Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act. OVERSIGHT--WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held an oversight hearing on Wildfire Preparedness: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Mark Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment; and Kathleen S. Tighe, Deputy Inspector General; C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary, Land and Mineral Management, Department of the Interior; Robin Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Robert Farris, Acting Forester, State of Georgia; Kirk Rowdabaugh, Forester, State of Arizona; and public witnesses. HEALTHCARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS PATIENT PRIVACY Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives held a hearing on Protecting Patient Privacy in Healthcare Information Systems. Testimony was heard from Valerie Melvin, Director, Information Management Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2764) making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. [Page: D856] The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority recognition to Members who have printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of H.R. 2764 in the House, to postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Lowey and Wolf. SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on Research, Education and Training Programs to Facilitate Adoption of Solar Energy Technologies. Testimony was heard from Dan Arvizu, Director, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Department of Energy, and public witnesses. PRODUCING FUTURE SKILLED WORKERS AND TECHNICIANS Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on the Role of Community Colleges and Industry in Meeting the Demand for Skilled Production Workers and Technicians in the 21st Century Economy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 585, To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the number of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance; H.R. 156, To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the Survivors of former prisoners of war who died on or before September 30, 1999, under the same eligibility conditions as apply to payment of dependency and indemnity compensation to the Survivors of former prisoners of war who died after that date; and H.R. 704, To amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce from age 57 to age 55 the age after which the remarriage of the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran shall not result in termination of dependency and indemnity compensation otherwise payable to that surviving spouse. Testimony was heard from Representative Holden; Jack McCoy, Associate Deputy Under Secretary, Policy and Program Management, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. DISCONNECTED AND DISADVANTAGED YOUTH Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Disconnected and Disadvantaged Youth. Testimony was heard from Representatives Yarmuth and Bachmann; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--CIA CONTRACTOR POLICY Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on CIA Contractor Policy. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. GREEN CITIES--MAYORAL INITIATIVES TO REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing on Green Cities: Mayoral Initiatives to Reduce Global Warming Pollution. Testimony was heard from the following Mayors: Tom Potter, Portland, Oregon; Richard M. Daly, Chicago, Illinois; and Pegeen Hanrahan, Gainesville, Florida. 2007/06/20 Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 20, 2007; pages D860 - D870 Committee Meetings DEFENSE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Organizing the Roles, Missions, and Requirements of the Department of Defense. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. WORK SAFETY MEASURES Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 980, Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007; and H.R. 2693, To direct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue a standard regulating worker exposure to diacetyl. ENERGY MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality approved for full Committee action the following issues related to energy legislation: as amended, promote energy efficiency; as amended, to facilitate the transition to a smart grid; re: Department of Energy EPAct Loan Guarantees; as amended, to promote renewable fuel infrastructure; as amended, to promote advanced battery and plug-in hybrid technologies; and, to enhance Energy Information Administration data collection. INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing to receive the annual testimony of the Secretary of the Treasury regarding the State of the International Financial System. Testimony was heard from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury. WORLD REFUGEE DAY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on World Refugee Day 2007. Testimony was heard from William E. Fitzgerald, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, Department of State; and public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was briefed by Judy Cheng-Hopkins, Assistant High Commissioner, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. [Page: D867] EU TERRORIST LIST--HEZBOLLAH Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on Adding Hezbollah to the EU Terrorist List. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT'S CYBERSECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "Hacking the Homeland: Investigating Cybersecutiry Vulnerabilities at the Department of Homeland Security." Testimony was heard from Scott Charbo, Chief Information Officer, Department of Homeland Security; and the following officials of the GAO: Greg Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues; and Keith A. Rhodes, Chief Technologist, Director, Center for Technology and Engineering. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY--IMPROVED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on You Don't Know What You Don't Know: Has the Department of Homeland Security Improved its Ability to Maintain Situational Awareness Since Hurricane Katrina? Testimony was heard from Frank DiFalco, Director, National Operations Center, Office of Operations Coordination, Department of Homeland Security; Ellen Larence, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; Darrell Darnell, Director, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, District of Columbia; COL Terry J. Ebbert, USMC (ret.), Director, Office of Homeland Security and Public Safety, New Orleans, Louisiana; and James M. Walker, Jr., Director, Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security, State of Alabama. INSPECTORS GENERAL--INDEPENDENCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on Inspectors General: Independence Accountability. Testimony was heard from Clay Johnson, Deputy Director, Management, OMB; Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General, USDA; Christine C. Boesz, Inspector General, NSF; Jeffrey C. Steinhoff, Managing Director, Financial Management and Assurance, GAO; Vanessa Burrows, Legislative Attorney, CRS, Library of Congress; Eleanor J. Hill, former Inspector General, Department of Defense; Kenneth M. Mead, former Inspector General, Department of Transportation; and Nikki L. Tinsley, former Inspector General, EPA LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS FY 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2771, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of 2008. The rule provides for one hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the report and waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of Rule XXI. The amendments shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Wassermann Schultz; Cardoza, Harman, Cleaver, Wamp, Kingston, Upton, Bilirakis and Jordan. SMALL BIO-ENERGY BUSINESS WORKFORCE Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology held a hearing on meeting the Workforce Demands of Small Bio-Energy Businesses. Testimony was heard from Senator Harkin; and public witnesses. TRANSPORTATION ENERGY SECURITY AND CLIMATE MITIGATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2701, Transportation Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation Act of 2007. PRIORITY 8 VETERANS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on Priority 8 Veterans. Testimony was heard from Michael J. Kussman, Under Secretary, Health, Veterans Health Administration; representatives of veterans organizations; and a public witness. [Page: D868] RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION TAX ACT OF 2007 Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported H.R. 2776, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007. 2007/06/21 Daily Digest - Thursday, June 21, 2007; pages D871 - D882 Committee Meetings SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT TO INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS; REPORT ON FINANCIAL SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS; AND REVISED SUBALLOCATION OF BUDGET ALLOCATIONS FY 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Approved the following: a Supplemental Report to H.R. 2643, making appropriations for the Department of Interior, environment, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008; a report on the Financial Services and General Government appropriations for fiscal year 2008; and a revised Suballocation of Budget Allocations for fiscal year 2008. BALANCING WORK AND FAMILY Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workforce Protection held a hearing on Balancing Work and Family: What Policies Best Support American Families? Testimony was heard from Representatives DeLauro and Biggert; and public witnesses. HEALTH MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Approved the following health proposals, as amended, to be introduced in a single bill, and ordered that bill reported: the Prescription Drug User Fee Amendments of 2007 (PDUFA); as amended, the Medical Device User Fee Amendments of 2007 (MDUFA); the Pediatric Medical Device Safety and Improvement Act of 2007; as amended, the Pediatric Research Equity Act of 2007; as amended, the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act of 2007 (BPCA); as amended, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the establishment of the Reagan-Udall Institute for Applied Biomedical Research; to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to conflicts of interest; as amended, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of a clinical trial registry database and a clinical trial results database; and, as amended, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to improve drug safety. [Page: D879] TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE ACT Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, held a hearing entitled "Examining a Legislative Solution To Extend and Revise the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act." Testimony was heard from David G. Nason, Assistant Secretary, Financial Institutions, Department of the Treasury; Eric R. Dinallo, Superintendent, Department of Insurance, State of New York; and public witnesses. HOPE VI PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Reauthorization of the HOPE VI Program." Testimony was heard from: Orlando J. Cabrera, Assistant Secretary, Public and Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Rudy Montiel, Executive Director, Housing Authority, Los Angeles, California; Charles Woodyard, Executive Director, Housing Authority, Charlotte, North Carolina; Richard Fox, Executive Director, Housing Authority, Stamford, Connecticut; Michael Kelly, Executive Director, Housing Authority, District of Columbia; and public witnesses. OPIC REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade approved for full committee action, as amended, H.R. 2798, Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2007. U.S. ATTORNEYS INVESTIGATION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law continued hearings on the Continuing Investigation into the U.S. Attorney Controversy and Related Matters. Testimony was heard from Paul J. McNulty, Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 558, African American Farmers Benefit Relief Act of 2007; and H.R. 899, Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Senator Grassley; A. Donald McEachin, member, House of Delegates, State of Virginia; and public witnesses. REFUGE ECOLOGY PROTECTION, ASSISTANCE, AND IMMEDIATE RESPONSE ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 767, Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, and Immediate Response Act. Testimony was heard from: Geoffrey L. Haskett, Assistant Director, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. DC AUTONOMY MEASURE; FEDERAL MERIT-BASED EMPLOYMENT SYSTEM Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Services, and the District of Columbia approved for full committee action the following bills: H.R. 733, as amended, District of Columbia Budget Autonomy Act of 2007; and H.R. 1054 District of Columbia Legislative Autonomy Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment approved for full committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 2773, Biofuels Research and Development Enhancement Act; H.R. 1933, Department of Energy Carbon Capture and Storage Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2007; and H.R. 2774, Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007. NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Increasing Investment in Our Nation's Small Businesses. Testimony was heard from Michael Hager, Associate Administrator, Capitol Access, SBA; and public witnesses. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND WORKFORCE SECURITY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on the Responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Protective Service to Ensure Contract Guards Protect Federal Employees and Workplaces. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General; Gary W. Schenkel, Director, Federal Protection Service; Ashley J. Lewis, Director, Office of Acquisition Policy and Oversight, Immigration and Custom Enforcement; and public witnesses. [Page: D880] VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1750, To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend from 90 days the period after release of a member of the Armed Forces from active duty during which the member is protected from mortgage foreclosure under that act; H.R. 1824, To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the scope of programs of education for which accelerated payments of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill may be used; H.R. 1598, Servicemembers Credit Protection Act; H.R. 1315, To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide specially adaptive housing assistance to certain disabled members of the Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member; H.R. 1240, To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a scholarship program for students seeking a degree or certificate in the areas of visual impairment and orientation and mobility; H.R. 675, Disabled Veterans Adaptive Housing Improvement Act; H.R. 513, National Heroes Credit Protection Act; H.R. 2259, To ensure that members of the National Guard and Reserves are able to fully participate in the benefits delivery at discharge program administered jointly by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide information and assistance on available benefits and other transition assistance to members of the Armed Forces who are separating from the Armed Forces; H.R. 2475, Veteran Home Equity Conversation Mortgage Act of 2007; H.R. 1632, Improving Veterans' Reemployment Act of 2007; H.R. 112, G.I. Advanced Education in Science and Technology Act; H.R. 2579, To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the use of funds in the Department of Veterans Affairs readjustment benefits accounts and funds appropriated for such purpose to provide funding for state approving agencies; and H.R. 1370, Disabled Veterans Sports and Special Events Promotion Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Wynn, Brady of Pennsylvania, Israel, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Welch of Vermont, Michaud, Reichert; the following officials of Veterans Affairs, Keith Pedigo, Director, Loan Guaranty Service; Keith M. Wilson, Director, Education Service; and Dean Gallin, Deputy Assistant Counsel; representatives of veterans' organizations; and public witnesses. MEDICARE PART D BENEFICIARY PROTECTIONS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Beneficiary Protections in Medicare Part D. Testimony was heard from Leslie V. Norwalk, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Kathleen M. King, Director, Medicare Payment, GAO; and public witnesses. SSI IDENTIFY THEFT PROTECTION Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on Protecting the Privacy of the Social Security Number from Identity Theft. Testimony was heard from: Senator Schumer; Representatives Markey and Barton of Texas; Patrick O'Carroll, Inspector General, SSA; Joel Winston, Director, Division of Privacy and Information Protection, FTC; Dan Bertoni, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security, GAO; and public witnesses. FISA Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive to hold a hearing on FISA. Testimony was heard from former Attorney General John Ashcroft. 2007/06/22 Daily Digest - Friday, June 22, 2007; pages D884 - D892 Committee Meetings MERCURY EXPORT BAN ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on H.R. 1534, Mercury Export Ban Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Alice C. Williams, Deputy Associate Administrator, Infrastructure and Environment, Office of Environmental Projects and Operations, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy; Cornel A. Holder, Administrator, Defense National Stockpile Center, Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense; James B. Gulliford, Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, EPA; C. Mark Smith, Deputy Director, Office of Research and Standards, Director, Mercury Program, Department of Environmental Protection, State of Massachusetts; and public witnesses. IMAGES KIDS SEE ON THE SCREEN Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing entitled "Images Kids See on the Screen." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [Page: D887] HOMEOWNER DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Homeowner Downpayment Assistance Programs and Related Issues." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: Margaret Burns, Director, Office of Single Family Housing Program, FHA; and James Heist, Assistant Inspector General, Audits; William B. Shear, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO; and public witnesses. FUTURE OF NATO Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on the Future of NATO: How Valuable an Asset? Testimony was heard from Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Department of State; and GEN Bantz J. Craddock, USA, Commander, U.S. European Command, Supreme Allied Command of Europe, Department of Defense. HHS'S RESPONSE TO NATION'S EMERGENCY CARE CRISIS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on the Response of the Department of Health and Human Services to the Nation's Emergency Care Crisis. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Kevin Yeskey, M.D., Director, Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Preparedness and Response; and Walter Koroshetz, M.D., Deputy Director, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, NIH; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 2698, amended, Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2007; and H. Res. 487, Recognizing the contribution of modeling and simulation technology to the security and prosperity of the United States, and recognizing modeling and simulation as a National Critical Technology. DCIA BRIEFING Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a DCIA briefing on a recent report. The Committee was briefed by Michael V. Hayden, Director, CIA. 2007/06/25 Daily Digest - Monday, June 25, 2007; pages D894 - D900 Committee Meetings POST 9/11 AIR QUALITY Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held a hearing on the alleged substantive due process violations arising from the EPA's handling of air quality issues following the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001. Testimony was heard from Christine Todd Whitman, former Administrator, EPA; Tina Kreisher, Communications Director, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. [Page: D897] INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2643, the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the Congressional Record. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. 2007/06/26 Daily Digest - Tuesday, June 26, 2007; pages D901 - D912 Committee Meetings DOD MANAGEMENT Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on structure, process and tools for improving Department of Defense Management. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Gordon R. England, Deputy Secretary; Jack D. Patterson, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Comptroller; and Paul A. Brinkley, Deputy Under Secretary, Business Transportation. WALTER REED PROGRESS REVIEWS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on findings of the Independent Review Group and an in-progress review of actions at Walter Reed. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Independent Review Group: John O. Marsh, Co-Chair and former Secretary of the Army; and Togo D. West, Jr., former Secretary of the Army and former Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs; the following officials of the Department of the Army: GEN Richard A. Cody, USA, Vice Chief of Staff; MG Gale S. Pollock, USA, Acting Surgeon General; MG Eric B. Schoomaker, USA, Commander and BG Michael S. Tucker, USA, Deputy Commanding General, both with the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and Walter Reed Army Medical Center; and COL Terrence McKenrick, USA, Commander, Warrior Transition Brigade, Walter Reed Army Medical Center. EXPEDITIONARY FIGHTING VEHICLE PROGRAM Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Roger Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Expeditionary Warfare; LTG Emerson Gardner, USMC, Deputy Commander, Marine Corps, Program and Resources; David Ahern, Director, Portfolio Systems Acquisition, Office of the Under Secretary, Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; and COL. William Taylor, USMC, Program Executive Officer, Marine Corps Land Systems. U.S. DEBT--FOREIGN HOLDINGS Committee on the Budget: Hearing on Foreign Holdings of U.S. Debt: Is Our Economy Vulnerable? Testimony was heard from Peter Orszag, Director, CBO; and public witnesses. MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PREDATORY SALES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Predatory Sales Practices in Medicare Advantage." Testimony was heard from Abby Block, Director, Center for Beneficiary Choices, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Kathleen Healey, Director, Health Insurance Assistance Program, Department of Senior Services, State of Alabama; Jim Poolman, Commissioner, Department of Insurance, State of North Dakota; Kim Holland, Commissioner, Department of Insurance, State of Oklahoma; Lee Harrell, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Insurance, State of Mississippi; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 2547, FDIC Enforcement Enhancement Act; H. Con. Res. 140, as amended, Recognizing the low presence of minorities in the Financial services industry and minorities and women in upper level positions of management, and expressing the sense of the Congress that active measures should be taken to increase the demographic diversity of the financial services industry; and H.R. 2786, Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007. SEC INVESTOR PROTECTION/MARKET OVERSIGHT Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "A Review of Investor Protection and Market Oversight With the Five Commissioners of the Securities and Exchange Commission." Testimony was heard from the following members of the SEC: Christopher Cox, Chairman; Paul S. Atkins; Roel C. Campos; Annette L. Nazareth; and Kathleen L. Casey, all Commissioners. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 176, amended, Shirley A. Chisholm United States-Caribbean Educational Exchange Act of 2007; H.R. 1400, amended, Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007; H.R. 2844, Food Security and Agricultural Development Act of 2007; H. Res. 121, amended, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of Japan should formally acknowledge, apologize, and accept historical responsibility in a clear and unequivocal manner for its Imperial Armed Force's coercion of young women into sexual slavery, known to the world as "comfort women," during its colonial and wartime occupation of Asia and the Pacific Islands from the 1930s through the duration of World War II; H.R. 2843, Library of Congress Public Diplomacy Collection Act of 2007; and H.R. 2798, amended, To reauthorize the programs of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. [Page: D908] The Committee favorably considered the following measures and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H.R. 2293, amended, To require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on efforts to bring to justice the Palestinian terrorists who killed John Branchizio, Mark Parson, and John Marin Linde; S. 377, U.S.-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Act of 2007; H. Res. 208, amended, Honoring Operation Smile in the 25th anniversary year of its founding; H. Res. 287, amended, To celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first use of the name "America"; H. Res. 294, amended, Commending the Kingdom of Lesotho, on the occasion of International Women's Day, for the enactment of a law to improve the status of married women and ensure the access of married women to property rights; H. Res. 378, amended, Honoring World Red Cross Red Crescent Day; H. Res. 380, Commending Idaho on winning the bid to host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Game; H. Res. 426, amended, Recognizing 2007 as the Year of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons in Colombia, and offering support for efforts to ensure that the internally displaced people of Colombia receive the assistance and protection they need to rebuild their lives successfully; H. Res. 427, Urging the Government of Canada to end the commercial seal hunt; H. Res. 467, amended, Condemning the decision by the University and College Union of the United Kingdom to support a boycott of Israeli academia; H. Res. 482, Expressing support for the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland; H. Res. 497, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of the People's Republic of China should immediately release from custody the children of Rebiya Kadeer and Canadian citizen Huseyin Celil and should refrain from further engaging in acts of cultural, linguistic, and religious suppression directed against the Uyghur people; H. Res. 500, amended, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in opposition to efforts by major natural gas exporting countries to establish a cartel or other mechanism to manipulate the supply of natural gas to the world market for the purpose of setting an arbitrary and nonmarket price or as an instrument of political pressure; and H. Con. Res. 136, amended, Expressing the sense of Congress regarding high level visits to the United States by democratically-elected officials of Taiwan; and H. Con. Res. 139, amended, Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States should address the ongoing problem of untouchability in India. VIOLENCE IN CENTRAL AMERICA Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a hearing on Violence in Central America. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was briefed by Ambassador Jose Guillermo Castillo Villacorta, Ambassador of Guatemala; and Roberto Flores Bermudez, Ambassador of Honduras. NFL RETIREMENT SYSTEM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on the National Football League's System for Compensating Retired Players: An Uneven Playing Field? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--GUANTANAMO BAY DETAINEE LEGAL RIGHTS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held an oversight hearing on Habeas Corpus and Detention at Guantanamo Bay. Testimony was heard from Gregory Katrsas, Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General, Department of Justice; LCDR Charlie Swift, USN, Judge Advocate General Corps, Office of Military Commissions, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING LAWS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws--the Issues. Testimony was heard from Paul G. Cassell, Judge, Judicial Conference of the United States; Ricardo H. Hinojosa, Chair, U.S. Sentencing Commission; Richard B. Roper, III, U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Texas, Dallas, and public witnesses. POLLINATORS AND HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a hearing on The Bird and The Bees: How Pollinators Help Maintain Healthy Ecosystems. Testimony was heard from Representatives Hastings of Florida and Blumenauer; Mamie Parker, Assistant Director, Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Department of the Interior; Kevin J. Hackett, National Program Leader for Bees and Pollinators, Agricultural Research Service, USDA; and public witnesses. [Page: D909] NEW ORLEANS--LABOR LAW ENFORCEMENT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on Adequacy of Labor Law Enforcement in New Orleans. Testimony was heard from Paul DeCamp, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Employment Standards Administration, Department of Labor; and public witnesses. 2010 CENSUS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives held a hearing on 2010 Census: Improving Local Government Participation in LUCA. Testimony was heard from Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, U.S. Census Bureau, Economics and Statistics Administration, Department of Commerce; Mathew J. Scire, Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2829) making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority recognition to Members who have printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of H.R. 2829 in the House, to postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker testimony was heard from Representatives Serrano and Regula. FEDERAL AGENCY SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing on SBIR and STTR--How Are the Programs Managed Today? Testimony was heard from Michael Caccuitto, SBIR/STTR Program Administrator, Office of Small Business Programs, Department of Defense; Jo Anne Goodnight, SBIR/STTR Program Coordinator, Office of Extramural Research, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services; Larry James, SBIR/STTR Program Manager, Department of Energy; Douglas A. Comstock, Director, Innovative Partnerships Program Office, NASA; and Kesh S. Narayanan, Director, Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships, Directorate for Engineering, NSF. INTEGRATED DEEPWATER PROGRAM ACT; COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 2722, Integrated Deepwater Reform Act; and H.R. 2830, Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007. INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL BENEFITS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Benefits of Intercity Passenger Rail. Testimony was heard from Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger, State of Montana; former Governor Mark Schweiker, State of Pennsylvania; Elaine Nekritz, Representative, State of Illinois; Velma H. Williams, Commissioner, City of Sanford, Florida; Robert N. Jackman, member, Senate, State of Indiana; Frank J. Busalacchi, Secretary, Department of Transportation, State of Wisconsin; Astrid C. Glynn, Commissioner, Department of Transportation, State of New York; Will Kempton, Director, Department of Transportation, State of California; and public witnesses. KIDNEY PATIENT ANEMIA MANAGEMENT CARE Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Safe and Sensible: Ensuring Kidney Patients Receive Safe and Appropriate Anemia Management Care. Testimony was heard from Delegate Donna M. Christensen, M.D., Virgin Islands; the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Leslie V. Norwalk, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Robert A. Vito, Regional Inspector General, Office of Evaluation and Inspections; and John K. Jenkins, M.D., Director, Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA; and public witnesses. [Page: D910] BRIEFING--DOD INSPECTOR GENERAL Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations met in executive session to receive a briefing on the Director of National Intelligence, Inspector General. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. TECHNICAL PROGRAMS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical met in executive session to hold a hearing on Technical Programs. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/06/27 Daily Digest - Wednesday, June 27, 2007; pages D914 - D924 Committee Meetings CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on the Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol: Stephen T. Ayers, Acting Architect; and Bernard Ungar, Capitol Visitor Center Project Executive; and Terrell Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO. NEXT-OF-KIN NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing to review the policies and procedures regarding the notification of next-of-kin of wounded and deceased servicemembers. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: BG Reuben D. Jones, USA, Adjutant General of the Army; BG Michael Downs, USMC (ret.), Director, Personnel and Family Readiness Division; MG Anthony F. Przybyslawski, USAF, Commander, Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph AFB, Texas; and Patrick M. McLaughlin, Acting Assistant Deputy, Chief of Naval Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Enterprise. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 2857, Generations Invigorating Volunteering and Education Act of 2007; H.R. 2847, Green Jobs Act of 2007; and H.R. 2831, Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007. ENERGY MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Began consideration of the following measures related to energy legislation: To promote greater energy efficiency; To facilitate the transition to a smart electricity grid; To clarify the amount of loans to be guaranteed under title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005; To promote the development of renewable fuels infrastructure; To promote advanced plug-in hybrid vehicles and vehicle components; and To enhance availability of energy information. Will continue tomorrow. IRAQ ESCALATION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Iraq: Is the Escalation Working? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. A.Q. KHAN'S NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION ACTIVITIES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade held a joint hearing on A.Q. Khan's Nuclear Wal-Mart: Out of Business or Under New Management? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "A Roadmap for Security? Examining the Science and Technology Directorate's Strategic Plan." Testimony was heard from Jay Cohen, Under Secretary, Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security. [Page: D922] U.S. CAPITOL POLICE--LIBRARY OF CONGRESS MERGER Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on Implementation of the U.S. Capitol Police--Library of Congress Police Merger. Testimony was heard from Wilson Livingood, Sergeant at Arms; Chief Philip D. Morse, Sr., Chief of Police, U.S. Capitol Police; Jo Ann C. Jenkins, Chief Operation Officer, Library of Congress; Officer Michael Hutchins, Chairman, The Fraternal Order of Police, Library of Congress Labor Committee. The Committee also approved pending Committee business. BRIEFING--STRENGTHENING NONPROLIFERATION REGIME Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a briefing entitled "International Perspectives on Strengthening the Nonproliferation Regime." The Subcommittee was briefed by public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 906, Global Change Research and Data Management Act of 2007; H.R. 1933, Department of Energy Carbon Capture and Storage Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 2007; H.R. 2773, Biofuels Research and Development Enhancement Act; and H.R. 2774, Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. VA INTERNAL CONTRACTING OVERSIGHT DEFICIENCIES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on VA Internal Contracting Oversight Deficiencies. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Belinda Finn, Assistant Inspector General, Auditing, Office of the Inspector General; and Robert J. Henke, Assistant Secretary, Management. BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/06/28 Daily Digest - Thursday, June 28, 2007; pages D925 - D934 Committee Meetings MEDICARE ADVANTAGE AND THE FEDERAL BUDGET Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Medicare Advantage and the Federal Budget. Testimony was heard from Peter R. Orszag, Director, CBO; Mark E. Miller, Executive Director, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; Mark B. McClellan, former Commissioner, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. IMPROVING JOB TRAINING EFFECTIVENESS Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness held a hearing on "Workforce Investment Act: Recommendations To Improve the Effectiveness of Job Training." Testimony was heard from Sigurd Nelson, Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. ENERGY MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following Committee Prints: amended, To promote advanced plug-in hybrid vehicles and vehicle components; amended, To enhance availability of energy information; and To promote the development of renewable fuels infrastructure. On July 27, the Committee ordered reported, as amended, the following Committee Prints To promote greater energy efficiency; To facilitate the transition to a smart electricity grid; and To clarify the amount of loans to be guaranteed under title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATIONS IN AFRICA Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing entitled "Millennium Challenge Corporation in Africa: Promises Versus Progress." Testimony was heard from Rodney Bent, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Millennium Challenge Corporation; David Gootnick, M.D., Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; and public witnesses. PROTECTING U.S. COMPANIES IN COLOMBIA Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, with the Subcommittee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a joint hearing entitled "Protection and Money: U.S. Companies, Their Employees, and Violence in Columbia." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. US-VISIT PROGRAM Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "US-VISIT Exit: Closing Gaps in Our Security." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Robert A. Mocny, Director, US-VISIT Program; and Robert M. Jackson, Executive Director, Travel Security and Facilitation, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Randolph C. Hite, Director, Architecture and Systems Issues, Information Technology, GAO; and public witnesses. [Page: D932] DESIGNATIVE CLASSIFIED AND SENSITIVE HOMELAND INFORMATION Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee, on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Over-Classification and Pseudo-Classification: Making DHS the Gold Standard for Designating Classified and Sensitive Homeland Security Information." Testimony was heard from J. William Leonard, Director, Information Security Oversight Office, National Archives and Record Administration; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS ENFORCEMENT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties held an oversight hearing on the Impact of Ledbetter v. Goodyear on the Effective Enforcement of Civil Rights Laws. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1239, amended, National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 1388, amended, Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Act; H.R. 1011, amended, Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007; H.R. 189, amended, Paterson Great Falls National Park Act of 2007; H.R. 761, amended, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitor Center Foundation, Inc. Certain Federal land associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in Nebraska, to be used as an historical interpretive site along the trail; H.R. 1285, amended, Snoqualmie Pass Land Conveyance Act; H.R. 1205, amended, Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2007; H.R. 2400, amended, Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act; H.R. 50, amended, Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 465, amended, Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 1834, amended, National Ocean Exploration Program Act; H.R. 716, amended, Santa Rosa Urban Water Reuse Plan Act; H.R. 31, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Wastewater and Recycled Water Facilities Act of 2007; H.R. 1503, amended, Avra/Black Wash Reclamation and Riparian Restoration Project; H.R. 1526, amended, Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Authorization Act; H.R. 1337, amended, To provide for a feasibility study of alternatives to augment the water supplies of the Central Oklahoma master Conservancy District and cities served by the district; and 1725, Rancho California Water District Recycled Water Reclamation Facility Act of 2007. OVERSIGHT--NATURAL RESOURCES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing on The Minerals Management Service's Proposed Five Year Program for Oil and Gas Leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf. Testimony was heard from Representatives Thompson of California, Moran of Virginia and Drake; Walter Cruickshank, Acting Director, Minerals Management Service, Department of the Interior; Frank Wagner, member, Senate, State of Virginia; Albert Pollard, former Member, House of Delegates, State of Virginia; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT POLICY ACT EXCLUSIONS Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held an oversight hearing entitled "Management by Exclusion: The Forest Service Use of Categorical Exclusions from NEPA." Testimony was heard from Mark Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA; Robin Nazzaro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Harrison Pollak, Deputy Attorney General, State of California; and public witnesses. WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE AT K-TOWN DOD'S LARGEST SINGLE FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Waste, Fraud and Abuse at the K-Town: How Mismanagement Has Derailed DOD's Largest Single Facility Construction Project. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations; Terrell G. Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure; and Bruce A. Causseaux, Senior Level Contract and Procurement Fraud Specialist Forensic Audits and Special Investigations; BG Danny K. Gardner, USAF, Director, Installations and Mission Support, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. NASA'S EARTH SCIENCE/APPLICATIONS PROGRAMS Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on NASA's Earth Science and Applications Programs: Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request and Issues. Testimony was heard from Michael H. Freilich, Director, Earth Science Division, Science Mission Directorate, NASA; and public witnesses. RECORDING ARTISTS WEBCASTERS ROYALTY RATES Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Assessing the Impact of the Copyright Royalty Board Decision to Increase Royalty Rates on Recording Artists and Webcasters. Testimony was head from Representative Inslee; and public witnesses. [Page: D933] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 2881, amended, FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 2830, amended, Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007; H.R. 2722, Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act; H.R. 2775, amended, To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize funding for emergency management performance grants; H.R. 781, To redesignate Lock and Dam No. 5 of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System near Redfield, Arkansas, authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Act approved July 24, 1946, as the "Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam;" and H. Res. 375, amended, Honoring United Parcel Service and its 100 years of commitment and leadership in the United States. The Committee also approved General Services Administration Lease Resolutions. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2623, To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the collection of copayments for all hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs. MEMBER REQUESTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to consider Member requests for documents in the possession of the Committee. 2007/06/29 Daily Digest - Friday, June 29, 2007; pages D935 - D938 Committee Meetings INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND VISITING SCHOLARS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness of the Committee on Education and Labor held a joint hearing on International Students and Visiting Scholars: Trends, Barriers, and Implications for American Universities and U.S. Foreign Policy. Testimony was heard from Thomas A. Farrell, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Academic Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State; James Manning, Acting Assistant Secretary, Postsecondary Education, Department of Education; George Scott, Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security Team, GAO; and public witnesses. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1315, To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide specially adaptive housing assistance to certain disabled members of the Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member; H.R. 1750, amended, To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend from 90 days to 1 year the period after release of a member of the Armed Forces from active duty during which the member is protected from mortgage foreclosure under that Act; H.R. 1240, amended, To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a scholarship program for students seeking a degree or certificate in the areas of visual impairment and orientation and mobility; and H.R. 1632, amended, Improving Veterans' Reemployment Act of 2007. [Page: D938] 2007/07/09 Daily Digest - Monday, July 9, 2007; pages D940 - D946 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/07/10 Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 10, 2007; pages D947 - D952 Committee Meetings PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on H.R. 1424, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Kennedy and Ramstad; Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States; Sean Dilweg, Commissioner, Insurance Commission, State of Wisconsin; David Wellstone, son of former Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota; and public witnesses. SURGEON GENERAL'S VITAL MISSION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on the Surgeon General's Vital Mission: Challenges for the Future. Testimony was heard from the following former Surgeon Generals: C. Everett Koop, M.D.; David Satcher, M.D.; and Richard Carmona, M.D. SAN DIEGO-TIJUANA BORDER SEWAGE TREATMENT Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on Addressing Sewage Treatment in the San Diego-Tijuana Border Region: Implementation of Title VII of P. L. 106-457, as amended. Testimony was heard from Wayne Nastri, Administrator, Region 9, EPA; Carlos Marin, Commissioner, United States Section, International Boundary and Waste Commission; and a public witness. 2007/07/11 Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 11, 2007; pages D953 - D962 Committee Meetings LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES; TRANSPORTATION, HUD, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported, as amended, the following appropriations for fiscal year 2008: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. [Page: D958] GLOBAL SECURITY ASSESSMENT Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on global security assessment. Testimony was heard from Thomas Fingar, Deputy Director, National Intelligence, Analysis, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; and Robert Cardillo, Deputy Director, Analysis, Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense. GLOBAL WAR AGAINST TERRORISTS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a hearing on Strategic Communications and Comparative Ideas: Winning the Hearts and Minds in the Global War Against Terrorists. Testimony was heard from Linton Wells II, Distinguished Research Fellow Force Transformation Chair; Frank Kramer, former Assistant Secretary, International Security Policy, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on H.R. 1338, Paycheck Fairness Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. WIRELESS INNOVATION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing on Wireless Innovation and Consumer Protection. Testimony was heard from Tony Clark, Commissioner, Public Service Commission, State of North Dakota; and public witnesses. HEDGE FUNDS RISKS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on Hedge Funds and Systemic Risk: Perspectives of The President's Working Group on Financial Markets. Testimony was heard from Kevin M. Warsh, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Robert Steel, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; Jim Overdahl, Chief Economist, CFTC; and Erik R. Sirri, Director, Division of Market Regulation, SEC. BANK CUSTOMER OVERDRAFT PROTECTION Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of a hearing entitled "Overdraft Protection: Fair Practices for Consumers." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. EFFECTS OF PASSPORT DELAYS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Passport Delays: Affecting Security and Disrupting Free Travel and Trade. Testimony was heard from Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State; and Paul Rosenzweig, Acting Assistant Secretary, Policy and Counselor to the Under Secretary, Policy, Department of Homeland Security. KYOTO PROTOCOL UPDATE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on the Kyoto Protocol: An Update. Testimony was heard from Harlan Watson, Special Representative and Senior Climate Negotiator, Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and Scientific Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY--USE AND ABUSE Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on the Use and Misuse of Presidential Clemency Power for Executive Branch Officials. Testimony was heard from Rogert C. Adams, Office of the Pardon Attorney, Department of Justice; former Ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the following measures: S. 375, To waive application of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to a specific parcel of real property transferred by the United States to 2 Indian tribes in the State of Oregon; H.R. 1696, To amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that Tribe; H.R. 2863, To authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe of the State of Oregon to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe; and a measure To authorize the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Indians of the State of Michigan to convey land and interest in land owned by the Tribe. Testimony was heard from Representative Reyes; Michael R. Smith, Deputy Bureau Director, Field Operations, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. SMALL INVESTOR HEDGE FUND RISKS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on After Blackstone: Should Small Investors Be Exposed to Risks of Hedge Funds? Testimony was heard from Andrew Donahue, Director, Division of Investment Management, SEC; and public witnesses. [Page: D959] SECTION 8 VOUCHER REFORM ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1851, Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of Rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The further amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank and Representatives Rush, Biggert and Chabot. RESPONSIBLE REDEPLOYMENT FROM IRAQ ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule. The rule provides 4 hours of debate on H.R. 2956, Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act, with 3 hours equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services and 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The rule waives all points of order against the bill and its consideration except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Skelton and Representatives Wolf, Shays and English of Pennsylvania. GREEN CHEMISTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2850, Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2007. GREEN REVOLUTION--SMALL BUSINESSES AT THE FOREFRONT Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Small Businesses at the Forefront of the Green Revolution: What More Needs to Be Done to Keep Them Here. Testimony was heard from the following Mayors: Marty Blum, Santa Barbara, California; and Adrian Fenty, District of Columbia; and public witnesses. HIGH RISK MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on Motor Carrier Safety: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Oversight of High Risk Carriers. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: John H. Hill, Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; and Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector General; Deborah A. P. Hersman, member, National Transportation Safety Board; Susan A. Fleming, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. AMTRAK CAPITAL NEEDS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Amtrak Capital Needs. Testimony was heard from Alexander Kummant, President and CEO, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK). VETERANS' HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2874, Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007. BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. FISA Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on FISA. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/07/12 Daily Digest - Thursday, July 12, 2007; pages D963 - D972 Committee Meetings ENERGY-BASED DERIVATIVE TRADING Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing to review trading of energy-based derivatives. Testimony was heard from Walter Lukken, Acting Chairman and Commissioner, CFTC; Orice M. Williams, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO; and public witnesses. SUPPLEMENTAL ENERGY AND WATER, AND RELATED AGENCIES, AND COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported the following appropriations for fiscal year 2008: Supplemental Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies; and, as amended, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies approved for full Committee action the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year 2008. DOD APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session and approved for full Committee action the Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. MENTAL HEALTH Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on mental health. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: S. Ward Casscells, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs; VADM Donald C. Arthur, USN, Co-Chair, Defense Health Board Task Force Mental Health, Surgeon General, Department of the Navy, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery; and a public witness. ALTERNATIVES FOR IRAQ'S FUTURE Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on A Third Way: Alternatives for Iraq's Future, (Part 1). Testimony was heard from GEN Wesley K. Clark, USA (ret.); and a public witness. [Page: D969] DEFENSE INSTALLATION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing to receive testimony on emerging contaminants and environmental management at Department of Defense installations. Testimony was heard from Alex A. Beehler, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary, (Environment, Safety and Occupational Health), Department of Defense; and John B. Stephenson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO. JUVENILE JUSTICE/DELINQUENCY PREVENTION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities and the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security of the Committee on the Judiciary held, joint hearing on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act: Overview and Perspectives. Testimony was heard from Derrick Johnson, Vice-Chair, Juvenile Justice Commission, State of Arizona; David Freed. Cumberland County District Attorney, State of Pennsylvania; Paul Lawrence, Goffstown District Court, New Hampshire State Juvenile Justice Advisory Group; and public witnesses. AFRICAN GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on Beyond Oil and Gas: African Growth and Opportunity Act's Benefits to Africa. Testimony was heard from Florizelle Liser, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, Africa; and public witnesses. HUMAN RIGHTS AND U.S. FOREIGN POLICY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight held a hearing on Ideals vs. Reality in Human Rights and U.S. Foreign Policy: The Cases of Azerbaijan, Cuba, and Egypt. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. BORDER COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing entitled "Challenges Facing First Responders in Border Communities." Testimony was heard from Leesa Morrison, Director, Department of Homeland Security, State of Arizona; and public witnesses. U.S. ATTORNEY INVESTIGATION; REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE SUBPOENA Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on the Continuing Investigation into the U.S. Attorneys Controversy and Related Matters. The Subcommittee adopted a motion to uphold the Chair's ruling regarding Harriet Miers' failure to appear and regarding her failure to answer questions and provide relevant documents as directed. The Chair ruled that Harriet Miers' refusal to comply with the subpoena and appear at this hearing, and to answer questions and provide relevant documents regarding these concerns, cannot be properly justified on executive privilege or related immunity grounds. The Subcommittee authorized the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee to issue a subpoena to the Republican National Committee, for e-mail documents the Committee has requested pertaining to its investigation into the recent termination of United States Attorneys and the related subjects. DEA'S REGULATION OF MEDICINE Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on the Drug Enforcement Administration's Regulation of Medicine. Testimony was heard from Joseph T. Rannazzisi, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Diversion Control, DEA, Department of Justice; David Murray, Director, Counter Drug Technology, Office of National Drug Control Policy; and public witnesses. NATIONAL OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 2010, National Offshore Aquaculture Act. Testimony was heard from VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, USN (ret.), Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Sue Aspelund, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Department of Fish and Game, State of Alaska; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 105, Northern Neck National Heritage Area Study Act; H.R. 1083, To amend the Act establishing the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area in order to include Butler County, Pennsylvania, within the boundaries of that heritage area; H.R. 1145, Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 1297, Freedom's Way National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 1815, To extend the authorization for the Coastal Heritage Trail in the State of New Jersey; and H.R. 1885, Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Cramer, Olver, English of Pennsylvania and LoBiondo; Janet Snyder Matthews, Associate Director, Cultural Resources, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. [Page: D970] FEDERAL MERIT-BASED EMPLOYMENT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Services and the District of Columbia held a hearing on Ensuring a Merit-Based Employment System: An Examination of the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Special Counsel. Testimony was heard from Scott J. Bloch, Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel; Neil A. G. McPhie, Chairman, Merit Systems Protection Board; Morton Rosenberg, Senior Analyst, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN OUTLOOK Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Pakistan at the Crossroads; Afghanistan in the Balance. Testimony was heard from Richard A. Boucher, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Department of State. SBA'S MICROLOAN AND TRADE PROGRAMS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing SBA's Microloan and Trade Programs. Testimony was heard from Michael Hager, Associate Administrator, Capital Access, SBA; and public witnesses. TRANSPORTATION WORKER ID CARD SYSTEM Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Transportation Worker Identification Card System. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: RADM Brian Salerno, USCG, Assistant Commandant, Policy and Planning; and Maurine Fanguy, TWIC Program Manager, Transportation Security Administration; and public witnesses. BEACHES ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND COASTAL HEALTH ACT REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources held a hearing on Reauthorization of the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Pallone and Bilbray; Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, EPA; Anu K. Mittal, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Lisa Jackson, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection, State of New Jersey; Patrick Heaney, Town Supervisor, Southhampton, New York; and public witnesses. VA PROCUREMENT Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on Federal Procurement. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the SBA: William D. Elmore, Assistant Administrator; and Louis Celli, Jr., Chairman, Advisory Committee on Veterans' Business Affairs; Scott F. Denniston, Director, Center for Veterans' Enterprise, Department of Veterans Affairs; Paul A. Denett, Administrator, Office of Procurement Policy, OMB; Charles Cervantes, Special Assistant to the Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Department of Defense; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. WOMEN AND MINORITY VETERANS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a joint hearing on issues facing Women and Minority Veterans. Testimony was heard from Representative Wilson of New Mexico; the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Shirley A. Quarles, R.N., Chair, Advisory Committee on Women Veterans; COL. Reginald Malebranche, USA (ret.) Member, Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans; Maureen Murdoch, M.D., VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Betty Moseley Brown, Associate Director, Center for Women Veterans; and Lucretia McClenney, Director, Center for Minority Veterans; L. Tammy Duckworth, Director, Department of Veterans Affairs, State of Illinois; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Children Who "Age Out" of the Foster Care System. Testimony was heard from Representative Cardoza; Cornelia Ashby, Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security, GAO; and public witnesses INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management met in executive session to hold a hearing on Intelligence Community Management. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses [Page: D971] NUCLEAR TERRORISM Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence Analysis and Counterterrorism met in executive session to hold a hearing on Nuclear Terrorism. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. ENERGY INDEPENDENCE WITH 150 MPG VEHICLES Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "Plugging into Energy Independence with 150 MPG Vehicles." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/07/13 Daily Digest - Friday, July 13, 2007; pages D974 - D980 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/07/16 Daily Digest - Monday, July 16, 2007; pages D981 - D986 [Committee Meetings] LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, an open rule providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3043) making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. This rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority recognition to Members who have printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair to postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey and Representative Walsh. 2007/07/17 Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 17, 2007; pages D987 - D998 Committee Meetings FARM BILL EXTENSION ACT Committee on Agriculture: Began consideration of H.R. 2419, Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow. BUDGETING TO FIGHT WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Budgeting to Fight Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary; and Timothy B. Hill, Chief Financial Officer, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Linda Stiff, Deputy Commissioner, Operations Support, IRS, Department of the Treasury; Stephen C. Goss, Chief Actuary, SSA; and M. Patricia Smith, Commissioner, Department of Labor, State of New York. FDA FOOD SUPPLY SAFETY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Diminished Capacity: Can the FDA Assure the Safety and Security of the Nation's Food Supply?--Part 2." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FDA, Department of Health and Human Services: Andrew C. Von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner; Richard M. Jacobs, Chemist/Toxic Element Specialist, District Laboratory, San Francisco; Ann M. Adams, Director, District Laboratory, Kansas City; and Carol A. Heppe, Director, Cincinnati District; William K. Hubbard, former Associate Commissioner, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. [Page: D995] MONETARY POLICY AND STATE OF THE ECONOMY Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on Monetary Policy and State of the Economy. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Hearings continue tomorrow. MULTIPLE PERIL INSURANCE ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing on H.R. 920, Multiple Peril Insurance Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Baker, Taylor, Melancon, and Jindal; David I. Maurstad, Assistant Administrator, Mitigation, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Phillip Swagel, Assistant Secretary, Economic Policy, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. U.S. POLICY OPTIONS IN IRAQ CRISIS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on U.S. Policy Options in the Iraq Crisis. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. U.S-ASIA FISHERIES MANAGEMENT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment held a hearing on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migrating Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Oceans, and Other International Fisheries Agreements of U.S. Interest in Asia and the Pacific. Testimony was heard from David A. Balton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Oceans and Fisheries, Department of State; and public witnesses. HOMEGROWN TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1955, Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. FAMILIES MEDICAL DEBT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on Working Families in Financial Crisis: Medical Debt and Bankruptcy. Testimony was heard from Clifford J. White, Director, Executive Office for U.S. Trustees, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. DOE'S SAVANNAH RIVER ECOLOGY LABORATORY SUPPORT Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight and the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a joint hearing on the Department of Energy's Support for the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), Part I. Testimony was heard from Representative Barrow; and public witnesses. PATENT AND TRADE ACT AMENDMENTS Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing on Amendments to the Patent and Trade Act of 1980--the Next 25 Years. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on the Status of the Nation's Waters, including Wetlands, Under the Jurisdiction of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Testimony was heard from Brian Schweitzer, Governor, State of Montana; Ron Curry, Secretary, Environment Department, State of New Mexico; and public witnesses. Hearings continue July 19. FALSIFIED AIRMAN MEDICAL CERTIFICATE APPLICATIONS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on FAA's Oversight of Falsified Airman Medical Certificate Applications. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General; and Nicholas A. Sabatini, Associate Administrator, Aviation Safety, FAA; Mitchell A. Garber, M.D., Medical Officer, National Transportation Safety Board; and a public witness. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2623, To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the collection of copayments for all hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs; H.R. 2874, Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 1315, amended, To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide specially adaptive housing assistance to certain disabled members of the Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member; H.R. 760, amended, Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007; and H.R. 23, amended, Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007. 2007/07/18 Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 18, 2007; pages D996 - D1006 Committee Meetings FARM BILL EXTENSION ACT Committee on Agriculture: Continued consideration of H.R. 2419, Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow. IRAQ--TRENDS AND RECENT SECURITY DEVELOPMENTS Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Iraq: Trends and Recent Security Developments. Testimony was heard from former Secretary of Defense William Perry; and public witnesses. [Page: D1003] ALTERNATIVES FOR IRAQ's FUTURE Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations continued hearings on A Third Way: Alternatives for Iraq's Future, Part 2, Testimony was heard froma public witness. U.S. NUCLEAR WEAPONS POLICY Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing on U.S. nuclear weapons policy. Testimony was heard from former Secretary of Defense William Perry; and public witnesses. PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1424, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. MONETARY POLICY AND STATE OF THE ECONOMY Committee on Financial Services: Concluded hearings on Monetary Policy and the State of the Economy. Testimony was heard from Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System. ETHIOPIA DEMOCRACY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2007; FOOD SECURITY IN AFRICA Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa, and Global Health approved for full Committee action H.R. 2003, Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Food Security in Africa: The Impact of Agricultural Development. Testimony was heard from Michael E. Hess, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State; and public witnesses. IRAQ'S OIL SECTOR RECONSTRUCTION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia and the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight held a joint hearing on Reconstruction in Iraq's Oil Sector: Running on Empty? Testimony was heard from Joseph A. Christoff, Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; Issam Michael Saliba, Senior Foreign Law Specialist, Middle East and North Africa, Law Library of Congress; and a public witness. PATENT REFORM ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1908, Patent Reform Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 673, amended, Cocopah Lands Act; H.R. 1696, To amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe to determine blood quantum requirements for membership in that Tribe; H.R. 2120, amended, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to proclaim as reservation for the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians a parcel of land now held in trust by the United States for that Indian Tribe; H.R. 2863, amended, To authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe of the State of Oregon to convey land and interests in land owned by the Tribe; H.R. 2952, amended, To authorize the Saginow Chippewa Tribe of Indians of the State of Michigan to convey land and interests land owned by the Tribe; and S. 375, A bill to waive application of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to a specific parcel of real property transferred by the United States to 2 Indian tribes in the State of Oregon. FEDERAL CONTRACTING Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on Federal Contracting: Do Poor Performers Keep Winning? Testimony was heard from William Woods, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Elaine Duke, Chief Procurement Officer; and Richard Skinner, Inspector General; the following officials of the Department of Energy: William Desmond, Associate Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; and Gregory Friedman, Inspector General; and public witnesses. MEDICAID DRUG REIMBURSEMENTS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Medicaid Drug Reimbursements: Are CMS Cuts Bad Medicine for Small Businesses and Beneficiaries?" Testimony was heard from Dennis Smith, Director, Center for Medicaid and State Operations, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. [Page: D1004] SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER PRIVACY AND IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION ACT; AND THE TAX COLLECTION RESPONSIBILITY ACT Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3046, Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2007; and H.R. 3056, Tax Collection Responsibility Act of 2007. VOLUNTARY CARBON OFFSETS Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "Voluntary Carbon Offsets--Getting What You Pay For." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/07/19 Daily Digest - Daily Digest - Thursday, July 19, 2007; pages D1007 - D1018 Committee Meetings FARM BILL EXTENSION ACT Committee on Agriculture: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2419, Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FY 2008 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported, as amended, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill, Fiscal Year 2008. MINE RESISTANT AMBUSH PROTECTED VEHICLE (MRAP) VEHICLE PROGRAM Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces and the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces held a joint hearing on the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: John Young, Director, Defense Research and Engineering, MRAP Task Force; BG Michael Brogan, USMC, Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command; LTG John Castelaw, USMC, Deputy Commander, Programs and Resources; and LTG Stephen M. Speakes, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, Army G-8. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills:1 H.R. 20, Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act; H.R. 2295, ALS Registry Act; and H.R. 507, Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007. NATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on H.R. 2895, National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Brian Montgomery, Assistant Secretary, Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses. [Page: D1015] BEYOND IRAQ: ENVISIONING A NEW U.S. POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Beyond Iraq: Envisioning a New U.S. Policy in the Middle East. Testimony was heard from a public witness. PRIVATE SECTOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing entitled "Leveraging the Private Sector To Strengthen Emergency Preparedness and Response." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Alfonso Martinez-Fonts, Assistant Secretary, Private Sector Office; and Marko Bourne, Director, Policy and Program Analysis, FEMA; and public witnesses. CREDIT CARD INTERCHANGE FEES Committee on the Judiciary: Antitrust Task Force held a hearing on Credit Card Interchange Fees. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. RNC DOCUMENT EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law met and rejected the Executive Privilege claims asserted by White House Counsel in response to the subpoena for the production of documents issued to Joshua Bolten, White House Chief of Staff, or appropriate custodian of records. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT PRACTICES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security and the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties held a joint oversight hearing on Law Enforcement Confidential Informant Practices. Testimony was heard from Wayne M. Murphy, Assistant Director, Directorate of Intelligence, FBI, Department of Judiciary; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 783, Mesa Verdi National Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2007; H.R. 1266, Butterfield Overland Trail Study Act; and H.R. 1674, Battle of Camden Study Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Spratt, Boozman and Salazar; Bill Shaddox, Acting Associate Director, Park Planning, Facilities and Lands, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; FEMA TRAILERS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 1520, Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Act of 2007; H.R. 1389, Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Act; H.R. 1664, To authorize grants for contributions toward the establishment of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library; H.R. 3034, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 127 South Elm Street in Gardner, Kansas, as the "Private First Class Shane R. Austin Post Office"; H.R. 2654, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 202 South Dumont Avenue in Woonsocket, South Dakota, as the "Eleanor McGovern Post Office Building"; H.R. 1384, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 118 Minner Street in Bakersfield, California, as the "Buck Owens Post Office"; H. Res. 471, Congratulating the National Hockey League Champions, the Anaheim Ducks, on their victory in the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals; H. Res. 488, Congratulating the Detroit Tigers for winning the 2006 American League Pennant and for bringing the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan their first trip to the World Series in 22 years; H. Res. 442, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Youth Sports Week should be established; H. Con. Res. 143, Honoring the 50th anniversary of Stan Hywet & Gardens; H.R. 2688, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 South Getty Street in Uvalde, Texas, as the "Dolph S. Briscoe, Jr. Postal Office Building"; H.R. 2467, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 69 Montgomery Street in Jersey City, New Jersey, as the "Frank J. Guarini Post Office Building"; H.R. 2765, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 44 North Main Street in Hughesville, Pennsylvania, as the "Master Sergeant Sean Michael Thomas Post Office"; H. Res. 519, Honoring the life and accomplishments of renowned artist Tom Lea on the 100th anniversary of his birth; H.R. 2825, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 326 South Main Street in Princeton, Illinois, as the "Owen Lovejoy Princeton Post Office Building"; H.R. 954, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 365 West 125th Street in New York, New York, as the "Percy Sutton Post Office Building"; H. Con. Res. 165, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Teen Driver Safety Week; H. Res. 490, Honoring the 2007 NBA champion San Antonio Spurs; H.R. 3052, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 954 Wheeling Avenue in Cambridge, Ohio, as the "John Herschel Glenn, Jr. Post Office Building"; H.R. 2587, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 555 South 3rd Street Lobby in Memphis, Tennessee, as the "Kenneth T. Whalum, Sr. Post Office"; H. Res. 551, Acknowledging the progress made and yet to be made to rebuild the Gulf Coast region after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; H. Res. 501, Commending Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros for reaching 3,000 base hits as a Major League Baseball player and for his outstanding service to baseball and the Houston, Texas, region; H.R. 553, Mourning the passing of former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, and celebrating her life and contributions to the people of the United States; and H. Res. 345, Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese of New York. [Page: D1016] The Committee also held a hearing on FEMA Trailers. Testimony was heard from R. David Paulison, Administrator, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. POSTAL SERVICE CONTRACTING Committee on Oversight and Government: Subcommittee on Federal Work Force, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia held a hearing on Inquiring Minds Want To Know: What Is the Postal Service Contracting Out? Testimony was heard from Representative Sires; from the following officials of the U.S. Postal Service: Alan C. Kessler, Vice Chairman, Board of Governors; John E. Potter, Postmaster General/CEO; and David Williams, Inspector General; and public witnesses. TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 10 to 0, an open rule providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3074) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority recognition to Members who have printed their amendments in the Congressional Record. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair to postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Olver and Knollenberg. NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER OVERSIGHT Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment and the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a joint hearing on Tracking the Storm at the National Hurricane Center. Testimony was heard from the following officials of NOAA, Department of Commerce: VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, (Ret.), Under Secretary, Administrator; Bill Proenza, Director, National Hurricane Center; and Robert M. Atlas, Director, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory; and public witnesses. SBA TRADE PROGRAMS ACT; MICROLOAN AMENDMENTS AND MODERNIZATION ACT Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 2992, SBA Trade Programs Act of 2007; and H.R. 3020, Microloan Amendments and Modernization Act. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Concluded hearings on the Status of the Nation's Waters, including Wetlands, Under the Jurisdiction of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Testimony was heard from Carol M. Browner, former Administrator, EPA, and public witnesses. FEDERAL ENERGY CONSERVATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on Federal Leadership by Example on Energy Conservation: No Cost Quick and Easy Steps for Immediate Results. Testimony was heard from Representative Lipinski; David L. Winstead, Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, GSA; Phil Grone, Deputy Under Secretary (Installations and Environment), Department of Defense; and a public witness. VET CENTERS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Vet Centers. Testimony was heard from Alfonso R. Batres, Chief Readjustment Counseling Officer, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and a public witness. FOSTER CHILDREN'S HEALTH CARE Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Health Care for Children in Foster Care. Testimony was heard from Erin Sullivan-Sutton, Director, Chief Safety and Permanency, Department of Human Services, State of Minnesota; and public witnesses. [Page: D1017] FISA Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on FISA. Testimony was heard from Alberto Gonzales, The Attorney General, Department of Justice. 2007/07/20 Daily Digest - Friday, July 20, 2007; pages D1019 - D1024 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/07/23 Daily Digest - Monday, July 23, 2007; pages D1025 - D1032 Committee Meetings COMMERCE AND JUSTICE, AND SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 0, an open rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 3093, Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the Congressional Record. Amendments so printed shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Finally, the rule permits the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to file, on behalf of the Committee, a supplemental report to accompany H.R. 3093. Testimony was heard from Representatives Mollohan and Frelinghuysen. 2007/07/24 Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 24, 2007; pages D1034 - D1044 Committee Meetings SURFACE COMBATANT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on the surface combatant construction update. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: VADM Paul Sullivan, USN, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command; Allison Stiller, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ship Programs; RADM Barry McCullough, USN, Director, Warfare Integration; and RADM Charles Goddard, USN, Program Executive Officer, Ships; the following officials of the CBO: Eric Labs, and J. Michael Gilmore; Ronald O'Rourke, CRS, Library of Congress; and Paul Francis, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO. WORKER MISCLASSIFICATION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions and the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a joint hearing on the Misclassification of Workers as Independent Contractors: What Policies and Practices Best Protect Workers? Testimony was heard from Paul DeCamp, Wage and Hour Administrator, Department of Labor; David Socolow, Commissioner of Labor, State of New Jersey; and public witnesses. HELPING VULNERABLE YOUTH Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities held a hearing on Runaway, Homeless, and Missing Children: Perspectives on Helping the Nation's Vulnerable Youth. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FCC OVERSIGHT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet continued hearings entitled "Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission--Part 2." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FCC: Kevin J. Martin, Chairman; Michael J. Copps, Jonathan S. Adelstein, Deborah Taylor Tate; and Robert McDowell, all Commissioners. TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE REVISION AND EXTENSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2761, Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act of 2007. LATIN AMERICAN/CARIBBEAN DEPORTEES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere held a hearing on Deportees in Latin America and the Caribbean. Testimony was heard from Gary Mead, Assistant Director, Management, Office of Detention and Removal Operations, Bureau of U.S. Immigration and Customs Management, Department of Homeland Security; Charles Shapiro, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a briefing this subject. The Subcommittee was briefed by public witnesses. FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN VULNERABILITIES Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "Federal Efforts to Mitigate Vulnerabilities in the Food Supply Chain." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: David Acheson, Assistant Commissioner, Food Protection, FDA; and Carol Maczka, Assistant Administrator, Office of Food Defense and Emergency Response, Food Safety Inspection Service; and the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Tom McGinn, D.V.M., Chief Veterinarian and Director, Food and Agriculture Security, Office of Health Affairs; and Dan Baldwin, Assistant Commissioner, Office of International Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol; Lee M. Myers, D.V.M., Assistant Commissioner, Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture, State of Georgia; and public witnesses. CHEMICAL SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Chemical Security-A Rising Concern for America: Examination of the Department's Chemical Security Regulation and its Effect on the Public and Private Sector." Testimony was heard from Bob Stephan, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. [Page: D1041] OVERSIGHT--PRIVACY/CIVIL LIBERTIES PROTECTION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held an oversight hearing on Privacy in the Hands of the Government: the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board and the Privacy Officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard from Alan Charles Raul, Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, The White House; Linda Koontz, Director, GAO; Hugo Teufel, Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Homeland Security; and a public witness. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; DEATHS IN CUSTODY REPORTING ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1943, Stop AIDS in Prison Act of 2007; H.R. 1199, Drug Endangered Children Act of 2007; H.R. 400, War Profiteering Prevention Act of 2007; H.R. 2740, MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007; and H.R. 3013, Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2007. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 2908, Deaths in Custody Reporting Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Sedgwick, Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--U.S. MARSHALL ISLANDS FREE ASSOCIATION Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs held an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Testimony was heard from David B. Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior; Gerald M. Zackios, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Marshall Islands; and David B. Gootnick, M.D., Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on H.R. 1970, Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act; and H.R. 2515, Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Act. Testimony was heard from Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. INADVERTENT PEER-TO PEER FILE SHARING Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Inadvertent File Sharing Over Peer-to-Peer Networks. Testimony was heard from Thomas D. Sydnor, II, Attorney-Advisor, Copyright Group, Office of International Relations, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce; Mary Koelbel Engle, Associate Director, Advertising Practices, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Daniel G. Mintz, Chief, Information Officer, Department of Transportation; GEN Wesley K. Clark, USA (ret.), former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO; and public witnesses. SPACE SHUTTLE/INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATIONS ISSUES Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on NASA's Space Shuttle and International Space Station Programs: Status and Issues. Testimony was heard from William H. Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA; Cristina T. Chaplain, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; and public witnesses. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITIES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on FAA's Aging ATC Facilities: Investigating the Need to Improve Facilities and Worker Conditions. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FAA, Department of Transportation: David B. Johnson, Vice President, Terminal Services and Steven B. Zaidman, Vice President, Technical Operations Services, both with the Air Traffic Organization; and public witnesses. IT INVENTORY MANAGEMENT Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on IT Inventory Management. Testimony was heard from McCoy Williams, Director, Financial Management and Assurance, GAO; and the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Robert T. Howard, Assistant Secretary, Information and Technology; and Robert J. Henke, Assistant Secretary, Management. OVERSIGHT--TAX-EXEMPT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held an oversight hearing on Tax-Exempt Organizations, focusing on Charities and Foundations. Testimony was heard from Steven T. Miller, Commissioner, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division, IRS, Department of the Treasury; the following officials of the GAO: Stanley J. Czerwinski, Director, Intergovernmental Relations, Strategic Issues; and Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations; and public witnesses. [Page: D1042] BRIEFING--JULY 20TH EXECUTIVE ORDER ON DETENTION AND INTERROGATION Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on the July 20th Executive Order on Detention and Interrogation. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to continue hearings on Weapons of Mass Destruction, Part II. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/07/25 Daily Digest - Wednesday, July 25, 2007; pages D1046 - D1059 Committee Meetings DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported, as amended, the Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE AND AL-QAEDA Committee on Armed Services, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence held a joint hearing on Implications of the National Intelligence Estimate regarding Al-Qaeda. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: James Clapper, Under Secretary, Intelligence; Mary Beth Long, Assistant Secretary, International Security Affairs (Acting); and Pete Verga, Assistant Secretary, Homeland Defense (Acting); and the following officials of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence: Michael Leiter, Deputy Director, National Counterterrorism Center and Director, Interagency Task Force on Homeland Threats; and Edward Gistaro, National Intelligence Officer, Transnational Threats. ALTERNATIVES FOR IRAQ's FUTURE Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations continued hearings on A Third Way: Alternatives for Iraq's Future, Part 3. Testimony was heard from COL Paul Hughes, USA (ret.), Senior Program Officer, Center for Post-Conflict Peace and Stability Operations, U.S. Institute of Peace; MG Paul D. Eaton, USA (ret.), former Commander, Coalition Military Assistance Training Team, Iraq; and public witnesses. RENEWING STATUTORY PAYGO Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Perspectives on Renewing Statutory PAYGO. Testimony was heard from Peter Orszag, Director, CBO; David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and public witnesses. FEDERAL FINANCIAL CONSUMER PROTECTION Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on Improving Federal Consumer Protection in Financial Services-Consumer and Industry Perspectives. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FAIR HOUSING LENDING Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Rooting Out Discrimination in Mortgage Lending: Using HMDA as a Tool for Fair Lending Enforcement. Testimony was heard from Sandra F. Braunstein, Director, Division of Consumer and Community Affairs, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Sandra Thompson, Director, Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection, FDIC; the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Montrice Yakimov, Managing Director, Compliance and Consumer Protection, Office of Thrift Supervision; and Calvin R. Hagins, Director, Compliance Policy, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; Grace Chung Becker, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice; Kim Kendrick, Assistant Secretary, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Lydia B. Parnes, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; David M. Marquis, Director, Office of Examination and Insurance, National Credit Union Administration; and public witnesses. CENTRAL-EASTERN EUROPE DEMOCRACY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held as hearing on Central and Eastern Europe: Assessing the Democratic Transition. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. U.S.-MARSHALL ISLANDS FREE ASSOCIATION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on Overview of the Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands: Are Changes Needed? Testimony was heard from David B. Cohen, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior; the following officials of the Department of State: Steven McGann, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and Francis A. Donovan, Director, Office of East Asia Affairs, Bureau of Asia and the Near East, U.S. Agency for International Development; and David B. Gootnick, M.D., Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO. [Page: D1055] The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was briefed by public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "An Overview of Department of Homeland Security Federal Advisory Committees." Testimony was heard from Doug Hoelscher, Executive Director, Homeland Security Advisory Committees, Department of Homeland Security; Robert Flaak, Director, Committee Management Secretariat Office of Governmentwide Policy, GSA; the former officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Jeff Gaynor, Director, Homeland Security Advisory Council, Emergency Response Senior Advisory, Committee and Critical Infrastructure Task Force; and Randy Beardsworth, former Assistant Secretary, Strategic Plans; and public witnesses. CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Adopted a resolution recommending that the House of Representatives find that former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten be cited for contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with subpoenas issued by the Committee. The Committee also ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1943, Stop AIDS In Prison Act of 2007; and H.R. 1199, Drug Endangered Children Act of 2007. SURFACE RECLAMATION ACT OVERSIGHT Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on the Surfacing Reclamation Act of 1977: A 30th Anniversary Review. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Department of the Interior: Glenda H. Owens, Deputy Director; and Earl Bandy, Chief, Applicant Violator System Office; Stephanie R. Timmermeyer, Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection, State of West Virginia; John F. Husted, Deputy Chief, Division of Mineral Resources Management, Department of Natural Resources, State of Ohio; John Corra, Director, Department of Environmental Quality, State of Wyoming; and public witnesses. HOT FUELS STANDARDS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on ExxonMobil and Shell Answer Questions about Hot Fuels Double Standards. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CONFERENCE REPORT TO ACCOMPANY THE BILL (H.R. 1) TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON TERRORIST ATTACKS UPON THE UNITED STATES Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 1) to provide for the implementation of the recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. The rule waives all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman Thompson (MS). FARM, NUTRITION, AND BIOENERGY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by vote of 9 to 4, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 2419, to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Agriculture. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Agriculture now printed in the bill, modified by the amendments printed in Part A of the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. The bill as amended shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived. The rule makes in order only those further amendments printed in part B of this report and amendments en bloc described in section 3 of the resolution. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in this report, may be offered only by a Member designated in this report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committe of the Whole. Section 3 of the rule allows the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture to offer amendments en blox consisting of amendments printed in part B of this report not earlier disposed of or to offer germane modifications to such. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Peterson (MN), Representatives Cardoza, Gillibrand, Lincoln Davis (TN), Jackson-Lee (TX), Hastings (FL), Welch, Arcuri, Chairman Waxman, Cooper, Chairman Thompson (MS), Blumenauer, Cummings, Doyle, Davis (IL), Inslee, Kind, Holt, Schakowsky, Weiner, Bishop (NY), Davis (AL), Goodlatte, Boustany, Schmidt, Hastings (WA), Manzullo, Buyer, Whitfield, Wamp, Wilson (NM), Ryan (WI), Kirk, Alexander, FortunAE6o and Gohmert. [Page: D1056] CLINICAL LAB SERVICES BIDDING Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Competitive Bidding for Clinical Lab Services: Where's it Heading and What Small Businesses Can Expect." Testimony was heard from Timothy P. Love, Director, Office of Research, Development and Information, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. VA MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on PTSD and Personality Disorders: Challenges for the VA. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Tracie Shea, Psychologist, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island; Ira R. Katz, Deputy Chief PCS Officer, Mental Health, Veterans Health Administration; and COL Bruce Crow, USA, Chief, Department of Behavioral Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center and Clinical Psychology Consultant to the Army Surgeon General; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/07/26 Daily Digest - Thursday, July 26, 2007; pages D1060 - D1072 Committee Meetings HABEAS CORPUS FOR DETAINEES Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Upholding the Principle of Habeas Corpus for Detainees. Testimony was heard from the Greg Katsas, Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General, Department of Justice; Daniel J. Dell'Orto, Principal Deputy General Counsel, Department of Defense; Patrick Philbin, former Associate Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice; LTC Stephen E. Abraham, USA Reserves; and public witnesses. WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness held a hearing on the Workforce Investment Act: Ideas to Improve the Workforce Development System. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MINERS PROTECTIONS LEGISLATION Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on the S-Miner Act (H.R. 2768) and the Miner Health Improvement Enhancement Act of 2007 (H.R. 2769). Testimony was heard from Kevin Stricklin, Administrator, Coal Mine Safety and Health, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor; and public witnesses. CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND MEDICARE PROTECTION ACT (CHAMP) ACT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Began consideration of H.R. 3162, Children's Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills, H.R. 3002, Native American Economic Development and Infrastructure for Housing Act of 2007; H.R. 180, Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007; and H.R. 3121, Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007. The Committee began consideration of H.R 2895, National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007. Will continue July 31. MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION'S VANUATU IMPACT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on Is the Millennium Challenge Corporation Overstating Its Impact: The Case of Vanuatu. Testimony was heard from David B. Gootnick, Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; and Rodney G. Bent, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Millennium Challenge Corporation. EXPORT CONTROLS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade held a hearing on Export Controls: Are We Protecting Security and Facilitating Exports? Testimony was heard from Christopher A. Padilla, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce; Stephen D. Mull, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Department of State; Beth M. McCormick, Acting Director, Defense Technology Security Administration, Department of Defense; Ann Marie Calvaresi Barr, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; and public witnesses. FREQUENT TRAVELER PROGRAMS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "Frequent Traveler Programs: Balancing Security and Commerce at our Land Borders." Testimony was heard from Robert M. Jacksta, Executive Director, Traveler Security and Facilitation, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. PRIVATE SECTOR INFORMATION SHARING Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Private Sector Information Sharing: What is It, Who Does It, and What's working at DHS?" Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: James M. Chaparro, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Intelligence and Analysis; Melissa Smislova, Director, Homeland Infrastructure Threat and Risk Analysis Center; and R. James Caverly, Director, Infrastructure Partnerships Division, Infrastructure Protection and Preparedness Directorate; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--FBI Committee on the Judiciary: Held an oversight hearing on the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Testimony was heard from Robert S. Mueller, Director, FBI, Department of Justice. INTERNET TAX FREEDOM ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on the Internet Tax Freedom Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Campbell of California and Eshoo; and public witnesses. HARDROCK MINING AND RECLAMATION ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on H.R. 2262, Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Senator Craig; from Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior: John Leshy, former Solicitor General, Department of the Interior; Jennifer Martin, Commissioner, Game and Fish Commission, State of Arizona; J. P. Tangen, former Regional Solicitor, Alaska, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. REFUGE ECOLOGY PROTECTION, ASSISTANCE, AND IMMEDIATE RESPONSE ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 767, Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, and Immediate Response Act. PUBLIC LAND COMMUNITIES TRANSITION ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2007 Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on H.R. 3058, Public Land Communities Transition Assistance Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Hooley; Mark Rey, Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA; Julie Jacobson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Lands and Minerals Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. U.S. EMBASSY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN IRAQ Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: and the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a joint hearing on U.S. Embassy Construction Project in Iraq. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Charles E. Williams, Director, Office of Overseas Building Operations; William Moser, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Acquisitions; Patrick Kennedy, Director, Office of Management Policy; and Howard J. Krongard, Inspector General; and public witnesses OVERSIGHT--POSTAL SERVICE OUTLOOK Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held an oversight hearing on the Postal Service: Planning for the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from Katherine A. Siggerud, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; the following officials of the U.S. Postal Service: Gordon Milbourn, III, Assistant Inspector General, Audit, Office of Inspector General; William P. Galligan, Senior Vice President, Operations; and John Walker, Director, Rates, Analysis, and Planning, Postal Regulatory Commission. CENSUS 2019 WORKFORCE Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives held a hearing on 2010 Census Workforce. Testimony was heard from Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce; Mathew J. Scire, Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. UNIVERSITY RESEARCH GLOBALIZATION Committee on Science and Technology: Continued hearings on Globalization of R&D and Innovation, Part II: the University Response. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CONTRACT BUNDLING OVERSIGHT Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on Contract Bundling Oversight. Testimony was heard from Calvin Jenkins, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office Government Contracting and Business Development, SBA; from the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTC James Blanco, USA, Assistant to the Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Office of the Secretary of the Army; and Anthony R. Martoccia, Director, Office of Small Business Programs; Scott F. Denniston, Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses. GULF WAR EXPOSURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Gulf War Exposures. Testimony was heard from Lawrence Deyton, M.D., Chief Public Health and Environmental Hazards Officer, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND MEDICARE PROTECTION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Ways and Means: Began markup of H.R. 3162, Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007. BRIEFING--NATIONAL DRUG INTELLIGENCE ACT Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on National Drug Intelligence Center. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. BRIEFING--RUSSIA COUNTERINTELLIGENCE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to receive a briefing on Russia Counterintelligence. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/07/27 Daily Digest - Friday, July 27, 2007; pages D1073 - D1080 Committee Meetings IRAQ POLICY Committee on Armed Services: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3087, To require the President, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior military leaders, to develop and transmit to Congress a comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces in Iraq; and H.R. 3159, Ensuring Military Readiness Through Stability and Predictability Deployment Policy Act of 2007. Prior to this action, the Committee held a hearing on these measures. Testimony was heard from GEN John M. Keane, USA (ret.), former Vice Chief of Staff, Department of the Army; Lawrence J. Korb, former Assistant Secretary, Manpower, Reserve Affairs, Installations and Logistics, Department of Defense. CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND MEDICARE PROTECTION (CHAMP) ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Continued consideration of H.R. 3162, Children's Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act of 2007. Recessed subject to call. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 1119, amended, Purple Heart Family Equity Act of 2007; and H.R.1071, September 11 Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act. LILLY LEDBETTER FAIR PAY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by vote of 7 to 3, a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate, H.R. 2831, Lilly Lebetter Fair Pay Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman George Miller of California and Representative McKeon. [Page: D1076] EIGHTMILE WILD AND SCENIC RIVER ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate on H.R. 986, Eightmile Wild and Scenic River Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in this report, shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points of order against the bill, as amended, and provides that the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Rahall and Representative Bishop of Utah. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 0, an open rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 3161, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The resolution waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the Congressional Record. The resolution provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the resolution permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives DeLauro and Kingston. 2007/07/30 Daily Digest - Monday, July 30, 2007; pages D1081 - D1090 Committee Meetings SPECIAL RECONNAISSANCE PROGRAM Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on the Special Reconnaissance Program (SRP). The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/07/31 Daily Digest - Tuesday, July 31, 2007; pages D1092 - D1104 Committee Meetings CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held hearing on the Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol: Stephen T. Ayers, Acting Architect; and Bernard Ungar, Capitol Visitor Center Project Executive; Terrell Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. AUGMENTEE FORCES Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on Use of In Lieu Of, Ad Hoc and Augmentee Forces in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Testimony was heard from following officials of the Department of Defense: BG Jack B. Eggington, USAF, Deputy Director, Operations, U.S. Central Command; MG Jason K. Kamiya, USA, Director, Joint Training, U.S. Joint Forces Command; BG David D. Halverson, USA, Director, Operations, Readiness and Mobilization, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7. Headquarters U.S. Army; RADM Timothy M. Giardina, USN, Director, Information, Plans and Security, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; and BG Marke F. Gibson, USAF, Director, Current Operations and Training, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force. ALTERNATIVES FOR IRAQ's FUTURE Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations continued hearings on A Third Way: Alternatives for Iraq's Future (Part 4). Testimony was heard from GEN Jack Keane, USA (ret.), former Vice Chief of Staff, Army; LTG Gregory S. Newbold, USMC (ret.), former Director, Operations (J-3), Joint Chiefs of Staff; former GEN Barry McCaffrey, USA, (ret.); and public witnesses. IRAQ-AFGHANISTAN MILITARY COSTS Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Costs of Military Operations and Reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the of the Department of Defense: Gordon England, Deputy Secretary; and LTG John F. Sattler, Director, Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Staff; Robert Sunshine, Assistant Director, Budget Analysis, CBO; and the following officials of the Department of State: Joseph Saloom, Ambassador of the United States and Senior Transition Advisor; and John A. Gastright, Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asian Affairs; and Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector General, Iraq Reconstruction. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 814, Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act; H.R. 1699, Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act; H.R. 1721, Pool and Spa Safety Act; and H.R. 2474, To provide for an increased maximum civil penalty for violations under the Consumer Product Safety Act. [Page: D1099] NATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2895, National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007. Committee recessed until tomorrow. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1567, Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2007; and H.R. 3096, Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2007. The Committee also favorably considered the following measures and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H.R. 1302, amended, Global Poverty Act of 2007; H.R. 2185, amended, To amend the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 to provide debt relief to developing countries that take action to protect forests and coral reefs and associated coastal marine ecosystems, to reauthorize such Act through fiscal year 2010; H.R. 3062, amended, South Pacific Economic and Educational Development Act of 2007; H. Res. 32, amended, Denouncing the practices of female genital mutilation, domestic violence, "honor" killings, acid burning, dowry deaths, and other gender-based persecutions and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that participation, protection, recognition, and independence of women is crucial to achieving a just, moral, and honorable society; H. Res. 34, amended, Recognizing the 75th birthday of Desmond Mpilo Tutu, South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient; H. Res. 238, Commending the first democratic elections in Aceh, a province in Sumatra, Indonesia, and expressing support for the further democratic development and implementation of the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding; H. Res. 508, amended, Recognizing the strong security alliance between the Government of Japan and the United States and expressing appreciation to Japan for its role in enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region and its efforts in the Global war against terrorism; H. Res. 518, amended, Recognizing the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence; H. Res. 548, amended, Expressing the ongoing concern of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's democratic institutions and unwavering support for the administration of justice upon those responsible for the assassination of Lebanese public figures opposing Syrian control of Lebanon; H. Res. 557, amended, Strongly condemning the United Nations Human Rights Council for ignoring severe human rights abuses in various countries, while choosing to unfairly target Israel by including it as the only country permanently placed on the Council's agenda; H. Res. 564, Recognizing that violence poses an increasingly serious to peace and stability in Central America and supporting expanded cooperation between the United States and the countries of Central America to combat crime and violence; H. Res. 575, Commending the people and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their continued commitment to holding elections and broadening participation; and H. Res. 583, Recognizing the remarkable example of Sir Nicholas Winton who organized the rescue of 669 Jewish Czechoslovakian children from Nazi death camps prior to the outbreak of World War II. BORDER PATROL SHOOTING CASE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on the Case of Ramos and Compean: the Across-Border Context. Testimony was heard from Charles S. Shapiro, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. REGISTERED TRAVELER PROGRAM Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Managing Risk and Increasing Efficiency: An Examination of the Implementation of the Registered Traveler Program." Testimony was heard from Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. ENSURING ARTISTS FAIR COMPENSATION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property held a hearing on Ensuring Artists Fair Compensation: Updating the Performance Right and Platform Parity for the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from Representative Hodes; Marybeth Peters, U.S. Register of Copyrights, U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--POLITICAL INTERVENTION AT THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Crisis of Confidence: The Political Influence of the Bush Administration on Agency Science and Decision-Making. Testimony was heard from Representatives Thompson of California, Walden of Oregon, Doolittle, and Herger; the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Mary Kendall, Deputy Inspector General; and H. Dale Hall, Director, Fish and Wildlife Service; the following officials of the Department of Commerce: John M. Seeba, Assistant Inspector General, Auditing; and William Hogarth, Assistant Administrator, NOAA; and public witnesses. [Page: D1100] FEMA PREPAREDNESS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on FEMA Preparedness in 2007 and Beyond. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: R. David Paulison, Administrator, FEMA; and Matt Jadacki, Deputy Inspector General; MG Terry Scherling, USA, Director, Joint Staff, National Guard Bureau, Department of Defense; William Jenkins, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; Darrell Darnell, Director, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, GAO; and public witnesses. FEDERAL COMPENSATION--PAY Committee on Oversight an Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Services, and the District of Columbia held a hearing on Federal Compensation, Part I, Pay. Testimony was heard from Representatives Faleomavaega and Kennedy; Linda Springer, Director, OPM; Curtis Copeland, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. Hearings continue August 2. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 3222, Making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule waives points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI. During consideration of the bill for amendment, the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the Congressional Record. Amendments so printed shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Murtha and Young of Florida. CONFERENCE REPORT--WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule providing for the consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 1495, Water Resources Development Act of 2007. The rule waives all points of order against the conference report and its consideration. The rule also considers the conference report as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman Oberstar. WAIVING CLAUSE 6(A) OF RULE XIII AGAINST CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED FROM THE RULES COMMITTEE Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a resolution waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported from the Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any resolutions reported on the legislative day of August 1, 2007, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3161) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND MEDICARE PROTECTION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a closed rule. The rule provides two hours of debate in the House on H.R. 3162, Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007, with one hour to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways & Means and one hour to be equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways & Means now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill as amended and provides that the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard by Representatives McDermott, Pallone, Hastings of Washington, and Blackburn. [Page: D1101] COAST GUARD ADMINISTRATION LAW SYSTEMS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing to review the Coast Guard Administration Law System. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security: RADM Brian Salerno, USCG, Director, Inspection and Compliance; and CAPT Thomas Sparks, USCG, Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Unit; and public witnesses. VETERANS' MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 674, To amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal the provision of law requiring termination of the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans as of December 31, 2009; H.R. 1273, To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to restore plot allowance eligibility for veterans of any war and to restore the headstone or marker allowance for eligible persons; H.R. 1900, To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend eligibility for pension benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who receive an expeditionary medal during a period of military service other than a period of war; H.R. 1901, To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend eligibility for pension benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who served during certain periods of time in specified locations; H.R. 2346. To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a process for determining whether a geographic area is sufficiently served by the national cemeteries located in that geographic area; H.R. 2696, Veterans' Dignified Burial Assistance Act of 2007; and H.R. 2697, To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for veterans' mortgage life insurance to include members of the Armed Forces receiving specially adapted housing assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from Representatives Rahall and Fossella; Bradley H.G. Mayes, Director, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. DNI 100 DAY PLAN Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management held a hearing on DNI 100 Day Plan. Testimony was heard from Representatives Rahall, Gutierrez, and Fossella; Bradley G. Mayes, Director, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representative of veterans organizations. 2007/08/01 Daily Digest - Wednesday, August 1, 2007; pages D1106 - D1118 Committee Meetings CAPITOL POWER PLANT UTILITY TUNNELS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on Capitol Power Plant Utility Tunnels. Testimony was heard from Terrell Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; Peter Eveleth, General Counsel, Office of Compliance; the following officials of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol: Stephen T. Ayers, Acting Architect; and Paul McMahon, Project Executive; and John Thayer, former Supervisor, Utility Tunnels Maintenance Crew, Office of the Architect of the Capitol. [Page: D1113] ARMY-GUARD-RESERVE RECRUITING AND RETENTION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing on active Army, Army Guard and Army Reserve recruiting and retention. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; LTG Michael D. Rochelle, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, Headquarters, U.S. Army; LTG Clyde A. Vaughan, USA, Director, Army National Guard; and MG Thomas P. Bostick, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky. POST-KATRINA HEALTH CARE Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations continued hearings on Post-Katrina Health Care in the New Orleans Region: Progress and Continuing Concerns--Part II. Testimony was heard from Elizabeth Richter, Acting Director, Center for Medicare Management, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Frederick P. Cerise, M.D., Secretary, Department of Health and Hospitals, State of Louisiana; Robert L. Neary, Executive-In-Charge, Officer of Construction and Facilities Management, Department of Veterans Affairs; Ray Nagin, Mayor, New Orleans, State of Louisiana; and public witnesses. TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE REVISION AND EXTENSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2761, Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act of 2007. THAILAND-FIJI COUP-RELATED SANCTIONS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on the Impact of Coup-Related Sanctions on Thailand and Fiji: Helpful or Harmful to U.S. Relations? Testimony was heard from Representative Kirk; and the following officials of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State: Eric G. John, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Southeast Asia, and Glyn T. Davies, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. SOUTH ASIA POLITICAL CRISES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on Political Crises in South Asia: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Testimony was heard from Representative Pallone; and the following officials of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Department of State: Steven R. Mann, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary; and John A. Gastright, Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1413, To direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to address vulnerabilities in aviation security by carrying out a pilot program to screen airport workers with access to secure and sterile areas of airports; H.R. 1717, To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a National Bio and Agro-defense Facility; and H.R. 1955, Homegrown Terrorism, Prevention Act of 2007. TSA FEDERAL ACQUISITION EXEMPTION Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight held a hearing entitled "Playing by Its Own Rules: TSA's Exemption from the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and How it Impacts Partnerships with the Private Sector." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Elaine Duke, Chief Procurement Officer; and Rick Gunderson, Assistant Administrator, Acquisition, Transportation Security Administration; and public witnesses. SMITHSONIAN TRANSITION Committee on House Administration: Held an oversight hearing on The Smithsonian in Transition. Testimony was heard from Representative Matsui; the following officials of the Smithsonian Institution: Cristian Samper, Acting Secretary; and A. Sprightley Ryan, Inspector General; and Charles Bowsher, Chairman, Independent Review Committee, and former Comptroller General of the United States. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, the following bills: H.R. 400, as amended, War Profiteering Prevention Act of 2007; H.R. 2102, as amended, Free Flow of Information Act, and H.R. 3013, Attorney-client Privilege Protection Act of 2007. Committee recessed subject to call. PAT TILLMAN FRATRICIDE Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on the Tillman Fratricide: What the Leadership of the Defense Department Knew. Testimony was heard from former Secretary of Defense: Donald H. Rumsfeld; and the following officials of the Department of the Army: GEN Richard Myers, USA, former Chair, Joint Chiefs of Staff; GEN John P. Abizaid, former Commander, U.S. Central Command; and GEN Bryan Douglas Brown, USA, former Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command. [Page: D1114] CONFERENCE REPORT--21ST CENTURY COMPETITIVENESS ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules. Granted, by a voice vote, a rule providing for the consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill H.R. 2272 to invest in innovation through research and development, and to improve the competitiveness of the United States. The rule waives all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration. The rule also provides that the conference report be considered as read. Testimony was heard by Chairman Gordon. THE ENSURING MILITARY READINESS THROUGH STABILITY AND PREDICTABILITY DEPLOYMENT POLICY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules. Granted, by a vote of 7 to 2, a closed rule. The rule provides one hour of debate on H.R. 3159, Ensuring Military Readiness Through Stability and Predictability Deployment Policy Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Armed Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard by Chairman Skelton, Representatives Hunter, Tauscher, Sestak, Wolf, Shays, Castle, Gerlach, McCaul, and Dent. PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule authorizing the Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules at any time through the legislative day of Friday, August 3, 2007 on the following measures: (1) The bill (H.R. 3087) to require the President, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior military leaders, to develop and transmit to Congress a comprehensive strategy for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces in Iraq; and (2) A bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain electronic surveillance. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES PROGRAMS, FY 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a structured rule. The rule provides for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 3161) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read and that no further debate on any pending amendment shall be in order. The rule provides for further general debate not to exceed 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule provides that the amendments printed in part A of the Rules Committee report shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. No further amendment shall be in order except those prined in part B of the Rules Committee report. The rule provides that each amendment printed in part B of the report may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against such amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule further provides that after the motion that the Committee rise has been rejected on a legislative day, the chair may entertain another such motion on that day only if offered by the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations or the Majority Leader. It also provides that after a motion to strike out the enacting words of the bill has been rejected, the Chair may not entertain another such motion during further consideration of the bill. Testimony was heard by Representative Kingston. DOE'S SAVANNAH RIVER ECOLOGY LABORATORY SUPPORT Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, and the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment continued joint hearings on the Department of Energy's Support for the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), Part II. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Clay Sell, Deputy Secretary; Jeff Allison, Manager, Savannah River Site; Paul Gilbertson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Engineering and Technology, Office of Environmental Management; and Yvette Colazzo, Assistant Manager, Closure Project, Savannah River Operations Office; and public witnesses. [Page: D1115] PAYING SMALL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulation, Health Care and Trade held a hearing entitled "Ensuring Prompt Payment for Small Health Care Providers." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management approved for full Committee action the following measures: H.R. 3246, Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007; H.R. 3224, Dam Rehabilitation and Repair Act of 2007; H.R. 3247, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Recovery Facilitation Act of 2007; H.R. 3068, Federal Protective Service Guard Contracting Reform Act of 2007; H.R. 2671, To designate the United States courthouse located at 301 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida, as the "C. Clyde Atkins United States Courthouse;" and H.R. 2728, To designate the station of the United States Border Patrol located at 25762 Madison Avenue in Murrieta, California, as the "Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak Border Patrol Station." MEASURING POVERTY IN AMERICA Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Measuring Poverty in America. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AVIATION TAXES Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures held a hearing on Aviation Taxes. Testimony was heard from Representatives Oberstar and Mica; Marion C. Blakey, Administrator, FAA, Department of Transportation; Joseph Kile, Assistant Director Microeconomic Studies Division, CBO; Gerald L. Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--SIGINT Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence Analysis and Counterintelligence and the Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence met in executive session to receive a joint briefing on SIGINT. The Subcommittees were briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/08/02 Daily Digest - Thursday, August 2, 2007; pages D1120 - D1130 Committee Meetings MARINE CORPS NEXT OF KIN NOTIFICATION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel held a hearing to follow up on the notification of family members of next of kin of deceased and wounded process for the Marine Corps. Testimony was heard from GEN Robert Magnus, USMC, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, Department of Defense. HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA BUDGET EFFECTS Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: What will be the long-term effect on the federal budget? Testimony was heard from Stanley Czerwinski, Director, Intergovernmental Affairs and Strategic Issues, GAO; Donald E. Powell, Federal Coordinator of Gulf Coast Rebuilding, Department of Homeland Security; and Reverend Donald Boutte, Pastor, St. John Baptist Church, New Orleans, Louisiana. MERCURY EXPORT BAN ACT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1534, Mercury Export Ban Act of 2007. U.S. AFRICA COMMAND Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on Africa Command: Opportunity for Enhanced Engagement or the Militarization of U.S.-Africa Relations." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Michael E. Hess, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, U.S. Agency for International Development; and Stephen D. Mull, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs; Theresa M. Whelan, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Africa, Office of the Secretary, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections held an oversight hearing on the Election Assistance Commission. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Election Assistance Commission: Donetta Davidson, Chair; and Rosemary Rodriguez, Vice Chair; and public witnesses. [Page: D1128] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H. R 2740, amended, MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007; H.R. 1119, amended, Purple Heart Family Equity Act of 2007; and H.R. 1071, September 11 Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act. ENDANGERED SALMON PREDATION PREVENTION ACT Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, held a hearing on H.R. 1769, Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Baird and Hastings of Washington; Bob Lohn, Regional Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Region, NOAA, Department of Commerce; John E. Reynolds, III, Chairman, Marine Mammal Commission; Guy Norman, Regional Director, Department of Fish and Wildlife, State of Washington; Robin Brown, Marine Mammal Research Program Leader, Department of Fish and Wildlife, State of Oregon; and public witnesses NATIONAL PARK CENTENNIAL MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3094, National Park Centennial Fund Act; and H.R. 2959, National Park Centennial Challenge Fund Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Souder, Tiahrt and Baird; Mary A. Bomar, Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 312, amended, Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2007; H.R. 928, amended, Improving Government Accountability Act; H. Res. 554, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Passport Month; H.R. 3106, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 805 Main Street in Ferdinand, Indiana, as the "Staff Sergeant David L. Nord Post Office;" H.R. 2778, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3 Quaker Ridge Road in New Rochelle, New York, as the "Robert Merrill Postal Station;" H.R. 1054, amended, District of Columbia Legislative Autonomy Act of 2007; and H. Res. 544, Expressing the sympathy and pledging the support of the House of Representatives and the people of the United States for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that caused severe flooding in 20 counties in eastern Kansas beginning on June 26, 2007. FEDERAL COMPENSATION--BENEFITS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Services, and the District of Columbia continued hearings on Federal Compensation, Part 2, Benefits. Testimony was heard from Representatives Tom Davis of Virginia; and Moran of Virginia; from the following officials of the OPM: Linda M. Springer; and Patrick McFarland, Inspector General; Gregory Long, Executive Director, Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board; the following Specialists in Social Legislation, Domestic Social Policy Division, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress: Hinda Chaikind and Patrick Purcell; and public witnesses. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Disaster Planning and Recovery: Are We Ready for Another Katrina?" Testimony was heard from Paul Schneider, Under Secretary, Management, Department of Homeland Security; Lurita Doan, Administrator, GSA; the following officials of the Department of Defense: James I. Finley, Deputy Under Secretary, Acquisition and Technology; and LTG Robert Van Antwerp, USA, Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Robert Henke, Assistant Secretary, Management, Department of Veterans Affairs; and Steven Preston, Administrator, SBA. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 3246, amended, Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007; H.R. 3224, amended, Dam Rehabilitation and Repair Act of 2007; H.R. 3247, amended, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Recovery Facilitation Act of 2007; H.R. 409, To amend title 23, United States Code, to inspect highway tunnels; H.R. 2671, To designate the United States courthouse located at 301 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida, as the "C. Clyde Atkins United States Courthouse;" H.R. 2728, To designate the station of the United States Border Patrol located at 25762 Madison Avenue in Murrieta, California, as the "Theodore L. Newton, Jr., and George F. Azrak Border Patrol Station;" H. Res. 444, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, honoring the invaluable contributions of Charles Edward Taylor, regarded as the father of aviation maintenance, and recognizing the essential role of aviation maintenance technicians in ensuring the safety and security of civil and military aircraft; H. Res. 549, Recognizing the importance of America's Waterway Watch program; H. Res. 592, Supporting first responders in the United States in their efforts to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other manmade disasters, and affirming the goals and ideals of National First Responder Appreciation Day; and H.R. 3311, To authorize funds for emergency repairs and reconstruction of the Interstate I-35 bridge located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that collapsed on August 1, 2007, to waive the $100,000,000 limitation on emergency relief funds for those emergency repairs and reconstruction. [Page: D1129] COAST GUARD MARINE SAFETY PROGRAM Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Challenges Facing the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Program. Testimony was heard from ADM Thad Allen, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. CHINA TRADE SAFETY Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on Legislation Related to Trade with China. Testimony was heard from Senator Stabenow; Representatives Davis of Alabama; Hunter, Regula, Knollenberg, Visclosky, Stupak, Ryan of Ohio, Arcuri, and Braley of Iowa; David M. Spooner, Assistant Secretary, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce; Mark Sobel, Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Monetary and Financial Policy, Department of the Treasury; Daniel Brinza, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Monitory and Enforcement; Daniel Baldwin, Assistant Commissioner, Office of International Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY UPDATE ON IRAQ Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Intelligence Community Update on Iraq. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. BRIEFING--CIA NEW COUNTER TERRORISM ACTIVITY Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to receive a briefing on CIA new Counter Terrorism Activity. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/08/03 Daily Digest - Friday, August 3, 2007; pages D1131 - D1138 Committee Meetings GAO DISTRICT WORK PERIOD REQUESTS Committee on House Administration: Election Task Force met and adopted a motion that the Chairman be authorized and directed to consult the Task Force by teleconference or other appropriate means to consider any GAO request received during the district work period and determined by the Chairman to require Task Force concurrence. For the purpose of consultation, as described in this motion, all members of the Task Force must be in simultaneous contact. Prior to this action, the Task Force met to receive a GAO briefing on the status of the Investigation into the FL-13th Congressional District Contested Election. The Task Force was briefed by Naba Barkakati, Senior Level Technologist, Center for Technology and Engineering Applied Research and Methods, GAO. PRIVATE RELIEF BILLS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law met and approved a motion to request Department of Homeland Security Departmental Reports on the Beneficiaries of certain private bills. NEW DIRECTION FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT; RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION TAX ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 0, a resolution providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 3221, the "New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act," and the bill H.R. 2776, the "Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007". The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3221 under a structured rule. All points of order against consideration of the bill, except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI, are waived. The rule provides two hours of general debate with 15 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of each of the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and Labor, Foreign Affairs, Small Business, and Oversight and Government Reform. The rule provides that the amendment printed in part A of the Rules Committee report shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of further amendment and shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived. The rule makes in order only those further amendments printed in part B of the Rules Committee report and waives all points of order against such amendments except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. Amendments so printed may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 3221 with or without instructions. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2776 under a closed rule. All points of order against consideration of the bill, except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI, are waived. The rule provides that the substitute amendment recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted and that the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived. The rule provides one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 2776 with or without instructions. [Page: D1137] The rule further provides that, in the engrossment of H.R. 3221, the Clerk shall add the text of H.R. 2776, as passed by the House, as new matter at the end of H.R. 3221. Upon such engrossment, H.R. 2776 shall be laid on the table. Finally, the rule provides that, during consideration in the House of H.R. 3221 or H.R. 2776, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of either bill to a time designated by the Speaker. PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule authorizing the Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules at any time on the legislative day of Saturday, August 4, 2007 relating to the following measures: (1) A bill to authorize additional funds for emergency repairs and reconstruction of the Interstate I-35 bridge located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that collapsed on August 1, 2007, to waive the $100,000,000 limitation on emergency relief funds for those emergency repairs and reconstruction, and for other purposes; and (2) A bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain electronic surveillance. SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY THE RULES Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain rules reported from the Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any rules reported through the legislative day of Monday, August 6, 2007 providing for consideration of the following: (1) The bill (H.R. 3222) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes; and (2) A bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain electronic surveillance. 2007/08/04 Daily Digest - Saturday, August 4, 2007; pages D1140 - D1144 Committee Meetings No meetings were held. [Page: D114] 2007/09/04 Daily Digest - Tuesday, September 4, 2007; pages D1145 - D1152 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/09/05 Daily Digest - Wednesday, September 5, 2007; pages D1153 - D1160 Committee Meetings IRAQI GOVERNMENT'S RECORD OF PERFORMANCE Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Comptroller General's assessment of the Iraqi government's record of performance. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO. DOD'S ROLE IN PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAMS ROLE Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on the role of the Department of Defense in provincial reconstruction teams. Testimony was heard from Ginger Cruz, Deputy Inspector General, Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction; and public witnesses. EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on H.R. 2015, Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Frank of Massachusetts, Baldwin, and Cleaver; and public witnesses. CREDIT AND MORTGAGE MARKETS RECENT EVENTS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Recent Events in the Credit and Mortgage Markets and Possible Implications for U.S. Consumers and the Global Economy." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Robert K. Steel, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance; and John C. Dugan, Comptroller of the Currency; Sheila Bair, Chairman, FDIC; and Erik R. Sirri, Director, Division of Market Regulation, SEC. IRAQI BENCHMARKS: AN OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Iraqi Benchmarks: An Objective Assessment. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO. SECURITY GAPS--HOLDING DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GAPS Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Holding the Department of Homeland Security Accountable for Security Gaps." Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. TASK FORCE ON ANTITRUST AND COMPETITION POLICY; WARRANTLESS SURVEILLANCE; AND FISA Committee on the Judiciary: Agreed to a resolution establishing a Task Force on Antitrust and Competition Policy. The Committee also held a hearing on Warrantless Surveillance and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: The Role of Checks and Balances in Protecting Americans' Privacy Rights. Testimony was heard from former Representative Bob Barr of Georgia; and public witnesses. [Page: D1158] NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND SELF-DETERMINATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 11-1, an open rule with a preprinting requirement. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 2786, Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of the bill. The rule provides that any amendment to the bill must be preprinted in the Congressional Record. Each amendment so printed may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or his designee and shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. The rule tables H. Res. 595, H. Res. 596, H. Res. 613, and H. Res. 614. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank and Representative Pearce. VOTER CONFIDENCE AND INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Brady and Representatives Lofgren, Holt, Ehlers, Conaway, and Fortuno, but action was deferred on H.R. 811, Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007. LIQUID FUEL FROM COAL BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on the Benefits and Challenges of Producing Liquid Fuel from Coal: The Role for Federal Research. Testimony was heard from Richard D. Boardman, the Secure Energy Initiative Head, Idaho National Laboratory, Department of Energy; Joseph Romm, former Acting Assistant Secretary, Center for Energy and Climate Solutions, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. STRUCTURALLY DEFICIENT BRIDGES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on Structurally Deficient Bridges in the United States. Testimony was heard from Representative Ellison; the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Mary E. Peters, Secretary; and Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector General; Mark V. Rosenker, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; from the following officials of the State of Minnesota: R.T. Rybak, Mayor, Minneapolis; and Robert J. McFarlin, Assistant to the Commissioner, Policy and Public Affairs, Department of Transportation; Kathleen Novak, Mayor, Northglenn, Colorado; Kirk T. Steudle, Director, Department of Transportation, State of Michigan; Malcolm T. Kerley, Chief Engineer, Department of Transportation, State of Virginia; and public witnesses. 2007/09/06 Daily Digest - Thursday, September 6, 2007; pages D1161 - D1170 Committee Meetings IRAQ REPORT AND OUTLOOK Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the report of the Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq. Testimony was heard from the following members of the Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq: GEN James Jones, USMC (Ret.), Chairman; John Hamre; GEN George Joulwan, USA (Ret.) and Chief Charles H. Ramsey. SECTION 202 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing on H.R. 2930, Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from John Garvin, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for the Office Housing/Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Multi-Family Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses. [Page: D1168] HOMEOWNERS' DEFENSE ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity and the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a joint hearing on H.R. 3355, Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Phillip Swagel, Assistant Secretary, Economic Policy, Department of the Treasury; Matthew Patrick, member, House of Representatives, State of Massachusetts; and public witnesses. BEYOND SEPTEMBER REPORT: WHAT'S NEXT FOR IRAQ? Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services held a joint hearing on Beyond the September Report: What's Next for Iraq? Testimony was heard from William J. Perry, former Secretary of Defense; MG John Batiste, USA, (Ret.); and GEN John M. Keane, USA, (Ret.). DOMESTIC USE OF SPY TECHNOLOGY Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Turning Spy Satellites on the Homeland: the Privacy and Civil Liberties Implications of the National Applications Office." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Charles Allen, Chief Intelligence Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis; Daniel W. Sutherland, Officer, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; and Hugo Teufel, Chief Privacy Officer; and public witnesses. CHAPTER 11 FAIRNESS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on American Workers in Crisis: Does the Chapter 11 Business Bankruptcy Law Treat Employees and Retirees Fairly? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. RESTORE HABEAS CORPUS FOR INDIVIDUALS DETAINED AT GUANTANAMO BAY Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties approved for full Committee action H.R. 2826, To amend titles 28 and 10, United States Code, to restore habeas corpus for individuals detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and for other purposes. CONCEALED FIREARMS CARRY AUTHORITY Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on the Implementation of the "Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-277) and Additional Legislative Efforts Aimed at Expanding the Authority to Carry Concealed Firearms." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on H.R. 1645, Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Flake, Baca, LaHood, and Bilbray; Corey Stewart, Chairman At-Large, Prince William County Board of Supervisors, State of Virginia; and public witnesses. WILDLIFE PROTECTION MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1464, Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2007; H.R. 1771, Crane Conservation Act of 2007; and H.R. 1913, Great Cats Conservation Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Udall of New Mexico and Baldwin; Todd Willens, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. PATENT REFORM ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a structured rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1908, Patent Reform Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary, now printed in the bill, shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. Such amendments may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by the Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Conyers and Representatives Berman, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Michaud, Smith of Texas, Issa, and Manzullo. [Page: D1169] CONFERENCE REPORT--COLLEGE COST REDUCTION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a rule providing for the consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill H.R. 2669 to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 601 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2008. The resolution waives all points of order against the conference report and its consideration. The resolution considers the conference report as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman Miller of California and Representative McKeon. NASA ASTRONAUT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on NASA's Astronaut Health Care System--Results of an Independent Review. Testimony was heard from COL Richard E. Backmann, Jr., USAF, Chair, NASA Astronaut Health Care System Review; and the following officials of NASA: Michael Griffin, Administrator; Richard S. Williams, M.D., Chief, Health and Medical Officer; Bryan O'Connor, Chief, Safety and Mission Assurance; and Ellen Ochoa, Director, Flight Crew Operations. SBA'S INVESTMENT AND SURETY BOND PROGRAMS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the Small Business Administration's Investment and Surety Bond Programs. Testimony was heard from Steven C. Preston, Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses. VETERANS PREFERENCE Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on Veterans Preference. Testimony was heard from Neil A.G. McPhie, Chairman, Merit Systems Protection Board; Patricia S. Bradshaw, Deputy Under Secretary, Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy, Department of Defense; Boyd K. Rutherford, Assistant Secretary, Administration, USDA; Anita R. Hanson, Outreach Group Manager, OPM; John McWilliam, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of Labor; Willie Hensley, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Human Resources Management, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. TAX CODE FAIRNESS Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on Fair and Equitable Tax Policy for American's Working Families. Testimony was heard from Peter R. Orszag, Director, CBO; Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former Director, CBO; Eugene Steuerle, former Deputy Assistant Secretary, Tax Analysis, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. FISA Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Testimony was heard from LTG Keith B. Alexander, USA, Director, NSA, Department of Defense; and the following officials of the Department of Justice: Robert S. Mueller III, Director, FBI; and Kenneth Wainstein, Assistant Attorney General, National Security Division. FUTURE OF COAL UNDER CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "The Future of Coal Under Carbon Capture and Storage." Testimony was heard from Dave Freudenthal, Governor of Wyoming; and public witnesses. 2007/09/07 Daily Digest - Friday, September 7, 2007; pages D1171 - D1176 Committee Meetings BRIEFING--UPDATE ON GERMANY AND DENMARK ARRESTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on the Germany and Denmark Arrests. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. BRIEFING--IRAQ NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Iraq National Intelligence Estimate. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/09/10 Daily Digest - Monday, September 10, 2007; pages D1178 - D1182 Committee Meetings IRAQ PROGRESS REPORT Committee on Armed Services: and the Committee on Foreign Affairs held a joint hearing on the status of the war and political developments in Iraq. Testimony was heard from GEN David Petraeus, USA, Commander, Multi-National Forces--Iraq, Department of Defense; and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Department of State. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on proposals to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Testimony was heard from Billy Cannaday, Superintendent of Public Instruction, State of Virginia; Frances Bryant Bradburn, Director, Instructional Technologies, Department of Public Instruction, State of North Carolina; David Brewer, Superintendent of Schools, Unified School District, Los Angeles, California; and public witnesses. 2007/09/11 Daily Digest - Tuesday, September 11, 2007; pages D1184 - D1190 Committee Meetings DISASTER/TERRORISM READINESS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on Readiness in the Post-Katrina and Post-9/11 World: An Evaluation of the New National Response Framework. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: R. David Paulison, Administrator, FEMA; and Roger T. Rufe, Jr., Director, Office of Operations Coordination; Tim Manning, Director, Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, State of New Mexico; and public witnesses. 2007/09/12 Daily Digest - Wednesday, September 12, 2007; pages D1192 - D1196 Committee Meetings WHY WEREN'T 9/11 RECOVERY WORKERS PROTECTED AT WORLD TRADE CENTER? Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Why Weren't 9/11 Recovery Workers Protected at the World Trade Center? Testimony was heard from Patricia Clark, Regional Administrator, OSHA Region II, New York, Department of Labor; James Melius, M.D., Director, Laborers' Health and Safety Fund, New York; and public witnesses. 2007/09/14 Daily Digest - Friday, September 14, 2007; pages D1198 - D1200 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. [Page: D1200] 2007/09/17 Daily Digest - Monday, September 17, 2007; pages D1202 - D1212 Committee Meetings EXPANDING HOMEOWNERSHIP ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a non-record vote, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 1852, Expanding Homeownership Act of 2007, divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services, modified by the amendment printed in Part A of the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted. The bill as amended shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill as amended. The rule makes in order only those further amendments printed in Part B of the Rules Committee report. The further amendments made in order in Part B may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subjected to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instruction. The rules provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank, Representatives Waters and Biggert. [Page: D1208] TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE REVISION AND EXTENSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Heard testimony from Chairman Frank and Representatives Brown-Waite and Buchanan, but action was deferred on H.R. 2761, The Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act of 1007. 2007/09/18 Daily Digest - Tuesday, September 18, 2007; pages D1213 - D1220 Committee Meetings IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN CONTRACTOR MEDICAL BENEFITS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on the benefits and medical care for Federal and U.S. contractor employees deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Testimony was heard from Patricia S. Bradshaw, Deputy Under Secretary, Civilian Personnel Policy, Department of Defense; Shelby Hallmark, Director, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department of Labor; and Brenda S. Farrell, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management Team, GAO. JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION ACT Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities held a hearing on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Testimony was heard from Deborah Kooperstein, Administrative Judge, Southhampton, New York; Kim Berkeley Clark, Administrative Judge, Family Division (Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court) 5th Judiciary District of Pennsylvania (Allegheny County) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Janet Garcia, Deputy Director, Office for Children, Youth and Families, State of Arizona; Andrea Wiesman, Director, Health Services, Youth Rehabilitation Services, District of Columbia; Anne Marie Ambrose, Director, Child Welfare and Juvenile Services, Department of Public Welfare, State of Pennsylvania; and a public witness. MILITARY FAMILIES MEDICAL LEAVE COVERAGE Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on the Family and Medical Leave Act: Extending Coverage to Military Families Left at Home. Testimony was heard from Senators Dodd and Clinton; Representative Issa; and public witnesses. [Page: D1217] MONITORING 9/11 HEALTH EFFECTS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Answering the Call: Medical Monitoring and Treatment of 9/11 Health Effects." Testimony was heard from John Howard, M.D., Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Department of Health and Human Services; Cynthia Bascetta, Director, Health Care Issues, GAO; James Melius, M.D., Laborers' Health and Safety Fund, New York; Edward Slyler, Deputy Mayor, Administration, City of New York; and public witnesses. NUCLEAR TERRORISM PREVENTION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Nuclear Terrorism Prevention: Status Report on the Federal Government's Assessment of New Radiation Detection Monitors." Testimony was heard from Gene Aloise, Director, Natural Resources and Environment Division, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office; and Dave Huizenga, Assistant Deputy Administrator, Office of International Material Protection and Cooperation, National Nuclear Security Administration; and Paul A. Schneider, Under Secretary, Management. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 2868, To eliminate the exemption from State regulation for certain securities designated by national securities; H.R. 2787, amended, CJ's Home Protection Act of 2007; and H.R. 3526, To include all banking agencies within the existing regulatory authority under the Federal Trade Commission Act with respect to depository institutions. The Committee also approved pending Committee business. U.S.-SAUDI ARABIA RELATIONS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on U.S. Relations with Saudi Arabia: Oil, Anxiety, and Ambivalence. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY REVIEW Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The Grades Are In--Is the Department of Homeland Security Measuring Up?" Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and Paul A. Schneider, Under Secretary, Management, Department of Homeland Security. WARRANTLESS SURVEILLANCE AND THE FISA ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on Warrantless Surveillance and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: The Role of Checks and Balances in Protecting Americans' Privacy Rights (Part II). Testimony was heard from Michael McConnell, Director, National Intelligence; and Kenneth Wainstein, Assistant Attorney General, National Security, Department of Justice. STATUE OF LIBERTY NATIONAL MONUMENT MANAGEMENT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held an oversight hearing entitled "Management of the Statue of Liberty National Monument." Testimony was heard from Representatives Weiner and Sires; Daniel N. Wenk, Deputy Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2733, Trinity River Restoration Fund Act of 12007; and H.R. 2085, McGee Creek Project Pipeline and Associated Facilities Conveyance Act. Testimony was heard from Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2780, amended, To amend section 8339(p) of title 5, United States Code, to clarify the method for computing certain annuities under the Civil Service Retirement System which are based on part-time service; H.R. 1236, amended, To make permanent the authority of the United States Postal Service to issue a special postage stamp to support breast cancer research; H.R. 2414, amended, Metropolitan Police Department and Fire Service Act of 2007; H.R. 3551, To reauthorize the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Special Counsel, to modify the procedures of the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Special Counsel; and H.R. 1110, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums. [Page: D1218] TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE REVISION AND EXTENSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 2761.Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services, modified by the amendment printed in Part A of the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted. The bill as amended shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill as amended. The rule makes in order only those further amendments printed in Part B of the Rules Committee report. The further amendments made in order in Part B may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED FROM THE RULES COMMITTEE Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported from the Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any resolution reported through the legislative day of Wednesday, September 19, 2007, that provides for consideration of a bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and for medical devices, to enhance the post market authorities of the Food and Drug Administration with respect to the safety of drugs, and for other purposes. VA ASSESSMENT Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the state of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 3375, amended, To amend the trade adjustment assistance program under the Trade Act of 1974 for 3 months; H.R. 3640, Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2007; and H.R. 3539, amended, Airport and Airway Trust Fund Financing Act of 2007. FISA Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on FISA. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. BRIEFING--BIOLOGICAL THREATS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on current efforts against biological threats. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/09/19 Daily Digest - Wednesday, September 19, 2007; pages D1221 - D1228 Committee Meetings RE-EMPOWERMENT OF SKILLED AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES AND CONSTRUCTION TRADESWORKERS ACT Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1644, Re-Empowerment of Skilled and Professional Employees and Construction Tradesworkers (RESPECT) Act. PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM LEADED-TAINTED IMPORTS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "Protecting Children From Lead-Tainted Imports." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Nancy A. Nord, Acting Chairman; and Thomas H. Moore, Commissioner; and public witness. Hearings continue tomorrow. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, hearing entitled "Issues in Emergency Communications: A Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3403, 911 Modernization and Public Safety Act of 2007." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. U.S. POLITICAL AND MILITARY EFFORTS IN IRAQ Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Assessment of the Administration's September Report on the Status of U.S. Political and Military Efforts in Iraq. Testimony was heard from Senator Graham and Richard C. Holbrooke, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Department of State. U.S.-BRAZIL RELATIONS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere approved for full Committee, as amended, H. Res. 651, Recognizing the warm friendship and expanding strategy relations between the United States and Brazil, commending Brazil on successfully reducing its dependence on oil by finding alternative ways to satisfy its energy needs. And recognizing the importance of the March 9, 2007, United States-Brazil Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on biofuels cooperation. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on U.S.-Brazil Relations. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. REGULATORY IMPROVEMENT ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law approved for full Committee action H.R. 3564, Regulatory Improvement Act of 2007. [Page: D1225] Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this legislation. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Congressional Research, Library of Congress: Mort Rosenberg, Specialist in American Public Law; and Curtis Copeland, Specialist in American National Government; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--DIVERSIFYING NATIVE ECONOMIES Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Diversifying Native Economies. Testimony was heard from Robert Middleton, Director, Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, Department of the Interior; William H. Largent, Assistant Administrator, Office of Native American Affairs, SBA; Katherine V. Schinasi, Managing Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; and public witnesses. FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 2881, FAA, Reauthorization Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that, in lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of the Rules Committee report, modified by the amendment printed in part B of the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as the original bill for purpose of further amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in part C of the Rules Committee report. Amendments so printed may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this report equally divided and controlled by a proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 2881 with or without instructions. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, during consideration in the House of H.R. 2881, the Chair may postpone further consideration until at time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Oberstar and Representatives Costello, Lipinski, Lampson, Payne, Klein of Florida, Petri, Poe, Shays, Garrett and Neugebauer. BRIDGE SAFETY Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on Bridge Safety: Next Steps to Protect the Nation's Critical Infrastructure. Testimony was heard from Dennis Judycki, Associate Administrator, Research, Development and Technology, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. SBA'S CONTRACTING PROGRAM Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing to examine the Small Business Administration's contracting programs. Testimony was heard from Jovita Carranza, Deputy Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses. CRUISE SHIP SAFETY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Cruise Ship Security Practices and Procedures. Testimony was heard from RADM Wayne Justice, USCG, Assistant Commandant for Response, USCG, Department of Homeland Security; Salvador Hernandez, Deputy Assistant Director, Criminal Investigative Division, FBI, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBER CARE Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the findings of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors: Donna E. Shalala, Co-Chair; and Bob Dole, Co-Chair. PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1424, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ACCESS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Unemployment Insurance to Reduce Barriers for Jobless Workers. Testimony was heard from Cynthia Fagnoni, Managing Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security, GAO; Lynette Hammond, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade, State of Virginia; and public witnesses. [Page: D1226] BRIEFING--HOT-SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot-Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/09/20 Daily Digest - Thursday, September 20, 2007; pages D1230 - D1238 Committee Meetings ACCOUNTABILITY DURING CONTINGENCY OPERATION Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Accountability During Contingency Operations: Preventing and Fighting Corruption in Contracting and Establishing and Maintaining Appropriate Controls on Materiel. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Thomas F. Gimble, Principle Deputy Inspector General; Shay Assad, Director, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy and Strategic Sourcing; LTG N. Ross Thompson, USA, Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology; Kathryn Condon, Executive Deputy to the Commanding General Army Materiel Command; and Peter Velz, Foreign Affairs Specialist for Iraq, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle East. FEDERAL BUDGET EFFICIENCY Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Using Taxpayers' Dollars Most Efficiently: Perspectives on Performance Budgeting. Testimony was heard from Clay Johnson, III, Deputy Director, Management, OMB; David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; and Peter R. Orszag, Director, CBO. PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM LEAD-TAINTED IMPORTS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection continued hearings entitled "Protecting Children From Lead-Tainted Imports." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MINIMIZING/MITIGATING MORTGAGE FORECLOSURES Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Legislative and Regulatory Options for Minimizing and Mitigating Mortgage Foreclosures." Testimony was heard from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury; Alphonso Jackson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Daniel H. Mudd, President and CEO, Fannie Mae; Richard F. Syron, Chairman and CEO, Freddie Mac; and public witnesses. EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC ASSISTANCE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on U.S. Assistance in East Asia and the Pacific: An Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Glyn T. Davies, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and Lisa Chiles, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, U.S. Agency for International Development. FIRST RESPONDERS HEALTH AND SAFETY Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Protecting the Protectors: Ensuring the Health and Safety of Our First Responders in the Wake of Catastrophic Disasters." Testimony was heard from Jon R. Krohmer, M.D., Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Office of Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security; John Howard, M.D., Director, National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; Cynthia A. Basscetta, Director, Health Care, GAO; Mike D. McDaniel, Secretary, Department of Environmental Quality, State of Louisiana; and public witnesses. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES FEES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Increase Rule. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security: Jonathan R. Scharfen, Deputy Director; Rendell Jones, Chief Financial Officer; and Michael Aytes, Associate Director, Domestic Operations; and public witnesses. VIRGIN ISLANDS EDUCATION Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs approved for full Committee action H. R. 53, Virgin Islands National Park School Lease Act. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H. Con. Res. 193, Recognizing all hunters across the United States for their continued commitment to safety; H. Res. 303, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a day ought to be established to bring awareness to the issue of missing persons; H. Res. 584, Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Life Insurance Awareness Month;" H. Res. 605, Supporting the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day; H. Res. 641, Acknowledging the importance of understanding the history of the United States of America and recognizing the need to foster civic responsibility in all citizens; H.R. 2089, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 701 Loyola Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the "Louisiana Armed Services Veterans Post Office;" H.R. 2276, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 203 North Main Street in Vassar, Michigan, as the "Corporal Christopher E. Esckelson Post Office Building;" H.R. 3233, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at Highway 49 South in Piney Woods, Mississippi, as the "Laurence C. and Grace M. Jones Post Office Building;" H.R. 3297, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 950 West Trenton Avenue in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, as the "Nate DeTample Post Office Building;" H.R. 3307, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 570 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey, as the "Dennis P. Collins Post Office Building;" H.R. 3308, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 216 Main Street in Atwood, Indiana, as the "Lance Corporal David K. Fribley Post Office;" H.R. 3325, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 235 Mountain Road in Suffield, Connecticut, as the "Corporal Stephen B. Bixler Post Office;" H.R. 3382, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 299 North William Street in Goldsboro, North Carolina, as the "Philip A. Baddour, Sr. Post Office;" H.R. 3518, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1430 South Highway 29 in Cantonment, Florida, as the "Charles H. Hendix Post Office Building;" H.R. 1236, To make permanent the authority of the United States Postal Service to issue a special postage stamp to support breast cancer research; H.R. 1110, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums; H.R. 3530, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1400 Highway 41 North in Inverness, Florida, as the "Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Weaver Post Office Building;" H. Con. Res. 210, Supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Disease Awareness Month; and H.R. 663, Supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day. [Page: D1237] SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT EXPANSION ACT Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported H.R. 3567, Small Business Investment Expansion Act of 2007. OVERSIGHT--VETERANS' WORKFORCE TRANSITION Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held an oversight hearing on Licensure and Certification of Transitioning Veterans. Testimony was heard from Leslye A. Arsht, Deputy Under Secretary, Military Community and Family Policy, Department of Defense; John McWiliam, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training Services, Department of Labor; Keith N. Wilson, Director, Education Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. FISA Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Held a hearing on FISA with the DNI. Testimony was heard from Michael McConnell, Director, National Intelligence; and Kenneth Wainstein, Assistant Attorney General, National Security, Department of Justice. RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY STANDARDS Select Committee on Energy: Held a hearing entitled "Renewable Electricity Standards: Lighting the Way." Testimony was heard from William Ritter, Governor of Colorado; and public witnesses. 2007/09/21 Daily Digest - Friday, September 21, 2007; pages D1240 - D1246 Committee Meetings No Committee meetings were held. 2007/09/24 Daily Digest - Monday, September 24, 2007; pages D1247 - D1252 Committee Meetings CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a rule providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill, H.R. 976, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for small businesses, and for other purposes. The rule makes in order a motion by the chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce that the House concur in each of the Senate amendments to H.R. 976 with the respective amendment printed in the Rules Committee report. The rule waives all points of order against the motion except those arising under clause 10 of the rule XXI. The rule provides that the Senate amendments and the motion shall be considered as read. The rule provides 1 hour general debate equally divided among and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. Testimony was heard by Chairman Dingell and Representatives Pallone, Barton, and Lincoln Diaz-Balart. 2007/09/25 Daily Digest - Tuesday, September 25, 2007; pages D1253 - D1264 Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Safety of Imported Foods. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FDA, Department of Health and Human Services: David Acheson, M.D., Assistant Commissioner, Food Protection; and Stephen Soloman, D.V.M., Office of Regulatory Affairs, Office of Regional Operations; the former officials of the FDA: Benjamin England, Counsel to the Associate Commissioner, Regulatory Affairs; and Carl R. Nielsen, Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs' Division of Import Operations and Policy; and public witnesses. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch appropriations held a hearing on Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Office of the Architect: Stephen Ayers Acting Architect; Ken Lauziere, Fire Marshal; and Bernie Ungar, Project Executive, Capitol Visitor Center; and Terry Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO. FROM IMUS TO INDUSTRY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "From Imus to Industry: The Business of Stereotypes and Degrading Images." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3521, Public Housing Asset Management Improvement Act of 2007; and H.R. 2930, Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2007. The Committee also began mark up of H.R. 3355, Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow. PEPFAR REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on PEPFAR Reauthorization: From Emergency to Sustainability. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. APEC 2007: ADVANCING U.S. EXPORT TO ASIA-PACIFIC REGION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment held a hearing on APEC 2007: Advancing U.S. Exports to the Asia-Pacific Region. Testimony was head from Patricia Haslach, Senior Official, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; Department of State; and Wendy Cutler, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, Japan, Korea and APEC Affairs; and a public witness. COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Homeland Security: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2830, Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007. OVERSIGHT--ANTITRUST AGENCIES Committee on the Judiciary: Task Force on Antitrust and Competition Policy held an oversight hearing on Antitrust Agencies: Department of Justice Antitrust Division and Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Competition. Testimony was heard from Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman, FTC; and Thomas O. Barnett, Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice. [Page: D1260] MORTGAGE MESS--STRAIGHTENING OUT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on Straightening Out the Mortgage Mess: How Can We Protect Home Ownership and Provide Relief to Consumers in Financial Distress? Testimony was heard from Judge Marilyn Morgan, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of California, State of California; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--EMPLOYMENT SECTION CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held an oversight hearing on the Employment Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Testimony was heard from Asheesh Agarwal, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2405, Proud to Be an American Citizen Act; H.R. 2884, amended, Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act; H.R. 1512, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for compensation to States incarcerating undocumented aliens charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors; and H.R. 1312, Arts Require Timely Service (ARTS) Act. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 123, To authorize appropriations for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund; H.R. 2498, To provide for a study regarding development of a comprehensive integrated regional water management plan that would address four general areas of regional water planning in both the San Joaquin River Hydrologic Region and the Tulare Lake Hydrologic Region, inclusive of Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Counties, California, and to provide that such plan be the guide by which those counties use as a mechanism to address and solve long-term water needs in a sustainable and equitable manner; and H.R. 2535, Tule River Tribe Water Development Act. Testimony was heard from Robert Quint, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on Will NIEHS' new priorities protect public health? Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ORGAN DONATION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives held a hearing on Organ Donation: Utilizing Public Policy and Technology to Strengthen Organ Donor Programs. Testimony was heard from James Burdick, M.D., Director, Division of Transplantation, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. POPCORN WORKERS LUNG DISEASE PREVENTION ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 3, with one member voting present, a structured rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 2693, Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. All points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived except clause 10 of Rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard fro m Chairman Miller and Representatives Woolsey, and Wilson of South Carolina. [Page: D1261] CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H.J. Res. 52, Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2008, in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against the joint resolution and against its consideration except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule also provides that the joint resolution shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the joint resolution to a time designated by the Speaker and tables House Resolution 659. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey. INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on Revisiting the Industrial Technologies Program (ITP): Achieving Industrial Efficiency. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ENERGY CHALLENGE--SOCIAL SCIENCES CONTRIBUTION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on the Contribution of the Social Sciences to the Energy Challenge. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. EMANCIPATION HALL--CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management held a hearing on H.R. 3515, To provide that the great hall of the Capitol Visitor Center shall be known as Emancipation Hall. Testimony was heard from Representatives Jackson of Illinois and Wamp. RAIL COMPETITION AND SERVICE Committee on Transportation: Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing Rail Competition and Service. Testimony was heard from Senator Dorgan; the following officials of the Surface Transportation Board, Department of Transportation: Charles D. Nottingham, Chairman; W. Douglas Buttrey, Vice Chairman; and Francis P. Mulvey, Board Member; Kenneth C. Clayton, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA; JayEtta Z. Hecker, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. BOARD OF VA ADJUDICATION PROCESS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the Board of Veterans' Appeals Adjudication Process and the Appeals Management Center. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Arnold Russo, Director, Appeals Management Center; and James P. Terry, Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals; and representatives of veterans organizations. VA POLYTRAUMA REHAB CENTERS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers: Management Issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Elizabeth J. Freeman, Director, VA Palo Alto Health Care System; and William F. Feeley, Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Operations and Management. DRAFT IMPLEMENTING PROPOSAL ON U.S.-PERU TRADE PROMOTION AGREEMENT Committee on Ways and Means: Approved the draft implementing proposal on the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. EXAMINE WHETHER CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS SERVE NEEDS OF DIVERSE COMMUNITIES Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing to Examine Whether Charitable Organizations Serve the Needs of Diverse Communities. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/09/26 Daily Digest - Wednesday, September 26, 2007; pages D1265 - D1274 Committee Meetings COMMODITY EXCHANGE ACT REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing to review reauthorization of the Commodity Exchange Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ARMY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Army Strategic initiatives. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Army: Pete Geren, Secretary; and GEN George Casey, USA, Chief of Staff. [Page: D1270] FOOD AND DRUG SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on H.R. 3610, Food and Drug Safety Import Act. Testimony was heard from Randall L. Lutter, Deputy Commissioner for Policy, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3355, Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007; and H.R. 3524, HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Foreign Affairs: The Chairman asked Unanimous Consent to request consideration of the following measures in the House under suspension of the rules, and there was no objection: S. 1612, International Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement Act; H. Res. 635, amended, Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commend Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith; H. Con. Res. 200, amended, Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; H.R. 2003, amended, Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act; H.R. 2828, amended, to provide compensation to relatives of United States citizens who were killed as a result of the bombings of United States embassies in East Africa on August 7, 1998; H. Res. 624, amended, Congratulating the State of Israel on chairing a United Nations committee for the first time in history; H. Res. 651, amended, Recognizing the warm friendship and expanding strategic relationship between the United States and Brazil, commending Brazil on successfully reducing its dependence on oil by finding alternative ways to satisfy its energy needs, and recognizing the importance of the March 9, 2007, United States-Brazil Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on biofuels cooperation; H. Res. 676, Declaring that it should continue to be the policy of the United States, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and services as may be necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; H. Con. Res. 203, amended, Condemning the persecution of labor rights advocates in Iran; H.R. 3432, amended, 200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act of 2007; and H. Res. 405, as amended, Expressing the strong support of the House of Representatives for implementation of the July 8, 2006, United Nations-brokered agreement between President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat relating to the reunification of Cyprus. NATIONAL PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled "Beyond the Checklist: Addressing Shortfalls in National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness." Testimony was heard from Bernice Steinhardt, Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; B. Tilman Jolly, M.D., Associate Chief Medical Officer for Medical Readiness, Office for Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security; RADM W. Craig Vanderwagen, M.D., Assistant Secretary, Preparedness and Response, Department of Health and Human Services; L. Anthony Cirillo, M.D., Chief, Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Health, State of Rhode Island; Peter A. Shult, Director, Communicable Diseases Division, Laboratory of Hygiene, State of Wisconsin; Michael C. Caldwell M.D., Commissioner, Duchess County Health Department, Poughkeepsie, New York; and David L. Lakey, M.D., Commissioner, Center for Consumer and External Affairs, Department of State Health Services, Texas. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee Natural Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1483, To amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend the authorization for certain national heritage areas, and for other purposes; and H.R. 3058, Public Land Communities Transition Assistance Act of 2007. MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS FEDERAL CONTRACTING Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement held a hearing on Federal Contracting: Removing Hurdles from Minority-Owned Small Businesses. Testimony was heard from Calvin Jenkins, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Government Contracting and Business Development, SBA; Anthony Martoccio, Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Department of Defense; William B. Shear, Director, Office of Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO; Preston Jay Waite, Deputy Director, Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. [Page: D1271] WALTER REED OVERSIGHT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing entitled "Third Walter Reed Oversight Hearing: Keeping the Nation's Promise to Our Wounded Soldiers." Testimony was heard from the following officials of GAO: John Pendleton, Acting Director, Health Care; and Daniel Bertoni, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security; MG Eric Schoomaker, USA, Commander, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary (Personnel and Readiness), Department of Defense; Patrick W. Dunne, Assistant Secretary, Policy and Planning, Department of Veterans Affairs. FLOOD INSURANCE REFORM AND MODERNIZATION ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a structured rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 3121, Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services, modified by the amendment printed in Part A of the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted. The bill as amended shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill as amended. The rule makes in order only those further amendments printed in Part B of the Rules Committee report. The further amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the further amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank and Representatives Waters, Cardoza, Castor, Arcuri, Taylor, Blumenauer, Biggert, Burton, Rohrabacher, and Miller of Michigan. SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT EXPANSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 3567, Small Business Investment Expansion Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Small Business. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Velazquez and Representative Chabot. HEALTH IT INTEROPERABILITY/SECURITY Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on meeting the need for Interoperability and Information Security in Health IT. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY TAX INCENTIVES Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology held a hearing on Small Business Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Possibilities. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AIRLINE DELAYS AND CONSUMER ISSUES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on Airline Delays and Consumer Issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Robert A. Sturgell, Deputy Administrator and Interim Chief Operating Officer, Air Traffic Organization, FAA; D. J. Gribbin, General Counsel; and Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General; and public witnesses. [Page: D1272] FTA NEW STARTS/SMALL STARTS PROGRAM Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on Federal Transit Administration's Proposed Rule on the New Starts and Small Starts Programs. Testimony was heard from James S. Simpson, Administrator, Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. VA IT REORGANIZATION Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on VA IT Reorganization: How Far Has VA Come? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Valerie Melvin, Director, Human Capital and Management Information Issues; and Gregory C. Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues; and the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Robert T. Howard, Assistant Secretary, Information and Technology; Arnaldo Claudio, Executive Director, Office of IT Oversight and Compliance; Paul Tibbits, M.D., Deputy Chief Information Officer for Development, Office of Information and Technology; and J. Ben Davoren, M.D., Director, Clinical Informatics, San Francisco VA Medical Center. HOME MORTGAGE AID; MENTAL HEALTH COVERAGE Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3648, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude discharges of indebtedness on principal residences from gross income, and for other purposes; and H.R. 1424, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. FORGING A GLOBAL SOLUTION FOR GLOBAL WARMING: INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES Select Committee on Energy Independence: Held a briefing entitled "Forging A Global Warming: International Perspectives." The Committee was briefed by the following officials of the UN Special Envoy on Climate Change: Gro Harlem Brundtland; Ricardo Lagos; and Han Seung-soo; and a public witness. 2007/09/27 Daily Digest - Thursday, September 27, 2007; pages D1275 - D1286 Committee Meetings VIRGINIA RIDGE AND VALLEY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review H.R. 1011, Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. [Page: D1284] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 20, amended, Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act; H.R. 2295, amended, ALS Registry Act; H.R. 507, amended, Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007; H.R. 1727, amended, Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act; H.R. 970, Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2007; H.R. 814, amended, Children's Gasoline Burn Prevention Act; H.R. 1699, amended, Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act; H.R. 2474, amended, Product Safety Civil Penalties Improvement Act; and H.R. 1721, amended, Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. SEC PROXY ACCESS PROPOSALS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "SEC Proxy Access Proposals: Implications for Investors." Testimony was heard from Donald Kirshbaum, Principal Investment Officer, Policy, Office of the Treasurer, State of Connecticut; and public witnesses. CREDIT RATING AGENCIES Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "The Role of Credit Rating Agencies in the Structured Finance Market." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. INTELLIGENCE FUSION CENTERS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk held a hearing entitled "The Way Forward with Fusion Centers: Challenges and Strategies for Change." Testimony was heard from Ellen Larence, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; Jack Tomarchio, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security; Michael Mines, Deputy Assistant Director, Directorate of Intelligence, FBI, Department of Justice; the following officials of the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress: Todd Masse, Specialist, Domestic Intelligence and Counterterrorism; and John Rollins, Specialist, Terrorism, International Crime, Intelligence, and Homeland Security; and Norman Beasley, Coordinator for Counter Terrorism, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Arizona. SUNSHINE IN THE COURTROOM ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on H.R. 2128, Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Poe; Judge Nancy Gertner, U.S. District Court, Massachusetts; Judge John R. Tunheim, District Judge, U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota and Chair, Committee on Court Administration, Judicial Conference of the United States; John Richter, U.S. Attorney, Western District of Oklahoma, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight hearing entitled "Aquatic Nuisance Species and Activities of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force." Testimony was heard from Mamie Parker, Assistant Director, Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; Timothy R.E. Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Larry Riley, Assistant Director for Wildlife, Department of Game and Fish, Arizona; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 830, Denali National Park and Alaska Railroad Land Exchange Act of 2007; H.R. 2094, To provide for certain administrative and support services for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission; and H.R. 3111, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Young of Alaska, George Miller of California and Moore of Kansas; Bill Shaddox, Acting Associate Director, Park Planning, Facilities and Lands, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANGE'S NATIONAL SECURITY IMPACT Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on the National Security Implications of Climate Change. Testimony was heard from Kent H. Butts, Director, National Security Issues, Center for Strategic Leadership, U.S. Army War College, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS FUNDING Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on small business programs funding levels. Testimony was heard from Jovita Carranza, Deputy Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses. KENNEDY CENTER REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development Public Buildings and Emergency Management held a hearing on the John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization. Testimony was heard from Michael M. Kaiser, President, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. [Page: D1285] VA GRANT AND PER DIEM PROGRAM Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on VA Grant and Per Diem Program. Testimony was heard from Daniel Bertoni, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; Peter Dougherty, Director, Homeless Veterans Programs, Department of Veterans Affairs; and George Basher, Chair, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans and Director, Division of Veterans' Affairs, State of New York; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--CIA ACTIVITIES Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis, and Counterintelligence met in executive session to receive a briefing on Overview On CIA Activities. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION; INTERIM REPORT; VOTING IN THE HOUSE Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007: Met for organizational purposes. The Committee approved an Interim Report, required by H. Res. 611, Raising a question of the privileges of the House, to be filed with the House of Representatives by September 30, 2007. The Committee also held a hearing on voting in the House of Representatives. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Office of the Clerk: Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk; and Russell Gore, Legislative Counsel to the Clerk. 2007/09/28 Daily Digest - Friday, September 28, 2007; pages D1288 - D1292 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/10/01 Daily Digest - Monday, October 1, 2007; pages D1294 - D1300 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/10/02 Daily Digest - Tuesday, October 2, 2007; pages D1302 - D1310 Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food Aid Programs. Testimony was heard from Thomas Melito, Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; Mark Keenum, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA; Jim Kunder, Acting Deputy Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State; Josette Sheeran, Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme; and public witnesses. TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPETITION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing entitled "Digital Future of the United States: Part VI: The Future of Telecommunications Competition." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FINANCIAL SYSTEM SYSTEMIC RISKS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Systemic Risk: Examining Regulators' Ability to React to Threats in the Financial System." Testimony was heard from. public witnesses. CREDIT-BASED INSURANCE SCORES Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Credit-Based Insurance Scores: Are They Fair?" Testimony was heard from J. Thomas Rosch, Commissioner, FTC; J. P. Schmidt, Commissioner of Insurance, State of Hawaii; Mike Kreidler, Commissioner of Insurance, State of Washington; and public witnesses. ETHIOPIA DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa, and Global Health held a hearing on Ethiopia and the State of Democracy: Effects on Human Rights and Humanitarian Conditions in the Ogaden and Somalia. Testimony was heard from Jendayi Frazer, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. LEVERAGING REMITTANCES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere held a hearing on Leveraging Remittances for Families and Communities. Testimony was heard from Paul J. Bonicelli, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--CONTESTED ELECTION--13TH DISTRICT OF FLORIDA Committee on House Administration: Election Task Force received a briefing on the Status of the Investigation into FL-13 Congressional District Contested Election. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Nabajyoti Barkakati, Senior Level Technologist, Center for Technology and Engineering Applied Research and Methods; Gloria Jarmon, Congressional Relations; and Jan Montgomery, Office of the General Counsel. [Page: D1307] U.S. TRUSTEE PROGRAM Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on the United States Trustee Program: Watchdog or Attack Dog? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts: A. Jay Cristol, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Florida; and Eugene R. Wedoff, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois; Clifford J. White, III, Director, Executive Office for United States Trustees, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. FEDERAL GANG CRIME PREVENTION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on Gang Crime Prevention and the Need to Foster Innovative Solutions at the Federal Level. Testimony was heard from Representatives Schiff, Cummings, Baca, Lampson, McNerney, Dent and Reichert; Richard Roper, U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Texas; and public witnesses. HARDROCK MINING AND MINING AND RECLAMATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on H.R. 2262, Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Jim Hanlon, Director, Office of Wastewater Management, EPA; Tony L. Ferguson, Director, Minerals Geology Management, Forest Service, USDA; Greg Lind, State Senator, Montana; Salvatore Lazarri, Specialist in Public Finance, Resources, Science and Industry Division, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. BLACKWATER USA'S IRAQ MISSION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Private Security Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Ambassador M. Satterfield, Special Adviser, Coordinator for Irag; Ambassador Richard J. Griffin, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Diplomatic Security and Director, Office of Foreign Missions; and William H. Moser, Assistant Secretary, Logistics Management; and Erik Prince, Chairman and CEO, Blackwater, USA. MORTGAGE FORGIVENESS DEBT RELIEF ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a non-record vote, a closed rule providing one hour of debate on H.R. 3648, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude discharges of indebtedness on principal residences from gross income, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule considers as adopted the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, modified by the amendment printed in the committee report, and considers the bill, as amended, as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representative Blumenauer. REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 3246, to amend title 40, United States Code, to provide a comprehensive regional approach to economic and infrastructure development in the most severely economically distressed regions in the Nation, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, modified by the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 3246 with or without instructions. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, during consideration of H.R. 3246, the Chair may postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Oberstar. THE IMPROVING GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 928, to amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 to enhance the independence of the Inspectors General, to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. All points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived except clause 10 of rule XXI. [Page: D1308] The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Towns of New York and Tom Davis of Virginia. MEJA EXPANSION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a structured rule providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 2740, to require accountability for contractors and contract personnel under Federal contracts, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of further amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. Such amendments may be offered only in the order printed in the report, only offered by the Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report except those arising under clause 9 or 10 or rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Cohen, Filner, Schakowsky, Forbes and Brown-Waite of Florida. NANOTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on Nanotechnology Education. Testimony was heard from David Ucko, Deputy Division Director, Education and Human Resources Division on Research Learning, NSF; and public witnesses. FIRE ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing on the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization: Addressing the Priorities of the Nation's Fire Service. Testimony was heard from Gregory B. Cade, Fire Administrator, U.S. Fire Administration, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Shyam-Sunder, Director, Building and Fire Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on The Federal Safe Routes to School Program. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. BRIEFING--IRAN Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Iran. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. CIA ACTIVITY Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to hold hearing on CIA Activity, Part I. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/10/03 Daily Digest - Wednesday, October 3, 2007; pages D1311 - D1320 Committee Meetings FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL PESTS/DISEASES PROTECTION Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture held a hearing to examine the joint performance of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security in protecting U.S. agriculture from foreign pests and diseases. Testimony was heard from Lisa Shames, Director, Natural Resources and the Environment, GAO; James L. Taylor, Acting Assistant Inspector General, Office of Audits, Department of Homeland Security; Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, State of Florida; John Jurich, Investigator, House Committee on Agriculture; and public witnesses. CRANDALL CANYON MINE TRAGEDY Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Mine Safety: The Perspective of the Families at Crandall Canyon. Testimony was heard from Jon Huntsman, Jr., Governor of Utah; relatives of miners and public witnesses. FDA TOBACCO PRODUCTS REGULATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on H.R. 1108, Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Testimony was heard from Fred J. Jacobs, M.D., Commissioner, Department of Health and Senior Services, State of New Jersey; and public witnesses. GLOBAL POVERTY AND INEQUALITY Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "The Fight Against Global Poverty and Inequality: The World Bank's Approach to Core Labor Standards and Employment Creation." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. INSURANCE REGULATORY REFORM Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Need for Insurance Regulatory Reform." Testimony was heard from Walter Bell, Commissioner, Department of Insurance, State of Alabama; and public witnesses. OUTSTANDING HOLOCAUST ISSUES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on America's Role in Addressing Outstanding Holocaust Issues. Testimony was heard from J. Christian Kennedy, Special Envoy, Holocaust Issues, Bureau of European Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY EXERCISES Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing entitled "Practicing Like We Play: Examining Homeland Security Exercises." Testimony was heard from Dennis R. Schrader, Deputy Administrator, National Preparedness, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; MG Steven Saunders, USA, Director, Joint Doctrine, Training and Force Development, National Guard Bureau; and James Langenbach, Program Manager, Operations Branch, Division of Health Infrastructure Preparedness and Emergency Response, Department of Health and Senior Services, State of New Jersey. [Page: D1318] ELECTION POLL WORKERS Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on The Importance of Poll Workers: Best Practices and Recommendations. Testimony was heard from Michael Mauro, Secretary of State, Iowa; Lance Gough, Executive Director, Board of Election Commission, Chicago, Illinois; and public witnesses. INDIAN TRIBAL FEDERAL RECOGNITION ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 2837, Indian Tribal Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Shays; Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on Energy Storage Technologies: State of Development for Stationary and Vehicular Applications. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. INTERNET TAX MORATORIUM Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Internet Tax Moratorium. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. VA--FUNDING FOR THE FUTURE Committee on Veterans Affairs: Held a hearing on Funding the VA of the Future. Testimony was heard from W. Paul Kearns III, Chief Financial Officer, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis, and Counter Intelligence met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Subcommittee heard testimony from departmental witnesses. 2007/10/04 Daily Digest - Thursday, October 4, 2007; pages D1322 - D1332 Committee Meetings U.S. AGRICULTURE LABOR NEEDS Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review the labor needs of American agriculture. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ROLE OF DOD IN IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN RECONSTRUCTION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on the role of the Department of Defense in Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan and Iraq. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Mitchell Shivers, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Central Asia Affairs, Office of the Secretary (Policy); MG Bobby J. Wilkes, USAF, Deputy Director, Politico-Military Affairs (Asia), Strategic Plans and Policy, The Joint Staff; Mark Kimmit, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs, Office of the Secretary; and COL (Promotable) Ralph O. Baker, USA, Deputy Director, Politico-Military Affairs (Middle East), Strategic Plans and Policy, The Joint Staff. FEDERAL TAB--COMMERCIAL NUCLEAR WASTE Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Issues in Federal Government Financial Liabilities: Commercial Nuclear Waste. Testimony was heard from Kim P. Cawley, Unit Chief, Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit, CBO; Edward F. Sproat, III, Director, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, Department of Energy; and Michael F. Hertz, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division, Department of Justice. 401(k) FAIR DISCLOSURE FOR RETIREMENT SECURITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on H.R. 3185, 401 (k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Bradford P. Campbell, Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1055, Toxic Right-to-Know Protection Act; and H.R. 1103, Environmental Justice Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the EPA: Granta Y. Nakayama, Assistant Administrator, Office of Environment and Compliance Assurance; Wade Najjum, Assistant Inspector General for Program Evaluation; and Molly O'Neill, Assistant Administrator, Office of Environmental Information; Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel, Office of Advocacy, SBA; John B. Stephenson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment; Nancy Wittenberg, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection, State of New Jersey; and public witnesses. U.S. BIO-LABORATORY SAFETY/SECURITY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "Germs, Viruses, and Secrets: The Silent Proliferation of Bio-Laboratories in the United States." Testimony was heard from Keith Rhodes, Chief Technologist, Center for Technology and Engineering, GAO; from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Richard Besser, M.D., Director, Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response; Robbin S. Weyant, Director, Division of Select Agents and Toxins, and Casey Chosewood, M.D., Director, Office of Health and Safety, Office of the Director, all with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Hugh Auchincloss, M.D., Deputy Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infestious Diseases, NIH; and public witnesses. REAUTHORIZATION--MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Reauthorization of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act." Testimony was heard from Senators Reed and Allard; John McKinney, Senator, State of Connecticut; and public witnesses. AFGHAN COUNTERNARCOTICS/POLICE TRAINING Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on Counternarcotics Strategy and Police Training in Afghanistan. Testimony was heard from Thomas Schweich, Coordinator for Counternarcotics and Justice Reform in Afghanistan, Department of State; and a public witness. [Page: D1329] OVERSEAS COUNTERTERRORISM COORDINATION Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "Homeland Security Beyond Our Borders: Examining the Status of Counterterrorism Coordination Overseas." Testimony was heard from Michael E. Leiter, Principal Deputy Director, National Counterterrorism Center; the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Ambassador Marisa R. Lino, Assistant Secretary, International Affairs, and Gary L. Cote, Deputy Assistant Director, Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Edgar Moreno, Assistant Director, Domestic Operations, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Department of State; and Thomas V. Fuentes, Assistant Director, Office of International Operations, Legal Attache Program, FBI, Department of Justice. EMERGENCY HOME OWNERSHIP AND MORTGAGE EQUITY PROTECTION ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law approved for full Committee action H.R. 3609, Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007. ADA RESTORATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties held a hearing on H.R. 3195, ADA Restoration Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Hoyer; and public witnesses. IMMIGRATION DETAINEE MEDICAL CARE Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on Detention and Removal: Immigration Detainee Medical Care. Testimony was heard from Gary Mead, Assistant Director, Detention and Removal, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security. SPECIES CONSERVATION MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1464, Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2007; and H.R. 1771, Crane Conservation Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; IRAQI CORRUPTION ASSESSMENT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 3572, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4320 Blue Parkway in Kansas City, Missouri, as the "Wallace S. Hartfield Post Office Building;" H. Con. Res. 205, Supporting the goal and ideals of National Women's Friendship Day; H. Res. 588, Recognizing Martha Coffin Wright on the 200th anniversary of her birth and her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame; H. Res. 630, Congratulating the Warner Robins Little League Baseball Team from Warner Robins, Georgia, on winning the 2007 Little League World Series Championship; H. Res. 654, Congratulating the Phoenix Mercury for winning the 2007 Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Championship; H. Res. 697, Commending Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre for establishing a National Football League record for the most career touchdown passes; and H. Res. 687, amended, Celebrating the 90th birthday of Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, and honoring his contributions to higher education, the Catholic Church, and the advancement of the humanitarian mission. The Committee also held a hearing on assessing the state of Iraq corruption. Testimony was heard from David Walker, Comptroller General, GAO; Ambassador Larry Butler, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Near East Affairs, Department of State; Stuart Bowen, Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction; Judge Radhi Hamza al-Radhi, Commissioner, Public Integrity in Iraq; and a public witness. R&D GLOBALIZATION AND INNOVATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation continued hearings on The Globalization of R&D and Innovation, Part III: How Do Companies Choose Where To Build R&D Facilities. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SBA CONTRACTING PROGRAMS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on SBA Contracting Programs. Testimony was heard from Steven C. Preston, Administrator, SBA; and public witnesses. VA RESEARCH PROGRAMS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on VA Research Programs. Testimony was heard from MAJ David Rozelle, USA, Administrative Officer, Military Advanced Training Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Joel Kupersmith, M.D., Chief Research and Development Officer, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. [Page: D1330] IMPORT SAFETY Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade and the Subcommittee on Oversight held a joint hearing on import safety. Testimony was heard from Warren H. Maruyama, General Counsel, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; Daniel Baldwin, Assistant Commissioner, Office of International Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protect, Department of Homeland Security; William James, D.V.M., Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of International Affairs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA; Steven M. Solomon, D.V.D., Deputy Director, Office of Regional Operations, Office of Regulatory Affairs, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and Marc J. Schoem, Director, Recalls and Compliance, Consumer Product Safety Commission; and public witnesses. COMMITTEE BUSINESS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations met in executive session to consider pending business. 2007/10/05 Daily Digest - Friday, October 5, 2007; pages D1333 - D1334 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/10/09 Daily Digest - Tuesday, October 9, 2007; pages D1335 - D1340 Committee Meetings HIV/AIDS RELIEF AND FOOD SECURITY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on the President's Emerging Plans for AIDS Relief: Is it Fulfilling the Nutrition and Food Security Needs of People Living with HIV/AIDS? Testimony was heard from Mark R. Dybul, Coordinator, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Department of State; and public witnesses. NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE IMPROVEMENT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a hearing on Implementation of the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act: Has the promise been fulfilled? Testimony was heard from H. Dale Hall, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; John Frampton, Director, Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina; Bruce Babbitt, former Secretary of the Interior; and public witnesses. NATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 3, a structured rule providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 2895, National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of rule XXI. [Page: D1338] The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank and Representatives Hastings of Florida, Woolsey and Bachus. TAX COLLECTION RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 3, a closed rule providing one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 3056, Tax Collection Responsibility Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means, modified by the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the bill, as amended. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representative Van Hollen. 2007/10/10 Daily Digest - Wednesday, October 10, 2007; pages D1341 - D1346 Committee Meetings PAKISTAN SECURITY CHALLENGES Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on security involving Pakistan and policy implications for the Department of Defense. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CHILD NEGLECT AND ABUSE Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Cases of Child Neglect and Abuse at Private Residential Treatment Facilities. Testimony was heard from Greg Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Adults and Special Investigations, GAO; and public witnesses. PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1236, To make permanent the authority of the United States Postal Service to issue a special postage stamp to support breast cancer research; and H.R. 1424, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet approved for full Committee action the following: H.R. 3403, amended, 911 Modernization and Safety Act of 2007; and the Broadband Census of America Act of 2007. ARMENIAN GENOCIDE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported H. Res. 106, Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution. NUCLEAR FORENSICS AND ATTRIBUTION ACT Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing on H.R. 2631, Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Schiff; Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detention Office, Department of Homeland Security; Steven Aoki, Deputy Under Secretary, Counterterrorism, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy; Mike Evenson, Associate Director, Operations, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Department of Defense; Vahid Majidi, Assistant Director, Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate, FBI, Department of Justice; Andrew Grant, Acting Director for WMD Terrorism, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Department of State; and Carol Burns, Group Leader, Nuclear and Radiochemistry, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 3773, Responsibility Electronic Surveillance That is Overseen, Reviewed, and Effective Act of 2007; H.R. 3678, amended, Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007; H.R. 3387, To update and improve the codification of title 46, United States Code; and H.R. 3564, Regulatory Improvement Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 53, amended, Virgin Islands National Park School Lease Act; H.R. 767, amended, Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, and Immediate Response Act; H.R. 830, amended, Denali National Park and Alaska Railroad Land Exchange Act of 2007; H.R. 3111, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement Act of 2007; H.R. 783, amended, Mesa Verde National Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2007; H.R. 1528, amended, New England National Scenic Trail Designation Act; H.R. 2094, amended, To provide for certain administrative and support for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission; H.R. 2197, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park Boundary Adjustment Act; H.R. 523, amended, Douglas County, Washington, PUD Conveyance Act; H.R. 1462, amended, Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and Pathfinder Modification Authorization Act; H.R. 29, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct facilities to provide water for irrigation, municipal, domestic, military, and other uses from the Santa Margarita River, California; H.R. 135, Twenty-First Century Water Commission Act of 2007; and H.R. 664, Dana Point Desalination Project Authorization Act. PUBLIC STADIUM FUNDING's EFFECT ON INFRASTRUCTURE Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on Professional Sport Stadiums: Do they Divert Taxpayer Funds from Public Infrastructure? Testimony was heard from Eric Solomon, Assistant Secretary, Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury; Arthur J. Rolnick, Senior Vice President and Research Director, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Federal Reserve System; Steven Maguire, Specialist in Public Finance, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. [Page: D1344] U.S. SECURITY STRATEGY Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Six Years Later: Assessing Long-Term Threats, Risks and the U.S. Strategy for Security in a Post 9/11 World. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FEDERAL RAILROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a non-record vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 2095, Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. Amendments so printed may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in this report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this report equally divided and controlled by a proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 2095 with or without instructions. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker Chairman Oberstar and Representatives Ginny Brown-Waite, Napolitano, Gonzalez, Shuster and Rohrabacher. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment approved for full action the following bills: H.R. 1834, National Ocean Exploration Program Act; H.R. 3776, Energy Storage Technology Advancement Act of 2007; and H.R. 3775, Industrial Energy Efficiency Research and Development Act of 2007. SCIENCE AND MATH EDUCATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on Assessment of the National Science Board's Action Plan for STEM Education. Testimony was heard from Steven C. Beering, Chairman, National Science Board, NSF; and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS PRIORITIES Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on the impact of the 700 Megahertz Wireless Spectrum Auction on Small Business. Testimony was heard from Kevin Martin, Chairman, FCC; and public witnesses. FLIGHT SERVICE STATION TRANSITION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on The Transition from FAA to Contractor-Operated Flight Service Stations: Lessons Learned. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General; James H. Washington, Vice President for Acquisition and Business Services, Air Traffic Organization; and John Staples, Director, Office of Flight Services Program Operations, both with the FAA; and public witnesses. VETERANS' DISABILITY BENEFITS COMMISSION Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Findings of the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission. Testimony was heard from LTG James Terry Scott, USA (Ret.), Chairman, Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission. RESTORE ACT OF 2007 Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3773, RESTORE Act of 2007. LOW-CARBON ENERGY ECONOMY Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "The Business Opportunity in a Low-Carbon Energy Economy." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/10/12 Daily Digest - Friday, October 12, 2007; pages D1347 - D1348 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. [Page: D1348] 2007/10/15 Daily Digest - Monday, October 15, 2007; pages D1350 - D1358 Committee Meetings NATION'S FOOD SUPPLY--CAN THE FDA ASSURE SAFETY AND SECURITY Committee on Energy and Commerce: On October 11, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations continued hearings entitled "Diminished Capacity: Can the FDA Assure the Safety and Security of the Nation's Food Supply?--Part III." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: David W. K. Assistant Commissioner, Food Protection; Margaret O'K. Glavin, Associate Commissioner, Regulatory Affairs, both with the FDA; and Richard Raymond, M.D., Under Secretary for Food Safety, Food Safety and Inspection Service; Martin F. Martin, Analyst in Asian Trade and Finance Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and a public witness. [FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION ACT OF 2007] Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule providing for one hour of debate on H.R. 2102, Free Flow of Information Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. [Page: D1354] The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of the bill. The rule makes in order only the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report if offered by Representative Boucher or his designee. The amendment shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question, shall be considered as read, and shall be debatable for ten minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment printed in this report except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Boucher, Smith of Texas and Pence. [CORRUPTION IN IRAQ] Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule providing one hour of debate in the House on H. Res. 734, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the withholding of information relating to corruption in Iraq, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the resolution and provides that the resolution shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit which may not contain instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Waxman and Representative Tom Davis of Virginia. 2007/10/16 Daily Digest - Tuesday, October 16, 2007; pages D1360 - D1368 Committee Meetings FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE COMBAT ZONE BENEFITS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on incentives, benefits, and medical care for federal civilian employees deployed to combat zone. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Ambassador Harry Thomas, Director General; and Mark Ward, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Asia and Near East Bureau, U.S. Agency for International Development; Kirk Miller, Associate Administrator, Foreign Agriculture Service, USDA; Bruce Swartz, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice; and Larry McDonald, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Technical Assistance, Department of the Treasury. BREAST CANCER STAMP/PAUL WELLSTONE HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1236, To make permanent the authority of the United States Postal Service to issue a special postage stamp to support breast cancer research; and H.R. 1424, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. REAUTHORZATION OF MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity continued hearings on reauthorization of McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Testimony was heard from Mark Johnston, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Special Needs, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Zev Yaroslavsky, member, Board of Supervisors, Los Angeles County; Mercedes Marquez, General Manager, Los Angeles Housing Department, City of Los Angeles; and public witnesses. AVIATION SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security, and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Aviation Security: Are We Truly Protected?" Testimony was heard from Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security; Cathleen A. Berrrick, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; and Franklin Hatfield, Director, System Operations Security Office, FAA, Department of Transportation. [Page: D1365] VOTING BY MAIL OR ABSENTEE--EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on Expanding and Improving Opportunities to Vote by Mail or Absentee. Testimony was heard from Representative Davis of California; Ruth Goldway, Commissioner, Postal Regulatory Commission; Deborah L. Markowitz, Secretary of State, Vermont; and public witnesses. PUBLIC SCHOOL HATE CRIMES/RACE VIOLENCE Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on Jena 6 and the Role of Federal Intervention in Hate Crimes and Race-Related Violence in Public Schools. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Donald Washington, U.S. Attorney, Western District of Louisiana; and Lisa Krigsten, Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division; and public witnesses. LEGAL TIMBER PROTECTION ACT Committee on Natural Resources; Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a hearing on H.R. 1497, Legal Timber Protection Act. Testimony was heard from Representative Blumenauer; Eileen Sobeck, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 123, To authorize appropriations for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund; H.R. 236, amended, North Bay Water Reuse Program Act of 2007; H.R. 2085, McGee Creek Project Pipeline and Associated Facilities Conveyance Act; and H.R. 2498, amended, To provide for a study regarding development of a comprehensive integrated regional water management plan that would address four general areas of regional water planning in both the San Joaquin River Hydrologic Region and the Tulare Lake Hydrologic Region, inclusive of Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Counties, California, and to provide that such plan be the guide by which those counties use as a mechanism to address and solve long-term water needs in a sustainable and equitable manner. DC PRISONER RE-ENTRY Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, Census and District of Columbia held a hearing on Doing Time: Are DC Prisoners Being Adequately Prepared for Re-Entry? Testimony was heard from Harley G. Lappin, Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice; Charles Jones, Director, Employment Services, Department of Employment Services, District of Columbia; and public witnesses. CENSUS 2010 BUDGET ISSUES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives held a hearing on Critical Budget Issues Affecting the 2010 Census. Testimony was heard from Jim Nussle, Director, OMB; the following officials of the Department of Commerce: Otto J. Wolfe, Chief Financial Officer and ASA; Charles Louis Kincannon, Director; and Preston Jay Waite, Deputy Director, both with the Bureau of the Census. RESTORE ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a closed rule providing for 90 minutes of debate on H.R. 3773, RESTORE Act of 2007, with 60 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary and 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. In lieu of the amendments recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the rule considers as adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of the Rules Committee report, modified by the amendment printed in part B of the report, and considers the bill, as amended, as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representative Scott of Virginia, Chairman Reyes, Representatives Issa, Lungren, Forbes, Gohmert and Hoekstra. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3776, Energy Storage Technology Advancement Act of 2007; and H.R. 3775, Industrial Energy Efficiency Research and Development Act of 2007. [Page: D1366] RAILROAD-OWNED SOLID WASTE FACILITIES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Railroad-Owned Solid Waste Transload Facilities. Testimony was heard from Senator Lautenberg; Representatives Pallone, Patrick J. Murphy of Pennsylvania; and Murphy of Connecticut; the following officials of the Surface Transportation Board, Department of Transportation: Charles D. Nottingham, Chairman; W. Douglas Buttrey, Vice Chairman; and Francis P. Mulvey, Commissioner; Gregory Schmidt, Mayor, Village of Croton-on-Hudson, New York; Joseph DiGirolamo, Mayor, Township of Bensalem, Pennsylvania; Kathy Chasey, Mayor, Mullica Township, New Jersey; Brian X. Foley, Town Supervisor, Brookhaven, New York; Wolfgang Skacel, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey; and public witnesses. RAW SEWAGE OVERFLOW AWARENESS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on The Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act. Testimony was heard from Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, EPA; Robert Summers, Deputy Secretary, Department of the Environment, Maryland; and public witnesses. DISABILITY CLAIMS RATINGS AND BENEFITS WITHIN VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation held a hearing on Disability Claims Ratings and Benefits Disparities within the Veterans' Benefits Administration. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Jon A. Wooditch, Deputy Inspector General; and Ronald R. Aument, Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits; and representatives of veterans organizations. MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN BIDS AUDITS Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Oversight held a joint hearing on Medicare Advantage: Required Audits of Limited Value. Testimony was heard from Jeffery Steinhoff, Managing Director, Financial Management and Assistance, GAO; Timothy B. Hill, Chief Financial Officer, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--AMERITHAX Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Amerithax [sic; ie, Amerithrax]. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. CIA ACTIVITY Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis, and Counterintelligence met in executive session to hold a hearing on CIA Activity. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/10/17 Daily Digest - Wednesday, October 17, 2007; pages D1370 - D1376 Committee Meetings STATUS OF DTV TRANSITION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing entitled "Status of the DTV Transition--Part 2." Testimony was heard from Kevin J. Martin, Chairman, FCC; John M.R. Kneuer, Assistant Secretary, Communications and Information, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce; Mark L. Goldstein, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. U.S.-RUSSIA ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology held a hearing on U.S.-Russia Economic Relationship: Implications of the Yukos Affair. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. LATE HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing on The Impacts of Late Housing Payments on Tenants and Owners in the Project-Based Rental Assistance Program. Testimony was heard from John W. Cox, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Housing and Urban Development; David Wood, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO; and public witnesses. [Page: D1374] BURMA CRISIS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, Pacific and the Global Environment held a hearing on the Crisis in Burma: Can the U.S. Bring about a Peaceful Resolution? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Scot Marciel, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and Lisa Chiles, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, U.S. Agency for International Development; and public witnesses. ELECTRIC GRID CYBER THREATS Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science, and Technology held a hearing entitled "The Cyber Threat To Control Systems: Stronger Regulations Are Necessary To Secure the Electric Grid." Testimony was heard from Greg Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues, GAO; and Greg Garcia, Assistant Secretary Office of Cyber Security and Telecommunication, Department of Homeland Security. CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER Committee on House Administration: Held an oversight hearing on The Capitol Visitor Center: the Visitor Experience. Testimony was heard from Terrie S. Rouse, CEO for Visitor Services, Capital Visitor Center; Thomas L. Stevens, Director, Visitor Services, U.S. Capitol; and Chief Phillip D. Morse, Sr., Chief of Police, U.S. Capitol Police. SEX CRIMES AND THE INTERNET Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on Sex Crimes and the Internet. Testimony was heard from Representatives Pomeroy, Lampson, Musgrave, Carney, Wasserman Schultz, and Rodgers; the following officials of the Department of Justice: Michael A. Mason, Executive Assistant Director, Cyber Response Branch, FBI; Laurence E. Rothenberg, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy; and public witnesses. GLOBAL WARMING'S POLAR BEAR PERMAFROST IMPACTS Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on Disappearing Polar Bears and Permafrost: Is a Global Warming Tipping Point Embedded in the Ice? Testimony was heard from Sue Haseltine, Associate Director, Biology, U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. WOMEN IN ACADEMIC SCIENCE/ENGINEERING Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on Women in Academic Science and Engineering. Testimony was heard from Donna E. Shalala, former Secretary of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY PRIORITIES Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Small Business Energy Priorities." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AVIATION NEXTGEN PROGRAM REDUCING FLIGHT DELAYS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on NextGen: The FAA's Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (AD-B) Contract. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Vincent Capezzuto, Manager, Surveillance and Broadcast Services Program Office, FAA; and Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector General; and public witnesses. MARINER EDUCATION AND WORK FORCE Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Mariner Education and Work Force. Testimony was heard from RADM Joel Whitehead, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security; Sean Connaughton, Administrator, MARAD, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. CURRENT CONFLICTS AND LONG-TERM COSTS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on the Long-Term Costs of the Current Conflicts. Testimony was hear from Matthew S. Goldberg, Deputy Assistant Director, National Security, CBO; the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Michael J. Kussman, M.D., Under Secretary for Health; and Daniel L. Cooper, VADM (Ret.), Under Secretary, Benefits; and Amy Belasco, Specialist in U.S. Defense Policy and Budget, CRS, Library of Congress. SERVICE MEMBER TAX RELIEF Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures and the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a joint hearing on the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Davis of California, Lampson and Jones of North Carolina; David A. Rust, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Disability and Income Security Programs, SSA; Michelle D. LaRock, Deputy Director, Program Development, Division of veterans' Affairs, State of New York; and public witnesses. [Page: D1375] BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/10/18 Daily Digest - Thursday, October 18, 2007; pages D1377 - D1384 Committee Meetings AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY'S STRUCTURAL CHANGES Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review structural changes that are taking place in the agricultural economy and their impacts. Testimony was heard from Keith Collins, Chief Economist, USDA; Howard Gruenspecht, Deputy Administrator, Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy; and a public witness. PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAM OVERSIGHT Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on measuring and increasing the effectiveness of Provincial Reconstruction Teams. Testimony was heard from Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector General, Iraq Reconstruction; and Robert Perito, Senior Program Officer, Center for Post-Conflict Peace and Stability Operations, U.S. Institute for Peace. TAX CODE AND HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Tax Code and Health Insurance Coverage. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 3796, amended, Early Warning and Health Care for Workers Affected by Globalization Act; and H.R. 3685, Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007. INTERNATIONAL TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on International Trafficking in Persons: Taking Action to Eliminate Modern Day Slavery. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. RENDITION OF TORTURE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight and the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties of the Committee on the Judiciary held a joint hearing on Rendition to Torture: The Case of Maher Arar. Testimony was heard from Maher Arar; and public witnesses. ANTITRUST LAWS AND COMMUNITY PHARMACIES Committee on the Judiciary: Task Force on Antitrust and Competition Policy, hearing on the Impact of our Antitrust Laws on Community Pharmacies and their Patients. Testimony was heard from David Wales, Deputy Director, Bureau of Competition, FTC; and public witnesses. INTERNATIONAL PIRACY Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property held a hearing on International Piracy: The Challenges of Protecting Intellectual Property in the 21st Century. Testimony was heard from Victoria A. Espinel, Assistant U.S. Representative for Intellectual Property and Innovation, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; Loren Yager, Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; and public witnesses. HARDROCK MINING RECLAMATION ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Began markup of H.R. 2262, Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007. Will continue on October 23. NORTHERN ROCKIES ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION ACT Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, hearing on H.R. 1975, Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Maloney, Shays, and Rehberg; Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, USDA; Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. BLACK CARBON AND THE ARCTIC Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Black Carbon and the Arctic. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SECURE IDENTITY Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement held a hearing on Technology for Secure Identity Documents. Testimony was heard from Kathy Kraninger, Director, Screening Coordination Office, Department of Homeland Security; Benjamin M. Brink, Assistant Public Printer, Security and Intelligent Documents, GPO; David M. Temoshok, Director, Identity Policy and Management, Office of Government-wide Policy, GSA; Bonnie Rutledge, Director, Department of Motor Vehicles, State of Vermont; and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS MEASURES Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported the following bills H.R. 3866, Small Business Programs Act of 2007; and H.R. 3867, Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act. CLEAN WATER ACT REVIEW Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on the 35th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act: Successes and Future Challenges Testimony was heard from John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works, Department of the Army; Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, EPA; and public witnesses. UPDATING MONTGOMERY GI BILL Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on Updating the Montgomery G.I. Bill. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: James Bombard, Chairman, Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education; and Keith M. Wilson, Director, Education, Veterans Benefit Administration; the following officials of the Department of Defense: Thomas F. Bush, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Reserve Affairs; and Curtis L. Gilroy, Director, Accession Policy, Office of the Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; MG Larry Shellito, USA, Adjutant General, Minnesota National Guard; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS--RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Health Care Professionals-Recruitment and Retention. Testimony was heard from William F. Feeley, Deputy Under Secretary, Health Operations and Management, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. ENERGY AND GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS FOR VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "Energy and Global Warming Solutions for Vulnerable Communities." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. BRIEFING--VOTING IN THE HOUSE--ROSTRUM AND ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007: Held a briefing on Voting in the House of Representatives--The Rostrum and the Electronic Voting System: a Walkthrough by the Clerk of the House. The Committee was briefed by Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House. 2007/10/19 Daily Digest - Friday, October 19, 2007; pages D1385 - D1390 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/10/22 Daily Digest - Monday, October 22, 2007; pages D1392 - D1400 Committee Meetings VOTING BY MAIL OR ABSENTEE--EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections continued hearings on Expanding and Improving Opportunities to vote by Mail or Absentee. Testimony was heard from Tom Harrison, former Elections Director, State of Texas; and a public witness. CELEBRATING AMERICA'S HERITAGE ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a closed rule. The rule provides one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 1483, To amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management of 1996 to extend the authorization for certain national heritage areas, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted and shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions of the bill, as amended, are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard by Chairman Rahall and Representatives Don Young of Alaska, Regula, and Flake. VIRGINIA RIDGE AND VALLEY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules. Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 1011, Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions of the bill, as amended, are waived. The rule makes in order the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report if offered by Representative Goodlatte. The amendment made in order shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question, shall be considered as read, and shall be debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. All points of order against the amendment except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard by Chairman Rahall and Representative Don Young of Alaska. NATIVE HAWAIIAN GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides one hour of debate in the House on H.R. 505, Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clauses 9 and 10 of Rule XXI. Tech rule provide that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of the bill. [Page: D1398] The rule makes in order only the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report if offered by Rep. Flake or his designee. The amendment shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for ten minutes equally divided and controlled by a proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit the bill with or without instructions. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard by Chairman Rahall, and Representatives Abercrombie, Hirono, Don Young of Alaska, and Flake. 2007/10/23 Daily Digest - Tuesday, October 23, 2007; pages D1401 - D1410 Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Broadband: Connecting Rural America. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection approved for full Committee action, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 2601, To extend the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to collect fees to administer and enforce the provisions relating to the "Do-not-call" registry of the Telemarketing Sales Rule; H.R. 3461, Safeguarding America's Families by Enhancing and Reorganizing New and Efficient Technologies Act of 2007; and H.R. 3526, To include all banking agencies within the existing regulatory authority under the Federal Trade Commission Act with respect to depository institutions, and for other purposes. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Enhancing FTC Consumer Protection in Financing Dealings, with Telemarketers, and on the Internet. Testimony was heard from Lydia B. Barnes, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC. MARKET TO MARKET EXTENSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Service: Held a hearing on H.R. 647, Market to Market Extension Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Theodore K. Toon, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Affordable Housing Preservation, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Ordered reported, as amended, the following measures: H.R. 3887, William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 275, Global Online Freedom Act of 2007; H.R. 3890, Block Burmese JADE Act of 2007; and H.R. 1746, Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2007. The Committee favorably considered the following measures and approved a motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H.R. 2705, amended, Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2007; H.R. 2949, amended, Eurasia Foundation Act; H.R. 3320, Support for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews Act of 2007; H.R. 3913, To amend the International Center Act to authorize the lease or sublease of certain property described in such Act; H.R. 3912, Naval Vessel Transfer Act; H. Res. 435, amended, Expressing concern relating to the threatening behavior of the Iranian regime and its leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the activities of terrorist organizations sponsored by that regime in Latin America; H. Res. 550, amended, Congratulating the people of Ethiopia on the second millennium of Ethiopia; H. Res. 573, amended, Recognizing and commending the efforts of the United States public and Advocacy groups to raise awareness about and help end the worsening humanitarian crisis and genocide in Darfur, Sudan; H. Res. 726, amended, Calling on the President of the United States and the international community to take immediate steps to respond to and prevent the acts of rape and sexual violence against women and girls in Darfur, Sudan, eastern Chad and the Central African Republic; H. Res. 740, amended, Condemning in the strongest terms the attacks on African Union peacekeepers that occurred in Haskanita, Darfur, Sudan, on September 29, 2007; H. Res. 747, Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali; H. Con. Res. 234, Calling on the government of the People's Republic of China to respect the human rights of North Korean refugees; and H. Con. Res. 236, amended, Recognizing the close relationship between the United States and the Republic of San Marino. [Page: D1407] IRAN SANCTIONS AND REGIONAL SECURITY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South held a hearing on Iran Sanctions and Regional Security. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. VOTER REGISTRATION AND LIST MAINTENANCE Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections held a hearing on Voter Registration and List Maintenance. Testimony was heard from Chris Nelson, Secretary of State, South Dakota; Larry Leake, Chairman, Board of Elections, North Carolina; Patricia Hollarn, Supervisor of Elections, Okaloosa County, Florida; Jackie Harris, General Registrar, Fairfax County, Virginia; and public witnesses. ALLEGATIONS OF SELECTIVE PROSECUTION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security and the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a joint hearing on Allegations of Selective Prosecution: The Erosion of Public Confidence in Our Federal Justice System. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. GENOCIDE AND THE RULE OF LAW Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on Genocide and the Rule of Law. Testimony was heard from Eli Rosenbaum, Director, Office of Special Investigations, Criminal Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. HARDROCK MINING AND RECLAMATION ACT OF 2007; PUERTO RICO DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 2262, Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007; and H.R. 900, Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 816, Orchard Detention Basin Flood Control Act; H.R. 1311, Nevada Cancer Institute Expansion Act; H.R. 1922, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Act of 2007; and H.R. 2246, To validate certain conveyances made by the Union Pacific Railroad Company of lands located in Reno, Nevada, originally conveyed by the United States to facilitate construction of transcontinental railroads. Testimony was heard from Representatives Berkley, Porter, and Mahoney of Florida; Mike Nedd, Assistant Director, Minerals, Realty and Recourse Protection, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; Karen J. Golonka, Mayor, Jupiter, Florida; Robert Cashell, Mayor, Reno, Nevada; and a public witness. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; URANIUM MINING ON NAVAJO NATION Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H. Res. 684, Congratulating Shawn Johnson on her victory in becoming the 2007 World Artistic Gymnastics Champion in women's gymnastics; H. Res. 759, Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of the Mass Movement for Soviet Jewish Freedom and the 20th Anniversary of the Freedom Sunday Rally for Soviet Jewry on the Mall in Washington, D.C.; H. Res. 728, Expressing the support and sympathy of the House of Representatives and the people of the United States for the victims of the devastating flooding that occurred across many parts of Ohio in August 2007 and commending the communities, volunteer organizations, churches and emergency response agencies for their continuing work to restore the affected areas across the state; H.R. 3446, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 202 East Michigan Avenue in Marshall, Michigan, as the " Michael W. Schragg Post Office Building"; H.R. 3470, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 744 West Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville, Georgia, as the "John Sidney `Sid' Flowers Post Office Building"; H.R. 3511, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2150 East Hardtner Drive in Urania, Louisiana, as the "Murphy A. Tannehill Post Office Building;" H.R. 3569, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 16731 Santa Ana Avenue in Fontana, California, as the "Beatrice E. Watson Post Office Building"; and S. 1896, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11 Central Street in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, as the "Officer Jeremy Todd Charon Post Office." The Committee also held a hearing on the Health and Environment Impacts of Uranium Contamination in the Navajo Nation. Testimony was heard from Wayne Nastri, Regional Administrator, Region 9, EPA; David Geiser, Deputy Director, Office of Legacy Management, Department of Energy; Charles E. Miller, Director, Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental Management Programs, NRC; Robert G. McSwain, Acting Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services; and Jerry Gidner, Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. [Page: D1408] CYBERSECURITY--EFFORTS TO SECURE INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information, Census, and National Archives held a hearing on Cybersecurity: A Review of Public and Private Sector Efforts To Secure Our Nation's Internet Infrastructure. Testimony was heard from Gregory T. Garcia, Assistant Secretary, Cyber Security and Communications, Department of Homeland Security; Gregory C. Wilshusen, Director, Information Technology, GAO; Daniel S. Ross, Chief Information Officer, State of Missouri; and public witnesses. GEOSTATIONARY WEATHER SATELLITE PROGRAM Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on GAO's Report on the Status of NOAA's Geostationary Weather Satellite Program. Testimony was heard from David Powner, Director, Information Technology Management Issues, GAO; and Mary Ellen Kicza, Assistant Administrator, Satellite and Information Services, NOAA, Department of Commerce. HIGHWAY BRIDGE INSPECTION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing on Highway Bridge Inspection. Testimony was heard from King Gee, Associate Administrator, Infrastructure, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation; Matthew Garret, Director, Department of Transportation, State of Oregon; Bart Andersen, Level 2 Bridge Inspector, Department of Transportation, State of Minnesota; and public witnesses. CIA ACTIVITY--PART III Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis, and Counterintelligence met in executive session to continue hearings on CIA Activity, Part III. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/10/24 Daily Digest - Wednesday, October 24, 2007; pages D1412 - D1420 Committee Meetings CFTC REAUTHORIZATION Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing to review reauthorization of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Testimony was heard from Walter Lukken, Acting Chairman, CFTC; and Orice M. Williams, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO. AIR FORCE STRATEGIC INITIATIVE Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Air Force Strategic initiatives. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air Force: Michael Wynne, Secretary; and GEN T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Chief of Staff. BUDGETARY COSTS IRAQ WAR Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the Growing Budgetary Costs of the Iraq War. Testimony was heard from Peter Orszag, Director, CBO; Amy Belasco, CRS, Library of Congress; and a public witness. ELECTRONIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE MONITORING Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "NASPER: Why Has the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act Not Been Implemented?" Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: H. Wesley Clark, M.D., Director, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Len Paulozzi, M.D., Medical Epidemiologist, Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and a public witness. REFORMING MORTGAGE PRACTICES Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Legislative Proposals on Reforming Mortgage Practices." Testimony was heard from Martin J. Gruenberg, Vice Chair, FDIC; John C. Dugan, Comptroller of the Currency; and John M. Reich, Director of Thrift Supervision, both with the Department of the Treasury; Jo Ann Johnson, Chairman, National Credit Union Administration; Randall S. Kroszner, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Steven L. Antonakes, Commissioner, Division of Banks, Massachusetts; and public witnesses. [Page: D1417] U.S. POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on U.S. Policy in the Middle East. Testimony was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State. SECURE BORDER INITIATIVE NETWORK Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight held a joint hearing entitled "The Future of Border Security: Can SBInet Succeed?" Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Gregory Giddens, Executive Director, Secure Border Initiative; and Chief Robert W. Gilbert, Chief Patrol Agent, Tucson Sector, U.S. Border Patrol; and Richard M. Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LIBRARY MANAGEMENT Committee on House Administration: Held an oversight hearing on the Library of Congress: Current Issues in Library Management. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Library of Congress: James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress; Karl W. Schornagel, Inspector General; former Representative Bill Orton of Utah; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 3921, Procedural Fairness for September 11th Victims Act of 2007; H.R. 2405, Proud to Be an American Citizen Act; H.R. 2884, amended, Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act; H.R. 1512, amended, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for compensation to State incarcerating undocumented aliens charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors; H.R. 2830, amended, Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007; and H.R. 2128, amended, Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2007. The Committee also approved a resolution that submissions to the Committee on its website tip line for Justice Department employees be received in executive session. The Committee began mark up of H.R.1312, Arts Require Timely Service (ARTS) Act. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1187, Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act; H.R. 1907, Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act; and H.R. 3352, Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2007. Testimony was hearing from Representatives Woolsey and Thompson of California; Jack Dunnigan, Assistant Administrator, Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 496, Tumalo Water Conservation Project Act of 2007; H.R. 3323, Goleta Water Distribution System Conveyance Act of 2007; H.R. 3437, Jackson Gulch Rehabilitation Act of 2007; and H.R. 3739, To amend the Arizona Water Settlements Act to modify the requirements for the statement of findings. Testimony was heard from Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. BANK'S COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT RATINGS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on Upholding the Spirit of CRA: Do CRA Rating Accurately Reflect Bank Practices? Testimony was heard from Sandra Thompson, Director, Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection, FDIC; Sandra F. Braunstein, Director, Division of Consumer and Community Affairs, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; and the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Montrice Yakimov, Managing Director, Compliance and Consumer Protection, Office of Thrift Supervision; and Ann Jaedicke, Deputy Comptroller for Compliance Policy, Comptroller of the Currency; and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTING PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule. The rule provides one hour of general debate on H.R. 3867, Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Small Business. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of the bill. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. Amendments so printed may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit the bill with or without instructions. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard by Chairwoman Velazquez and Representatives Moran of Virginia, Chabot, Mica, Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida. [Page: D1418] CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 4, a closed rule. The rule provides one hour of debate on H.R. 3963, Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of the bill. The rule provides one motion to recommit the bill with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard by Chairman Dingell and Representative Burgess. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science and Technology: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1834, National Ocean Exploration Program Act; H.R. 2406, To authorize the National Institute of Standards and Technology to increase its efforts in support of the integration of the healthcare information enterprise in the United States; and H.R. 3877, Mine Communications Technology Innovation Act. RETIREMENT PLAN INEQUITIES Committee in Small Business: Subcommittee on Finance and Tax held a hearing on Pension Parity: Addressing the Inequities between Retirement Plan Options for Small and Large Businesses. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AVIATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT: NOISE Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on Aviation and the Environment: Noise. Testimony was heard from Representative Crowley and McCarthy of New York; Carl Burleson, Director, Office of Environment and Energy, FAA, Department of Transportation; Gerald Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; Ralph Tragale, Manager, Government and Community Relations, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and public witnesses. VA--DEFENSE MEDICAL RECORD SHARING Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Sharing Electronic Medical Records between Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from Valerie Melvin, Director, Human Capital and Management Information Systems Issues, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Defense: BG Douglas J. Robb, M.D., USAF, Commander, 81st Medical Wing, Keesler Air Force Base; COL Keith Salzman, M.D., USA, Chief, Information Division, Western Regional Medical Command/Madigan Army Medical Center; LCDR James L. Martin, USN, 001--Regional Info System Officer, Military Sealift Command, U.S. Navy; COL Gregory Andre Marinkovich, USA, Data Management Product Line Functional Manager, Clinical Information Technology Program; Stephan Jones, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Health Affairs; and the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Howard B. Green, Deputy Director, Health Project Management Office, Office of Information and Technology; and Gerald M. Criss, M.D., Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Health. TRADE AND GLOBALIZATION ASSISTANCE ACT Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3920, Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007. FUTURE OF BIOFUELS Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming; Held a hearing on The Gas is Greener on the Other Side: the Future of Biofuels. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/10/25 Daily Digest - Thursday, October 25, 2007; pages D1421 - D1426 Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE DISASTER CONDITIONS Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review agriculture disaster conditions across the nation. Testimony was heard from Representative Simpson; Brad Rippey, Staff Meteorlogist, Office of Chief Economist, USDA; Mike Easley, Governor of North Carolina; Ken Givens, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, State of Tennessee; and public witnesses. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Surface Transportation: Investment Needs and the Budget. Testimony was heard from Mary E. Peters, Secretary of Transportation; Robert A. Sunshine, CBO; and public witnesses. FAIR HOME HEALTH CARE ACT Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on H.R. 3582, Fair Home Health Care Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [Page: D1424] TRANSPARENCY OF EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Transparency of Extractive Industries: High Stakes for Resource-Rich Countries, Citizens and International Business." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NORTH KOREA SIX PARTY PROCESS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade held a hearing on The Six Party Process: Progress and Perils in North Korea's Denuclearization. Testimony was heard from Christopher R. Hill, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State. U.S. SECURITY ASSISTANCE TO MEXICO Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere held a hearing on U.S. Security Assistance to Mexico. Testimony was heard from Jess T. Ford, Director, International Affairs and Trade Team, GAO; James R. Jones, former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and former Representative from Oklahoma; and public witnesses. ARBITRATION FAIRNESS ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on H.R. 3010, Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT PREVENTION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on Organized Retail Theft Prevention: Fostering a Comprehensive Public-Private Response. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. IRAQ Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Iraq. Testimony was heard from Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State. HEALTH INSURER CONSOLIDATIONS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Health Insurer Consolidation, The Impact on Small Business. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SAFETY OF AMERICA'S RAILROADS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Held a hearing on The Impact of Railroad Injury, Accident, and Discipline Policies on the Safety of America's Railroads. Testimony was heard from Joseph H. Boardman, Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 513, amended, National Heroes Credit Protection Act; and H.R. 3882, To amend title 38, United States Code, to change the length of the obligated period of service on active duty required for receiving certain education benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing on VETS DVOP/LVER Program. Testimony was heard from Charles Ciccolella, Assistant Secretary, Veterans' Employment and Training, Department of Labor; and public witnesses. BRIEFINGS--MIDDLE EAST EVENTS; SIZE OF DNI Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Recent Middle East Events. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. The Committee also met in executive session to receive a briefing on the Size of DNI. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. VOTING IN THE HOUSE--RULES, PROCEDURES, PRECEDENTS, CUSTOM AND PRACTICE Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007: Held a hearing on Voting in the House of Representatives--Rules, Procedures, Precedents, Custom and Practice. Testimony was heard from Charlie Johnson, former Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives; and Mark O'Sullivan, Chief Tally Clerk of the House of Representatives. 2007/10/26 Daily Digest - Friday, October 26, 2007; pages D1428 - D1434 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/10/29 Daily Digest - Monday, October 29, 2007; pages D1435 - D1440 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/10/30 Daily Digest - Tuesday, October 30, 2007; pages D1441 - D1450 Committee Meetings MEAT INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGY Committee on Agriculture: Held a hearing to review technologies in the meat industry. Testimony was heard from Alfred V. Almanza, Administrator, Food Safety Inspection Service, USDA; and public witnesses. IRAQ EXAMINATION OF DIPLOMATIC SURGE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Assessing an Effective Diplomatic and Development Program in Iraq: An Examination of the Diplomatic Surge. Testimony was heard from Stuart Bowen, Jr., Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction; and Joseph A. Christoff, Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO. STABILIZATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Stabilization and Reconstruction Operations: Learning from Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Experience. Testimony was heard from Celeste Ward, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Stability Operations Capabilities, Department of Defense; Ambassador John E. Herbst, Coordinator, Office of Reconstruction and Stabilization, Department of State; and the following officials of the GAO: Joseph A. Christoff, Director, International Affairs and Trade Team; and Janet S. Laurent, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management Team. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported as amended, the following bills: H.R. 1534, Mercury Export Ban Act of 2007; H.R. 3461, Safeguarding America's Families by Enhancing and Reorganizing New and Efficient Technologies Act of 2007; H.R. 2601, To extending the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to collect fees to administer and enforce the provisions relating to the "Do-not-call" registry of the Telemarketing Sales Rule; H.R. 3541, Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 3526, To include all banking agencies within the existing regulatory authority under the Federal Trade Commission Act with respect to depository institutions; H.R. 3403, 911 Modernization and Safety Act of 2007; and H.R. 3919, Broadband Census of America Act of 2007. [Page: D1446] INSURANCE REGULATORY REFORM Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing entitled "Additional Perspectives on the Need for Insurance Regulatory Reform." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MINORITY BANKS Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled "Preserving and Expanding Minority Banks." Testimony was heard from George Scott, Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security Issues, GAO; Sandra L. Thompson, Director, Division of Supervision Consumer Protection, FDIC; the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: Montrice Yakimov, Managing Director, Compliance and Consumer Protection, Office of Thrift Supervision; and John Walsh, Chief of Staff and Public Affairs, Office of Comptroller of the Currency; Sandra F. Braunstein, Director, Division of Consumer and Community Affairs, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; and public witnesses. RUSSIAN ELECTIONS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Russia on the Eve of National Elections. Testimony was heard from Strobe Talbott, former Deputy Secretary of State; and a public witness. GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT AND RENEWAL ENERGY Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment held a hearing on Renewable Energy and the Global Environment. Testimony was heard from Reno Harnish III, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State; John Mizroch, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy; John A. Simon, Executive Vice President, OPIC; Michael W. Yost, Administrator, Foreign Agriculture Service, USDA; and public witnesses. SAFE PORT ACT Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled "The SAFE Port Act: Status of Implementation One Year Later." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Maurine Fanguy, Program Director, Transportation Worker Identification Credentials Program, Transportation Security Administration; CAPT Francis Sturm, U.S. Coast Guard; Thomas Winkowski, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection; and Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office; Stephen L. Caldwell, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. MORTGAGE MESS--STRAIGHTENING OUT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law continued hearings on Straightening Out the Mortgage Mess: How Can We Protect Home Ownership and Provide Relief to Consumers in Financial Distress?--Part II. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--VOTING CIVIL RIGHTS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held an oversight hearing on the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Testimony was heard John K. Tanner, Chief, Voting Right Section, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. GENETIC TESTING Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, hearing on Stifling or Stimulating--Role of Gene Patents in Research and Genetic Testing. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forest and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 415, To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Taunton River in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; H.R. 1143, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands in Virgin Islands National Park; H.R. 1286, Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail Designation Act; H.R. 1545, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a boundary study to evaluate the significance of Fort San Geronimo and other related resources in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the suitability and feasibility of their inclusion in the National Park System as part of the San Juan National Historic Site; H.R. 1836, Weir Farm National Historic Site Amendment Act; H.R. 3022, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Wilderness Act of 2007; H.R. 3120, Stranahan House, Trading Post and Campsite Historic Preservation Act; H.R. 3265, Harry S Truman Birthplace Study Act; H.R. 3473, Bountiful City Land Consolidation Act; H.R. 3616, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Extension Study Act of 2007; and H.R. 3821, Battle of Matewan Study Act. Testimony was heard from Representatives Skelton, Frank of Massachusetts, Shays, and Emerson; Karen Taylor-Goodrich, Associate Director, Visitor and Resources Protection, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. [Page: D1447] POSTAL RATES' EFFECT ON BUSINESS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held a hearing on Will Increased Postal Rates Put Mailers Out of Business? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Postal Service: James C. Miller III, Chairman; and John Potter, Postmaster General; Dan G. Blair, Chairman, Postal Regulatory Commission; and public witnesses. IRANIAN PEOPLE'S ATTITUDES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Iran: Reality, Options, and Consequences--Iranian People and Attitudes. Testimony was heard from Kenneth Katzman, Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. HARDROCK RECLAMATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 2262, Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. All points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived except clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the Rules Committee report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Rahall and Representatives Herseth Sandlin, Pearce, and Heller. TRADE AND GLOBALIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a voice vote, a structured rule providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 3920, Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007, with 40 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means, modified by the amendment printed in part A of the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule makes in order the substitute amendment printed in part B of the report if offered by Rep. Jim McCrery (R-LA) or his designee. The rule provides that the substitute amendment shall be considered as read and debatable for 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule waives all points of order against the substitute amendment except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives McDermott, Woolsey, McCrery, and McKeon. [Page: D1448] WATER USAGE EFFICIENCY CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES Committee on Science and Technology; Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on Research to Improve Water-Use Efficiency and Conservation: Technologies and Practices. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 3495, Kids in Disasters Well-being, Safety, and Health Act of 2007; H.R. 3986, John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 3315, To provide that the great hall of the Capitol Visitor Center shall be known as Emancipation Hall; and H.R. 3712, amended, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1716 Spielbusch Avenue in Toledo, Ohio, as the "James M. and Thomas W.L. Ashley Customs Building and United States Courthouse." RETIREMENT PLAN FEES Committee on Ways and Means: Held a hearing on the Appropriateness of Retirement Plan Fees. Testimony was heard from Bradford P. Campbell, Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor; W. Thomas Reeder, Benefits Tax Counsel, Office of Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury; Andrew J. Donohue, Director, Division of Investment Management, SEC; Barbara D. Bovbjerg, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. 2007/10/31 Daily Digest - Wednesday, October 31, 2007; pages D1451 - D1458 Committee Meetings S-MINER ACT Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 2768, Supplemental Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2007. DIGITAL TELEVISION TRANSITION (PART III) Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and The Internet, to continued hearings entitled "Status of the DTV Transition--Part 3." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 3873, Section 515 Rural Housing Property Transfer Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 3959, amended, To amend the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to provide for the phase-in of actuarial rates for certain pre-FIRM properties; H.R. 3965, amended, Mark-to-Mark Extension and Enhancement Act of 2007; and H.R. 3703, To amend section 5112(p)(1)(A) of title 31, United States Code, to allow an exception for the $1 coin dispensing capability requirement for certain vending machines. [Page: D1455] NON-ABORTION FAMILY PLANNING AID Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on The Mexico City Policy/Global Gag Rule: Its Impact on Family Planning and Reproductive Health. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. STATE DEPARTMENT'S INSPECTOR GENERAL Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on the Activities of the Department of State's Office of the Inspector General. Testimony was heard from David M. Walker, Comptroller General, GAO. HOMELAND SECURITY FAILURES Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Homeland Security: TWIC Failures: TWIC Examined." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Edmond S. Hawley, Administrator, Transportation Security Administration; and ADM Brian Salerno, USCG, Director, Inspection and Compliance, U.S. Coast Guard; Cathy Berrick, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; Bethann Rooney, Manager, Port Security, Port Commerce Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and public witnesses. NUCLEAR FORENSICS AND ATTRIBUTION ACT Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 2631, Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act. CYBERSECURITY ELEMENTS-SECTOR SPECIFIC PLANS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology and the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a joint hearing entitled "Enhancing and Implementing the Cybersecurity Elements of the Sector Specific Plans." Testimony was heard from Greg Garcia, Assistant Secretary, Office of Cyber Security and Telecommunication, Department of Homeland Security; David Powner, Director, Information Technology Management Issues, GAO; and public witnesses. ANTI-TRAFFICKING PROGRAMS REAUTHORIZATION Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on Combating Modern Slavery: Reauthorization of Anti-Trafficking Programs. Testimony was heard from Laurence Rothenberg, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy, Department of Justice; Marcy Forman, Director, Office of Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. IZEMBEK AND ALASKA PENINSULA WILDLIFE REFUGES Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 2801, Izembek and Alaska Peninsula Wildlife Refuges and Wilderness Enhancement and King Cove Safe Access Act. Testimony was heard from H. Dale Hall, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; Dick Mylius, Director, Division of Mining, Land and Water, Department of Natural Resources, State of Alaska; and public witnesses. ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT HEALTH EXEMPTIONS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Oil and Gas Development: Exemptions in Health and Environmental Protections. Testimony was heard from Robert Anderson, Deputy Assistant Director, Minerals, Realty and Resource Protection, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Water, EPA; and public witnesses. NASA'S AVIATION SAFETY Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on Aviation Safety: Can NASA Do More To Protect the Public? Testimony was heard from Michael Griffin, Administrator, NASA; and public witnesses. NANOTECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENT/SAFETY IMPACTS Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on Research on Environmental and Safety Impacts of Nanotechnology: Current Status of Planning and Implementation under the National Nanotechnology Initiative. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER COMPETITION Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing entitled "Competitive Bidding for Durable Medical Equipment: Will Small Suppliers Be Able To Compete?" Testimony was heard from Laurence D. Wilson, Director, Chronic Care Policy Group, Center for Medicare Management, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. [Page: D1456] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 3999, National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act of 2007; H.R. 3495, amended, Kids in Disasters Well-being, Safety, and Health Act of 2007; H.R. 3986, John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 2537, amended, Beach Protection Act of 2007; H.R. 3985, Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act of 2007; H.R. 3315, To provide that the great hall of the Capital Visitor Center shall be known as the Emancipation Hall; H.R. 3712, To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1716 Spielbusch Avenue in Toledo Ohio, as the "James M. And Thomas W. L. Ashley Customs Building and United States Courthouse;" H. Res. 661, Honoring the accomplishments of Barrington Antonio Irving, the youngest pilot and first person of African descent ever to fly solo around the world; and H. Res. 772, Recognizing the American Highway Users Alliance on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. The Committee also approved U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Survey Resolutions. U.S.-PERU TRADE PROMOTION AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported H.R. 3688, United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act. BRIEFINGS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive briefings on the following: Hot Spots; DNI Personnel; and the CIA. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/11/01 Daily Digest - Thursday, November 1, 2007; pages D1459 - D1466 Committee Meetings CONTROLLING CARBON EMISSIONS Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on Counting the Change: Accounting for the Fiscal Impacts of Controlling Carbon Emissions. Testimony was heard from Peter Orszag, Director, CBO; and public witnesses. COLLEGE COSTS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Committee on Education and Labor: Held a hearing on Barriers to Equal Educational Opportunities: Addressing the Rising Costs of a College Education. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FDA FOREIGN DRUG INSPECTION PROGRAM Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled "FDA Foreign Drug Inspection Program: A System at Risk." Testimony was heard from Marcia G. Crosse, Director, Public Health and Military Health Care Issues, GAO; Andrew C. Von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; Carl R. Nielsen, former Director, Division of Import Operations, Office of Regulatory Affairs, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. AVIATION SECURITY Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing entitled "Aviation Security Part II: A Frontline Perspective on the Need for Enhanced Human Resources and Equipment." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MOBILE-STATE WORKER TAX FAIRNESS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on H.R. 3359, Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; ENHANCED RECOVERY AND EQUITABLE RETIREMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 2489, Genocide Accountability Acct of 2007; H.R. 3971, Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2007; H.R. 3992, Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2007. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 2878, Enhanced Financial Recovery and Equitable Retirement Treatment Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Kenneth E. Melson, Director, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern District of Virginia, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. SOUTHEAST ARIZONA LAND EXCHANGE AND CONSERVATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on H.R. 3301, Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; Luke Johnson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. MEDICAID REGULATORY ACTIONS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on The Administration's Regulatory Actions on Medicaid: The Effects on Patients, Doctors, Hospitals, and States. Testimony was heard from Marjorie Kanof, Managing Director, Health Care, GAO; Dennis Smith, Director, Center on Medicaid and State Operations, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Department of Health and Human Services. COORDINATING FEDERAL AND STATE IT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement held a hearing on Too Many Cooks? Coordinating Federal and State Health IT. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Robert M. Kolodner, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology; Cheryl Austein Casnoff, Associate Administrator, Office of Health Information Technology, Health Resources Services Administration; and Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D., Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Winston Price, M.D., Chair, Health IT and Transparency Advisory Board, State of Georgia; Lori Evans, Deputy Commissioner, Health IT Information, State of New York; Farzad Mostashari, M.D., Assistant Commissioner, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, City of New York; and a public witness. PENDING FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS IMPACTS Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Evaluating the Impact of Pending Free Trade Agreements upon U.S. Small Businesses. Testimony was heard from John Veroneau, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; and public witnesses. [Page: D1464] COMMERCIAL DRIVER DRUG-ALCOHOL TESTING Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highway and Transit held a hearing on Drug and Alcohol Testing of Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations; and Katherine A. Siggerud, Director, Physical Infrastructure Team; John Hill, Administrator, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation; Robert L. Stephenson, II, Director, Division of Workplace Programs, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services; John Wilburn Williamson, Assistant Director, Driver and Vehicle Services, Division of Motor Vehicles, State of North Carolina; and public witnesses. VA CONSTRUCTION PROCESS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the VA Construction Process. Testimony was heard from MG David W. Eidsuane, USAF, Commander, Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Department of the Air Force; Donald H. Orndoff, Director, Office of Construction and Facilities Management, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. TAX RELIEF MEASURES Committee on Ways and Means: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3996, Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007; and H.R. 3997, Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007. WILDFIRES AND THE CLIMATE CRISIS Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "Wildfires and the Climate Crisis." Testimony was heard from Abigail Kimbell, Chief, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. 2007/11/02 Daily Digest - Friday, November 2, 2007; pages D1467 - D1472 Committee Meetings MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE PREVENTION Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Progress in Administration and Other Efforts To Coordinate and Enhance Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention." Testimony was heard from Robert K. Steel, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; Brian D. Montgomery, Assistant Secretary, Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Tom Miller, Attorney General, State of Iowa; and public witnesses. 2007/11/05 Daily Digest - Monday, November 5, 2007; pages D1473 - D1478 Committee Meetings EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a vote of 9 to 3, a structured rule providing 1 hour of general debate on H. R. 3685, Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions of the bill are waived. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally the rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman George Miller of California, and Representatives Andrews, Frank of Massachusetts, Baldwin, and McKeon. LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS--CONFERENCE REPORT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a conference report rule waiving all points of order against the conference report and providing that the conference report shall be considered as read. The rule also provides that any motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 3688 pursuant to section 151 of the Trade Act of 1974 shall be in order only if offered by the Majority Leader or his designee. The rule provides that, upon receipt of a message from the Senate transmitting H.R. 3042, with a Senate amendment thereto, it shall be in order to take the same from the Speaker's table and to consider in the House a motion offered by the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations that the House concur in such amendment. The Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read and shall be debatable for one hour. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the motion to its adoption without intervening motion. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey and Representative Walsh. [Page: D1476] YOUTH LEADERSHIP FOR CLEAN ENERGY AND A HEALTHY CLIMATE Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global warming: Held a hearing on Youth Leadership for Clean Energy and a Healthy Climate. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/11/06 Daily Digest - Tuesday, November 6, 2007; pages D1479 - D1486 Committee Meetings CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION REFORM PROPOSALS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "Comprehensive Children's Product Safety and Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Legislation." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Nancy A. Nord, Acting Chairman; and Thomas H. Moore, Commissioner; and public witnesses. MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI-PREDATORY LENDING ACT OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3915, Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007. YAHOO's PROVISION OF FALSE INFORMATION TO CONGRESS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on Yahoo! Inc.'s Provision of False Information to Congress. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. VIETNAM--HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on Human Rights Concerns in Vietnam. Testimony was heard from Representatives Lofgren, Loretta Sanchez and Smith of New Jersey; Scott Marciel, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Southeast Asia, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. USING THE WEB AS A WEAPON Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing entitled "Using the Web as a Weapon: the Internet as a Tool for Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held an oversight hearing on the Congressional Review Act. Testimony was heard from John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian, House of Representatives; Mort Rosenberg, Specialist in American Public Law, CRS, Library of Congress; and a public witness. MANAGING ARSON THROUGH CRIME HISTORY (MATCH) ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime approved for full Committee action H.R. 1759, Managing Arson Through Criminal History (MATCH) Act of 2007. Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on this measure. Testimony was heard from Representatives Bono and Schiff; Tracy Pansini, Fire Chief, Burbank Fire Department, Burbank, California; and William M. Soqui, Fire Chief, Cathedral City Fire Department, Cathedral City, California. [Page: D1484] TELEWORK: BREAKING NEW GROUND Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia held a hearing on Telework: Breaking New Ground. Testimony was heard from Representative Wolf; Daniel A. Green, Deputy Associate Director, Center for Employee and Family Support Policy, OPM; Stan Kaczmarczk, Principal Deputy Associate Administrator, Government-wide Policy, GSA; Bernice Steinhardt, Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; Margaret J.A. Peterlin, Deputy Under Secretary, Intellectual Property and Deputy Director, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce; Lee J. Lofthus, Assistant Attorney General, Administration, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. STRATEGY FOR SECURITY IN POST-9/11 WORLD Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and Oversight: Subcommittee on National Security, and Foreign Affairs continued hearings on Six Years Later: Smart Power and the U.S. Strategy for Security in a Post-9/11 World. Testimony was heard from Richard L. Armitage, former Deputy Secretary of State; and a public witness. UNITED STATES-PERU TRADE PROMOTION AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 10 to 0 (with one Member voting Present), a closed rule providing 3 hours of debate on H.R. 3688, to implement the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, with 45 minutes in favor of the bill controlled by Representative Rangel of New York or his designee, 45 minutes in favor of the bill controlled by Representative McCrery of Louisiana or his designee, 45 minutes in opposition to the bill controlled by Representative Michaud of Maine or his designee, and 45 minutes in opposition to the bill controlled by the Minority Leader or his designee. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the bill. The rule provides that pursuant to section 151(f)(2) of the Trade Act of 1974, the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill to final passage without intervening motion. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Mahoney of Florida, Klein of Florida, and Capito. HOMEOWNERS' DEFENSE ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, an open rule with a pre-printing requirement providing 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 3355, to ensure the availability and affordability of homeowners' insurance coverage for catastrophic events, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order the Committee on Financial Services amendment in the nature of a substitute now printed in the bill as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. The amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order except clause 10 of rule XXI against the amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule provides that notwithstanding clause 11 of rule XVIII, no amendment to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII and except pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate. Each amendment so printed may be offered only by the Member who caused it to be printed or a designee and shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule also provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Levin, Pascrell, Crowley, Schwartz of Pennsylvania, Sutton, Kaptur, Michaud, Linda Sanchez of California, Ellison, Hare and Hunter. GLOBALIZATION OF R&D AND INNOVATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation continued hearings on Globalization of R&D and Innovation, Part IV: Implications for the Science and Engineering Workforce. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/11/07 Daily Digest - Wednesday, November 7, 2007; pages D1487 - D1494 Committee Meetings MEAT INDUSTRY RECALLS Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry held a hearing to review recent recalls in the meat industry. Testimony was heard from Richard Raymond, M.D., Under Secretary, Food Safety, USDA. INDIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 1328, Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 4043, Preserving and Expanding Minority Depository Institutions Act; H.R. 3915, Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007; H.R. 3837, amended, Escrow, Appraisal, and Mortgage Servicing Improvements Act; H.R. 4050, Levee-Like Structure Consideration Act of 2007. Began markup of H.R. 4051, Housing Assistance Authorization Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow. PAKISTAN Committee on Foreign Affairs, hearing on Democracy, Authoritarianism, and Terrorism in Contemporary Pakistan. Testimony was heard from John D. Negroponte, Deputy Secretary of State. U.S. CAPITOL POLICE AND LIBRARY OF CONGRESS POLICE MERGER; CAPITOL CONSTRUCTION AND SLAVE LABOR CONTRIBUTIONS Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3690, U.S. Capitol Police and Library of Congress Police Merger Implementation Act of 2007. The Committee also held a hearing on the Construction of the United States Capital: Recognizing the Contributions of Slave Labor. Testimony was heard from Senator Lincoln; Representative Lewis of Georgia, former Representative J.C. Watts of Oklahoma; William C. Allen, Architectural Historian, Office of the Architect of the Capitol; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1312, Arts Require Timely Service (ARTS) Act; H.R. 1759, amended, Managing Arson Through Criminal History (MATCH) Act of 2007; H.R. 2489, Genocide Accountability Act of 2007; H.R. 3971, amended, Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2007; H.R. 3992, Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Reauthorization Act of 2007; and H.R. 971, amended, Community Pharmacy Fairness Act of 2007. [Page: D1491] The Committee began markup of H.R. 3609, Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the following measures: H.R. 3079, Northern Mariana Islands Covenant Implementation Act; Northern Mariana Islands Delegate Act; H.R. 1497, Legal Timber Protection Act; H.R. 3998, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct special resources studies of certain lands and structures to determine the appropriate means for preservation, use and management of the resources associated with such lands and structures; H.R. 1662, To amend the Reclamation Safety Dams Act of 1978 to authorize improvements for the security of dams and other facilities; and H.R. 2246, To validate certain conveyances made by the Union Pacific Railroad Company of lands located in Reno, Nevada, that were originally conveyed by the United States to facilitate construction of transcontinental railroads. DRUG RESISTANT INFECTIONS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Drug Resistant Infections in the Community: Consequences for Public Health. Testimony was heard from Julie Louise Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; James Burns, M.D., Chief Deputy Commissioner, Public Health, Department of Health, State of Virginia; Elizabeth A. Bancroft, M.D., Medical Epidemiologist, Los Angeles County, Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, California; and public witnesses. NEGOTIATING WITH IRANIANS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs continued hearings on Iran: Reality, Options and Consequences, Part 2, Negotiating with Iranians: Missed Opportunities and Paths Forward. Testimony was heard from Kenneth Katzman, Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division, CRS, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. CONFERENCE REPORT--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a conference report rule waiving all points of order against the conference report on H.R. 3222, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2008, and against its consideration and providing that the conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard from Representative Murtha. SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMY Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "The State of The Small Business Economy," to examine the production, employment and output of our nation's small businesses. Testimony was heard from Frederic S. Mishkin, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System. VETERANS EDUCATION BENEFITS Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 3882, To amend title 38, United States Code, to change the length of the obligated period of service on active duty required for receiving certain education benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. BRIEFINGS--PAKISTAN; AND CIA INSPECTOR GENERAL Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Pakistan. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. The Committee also met in executive session to receive a briefing on CIA Inspector General. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. OIL SHOCK: POTENTIAL FOR CRISIS Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "Oil Shock: Potential for Crisis." Testimony was heard from ADM Dennis Blair, USN, (Ret.), former Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command; and Carol P. Browner, former Administrator, EPA. 2007/11/08 Daily Digest - Thursday, November 8, 2007; pages D1495 - D1504 Committee Meetings MRAP VEHICLE PROGRAM Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces and Air and Land Forces held a hearing on the Joint Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: John Young, Acting Under Secretary, Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, Director, MRAP, Task Force; Bill Greenwalt, Deputy Under Secretary, Industrial Policy; and CAPT Cloyes R. Hoover, USN, Commanding Officer, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston; and public witnesses. SECURING RETIREMENT COVERAGE Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on Securing Retirement Coverage for Future Generations. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SAFE DRINKING WATER FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials approved for full Committee action H.R. 1747, Safe Drinking Water for Healthy Communities Act of 2007. HOUSING ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007; JUBILEE ACT FOR RESPONSIBLE LENDING AND EXPANDED DEBT CANCELLATION OF 2007 Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 4051, Housing Assistance Authorization Act of H.R. 2007. The Committee also held a hearing on H.R. 2634, Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. LEBANON ON THE BRINK Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on Lebanon on the Brink. Testimony was heard from C. David Welch, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State. TERRORIST WATCH LIST Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "The Progress and Pitfalls of the Terrorist Watch List." Testimony was heard from Glenn A. Fine, Inspector General, Department of Justice; Eileen Larence, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; Leonard C. Boyle, Director, Terrorist Screening Center; and Kathleen Kraninger, Director, Screening Coordination Office, Department of Homeland Security. OVERSIGHT--EFFECTIVENESS OF ENHANCED INTERROGATION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties held an oversight hearing on Torture and the Cruel, Inhuman, and Degrading Treatment of Detainees: The Effectiveness and Consequences of "Enhanced" Interrogation. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. PRISON REFORM ACT REVIEW Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on Review of the Prison Reform Act: A Decade of Reform or an Increase in Prison and Abuses?; and H.R. 1889, Private Prison Information Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Holden; Ryan Bounds, Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Chief of Staff, Office of Legal Policy, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. SAVE AMERICA COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on H.R. 750, Save America Comprehensive Immigration Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Kilpatrick, Lee, Reyes and Boyda of Kansas; and public witnesses. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE ACT OF 2007 Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on H.R. 3994, Department of the Interior Tribal Self-Governance Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Jim Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. [Page: D1502] MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; EPA NEW POWER PLANT APPROVAL Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 3179, Local Preparedness Acquisition Act; H.R. 2414, Metropolitan Police Department and Fire Service Act of 2007; H.R. 4108, To amend, section 3328 of title 5, United States Code, relating to Selective Service registration; H.R. 3974, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 797 Sam Bass Road in Round Rock, Texas, as the "Marine Corps Corporal Steven P. Gill Post Office Building;" H.R. 4009, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 567 West Nepessing Street in Lapeer, Michigan, as the "Turrill Post Office Building;" H. Con. Res 211, Supporting the goals and ideals of "World Diabetes Day;" H. Con. Res. 215, amended, Supporting the designation of a week as "National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Awareness Week;" H. Res. 695, amended, Expressing the support for designation of a "National Fire Fighter Appreciation Day;" to honor and celebrate the fire fighters of the United States; H. Res. 785, Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Robstown, Texas; S. Con. Res. 45, Commending the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation for its work in aiding children and families affected by child abuse, and designating November 2007 as National Courage Month; and H. Res. 808, Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. The Committee also held a hearing on EPA Approval of New Power Plants: Failure to Address Global Warming Pollutants. Testimony was heard from Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator, EPA; Ron Curry, Secretary, Department of Environment, State of New Mexico; and public witnesses. TEMPORARY TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 6 to 3, a structured rule providing 1 hour of debate in the House, H.R. 3996, Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule makes in order a substitute amendment if offered by Rep. McCrery (R-LA) or his designee. The rule provides that the substitute amendment shall be considered as read and shall be debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Rangel and Representatives Neal of Massachusetts; McCrery, Brady of Texas and Ryan of Wisconsin. NASA'S NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS SURVEY PROGRAM Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing on Near-Earth Objects (NEOs)--Status of the Survey Program and Review of NASA's Report to Congress. Testimony was heard from Luis G. Fortuno, Resident Commissioner, Puerto Rico; the following officials of the NASA: James Green, Director, Planetary Science Division; and Scott Pace, Associate Administrator, Program Analysis and Evaluation; and public witnesses. MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Regulations, Health Care and Trade, hearing entitled "Medicare Reimbursement Cuts: The Potential Impact on Solo and Small Group Medical Practices." Testimony was heard from Representative Burgess; and public witnesses. 21ST CENTURY WATER COMMISSION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on Twenty-First Century Water Commission Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Linder; Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water, EPA; and public witnesses. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on the following: H.R. 3047, Veterans Claims Processing Innovation Act of 2007; H.R. 3249, Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act of 2007; H.R. 3286, To amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce the period of time for which a veteran must be totally disabled before the veteran's survivors are eligible for the benefits provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for survivors of certain veterans rated totally disabled at time of death; H.R. 3415, To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the placement in a national cemetery of memorial markers for the purpose of commemorating service members or other persons whose remains are interred in an American Battle Monuments Commission cemetery; H.R. 1137, To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase to $2,000 the amount of the Medal of Honor special pension under that title and to provide for payment of that pension to the surviving spouse of a deceased Medal of Honor recipient; H.R. 3954, Providing Military Honors for our Nation's Heroes Act; H.R. 3286, To amend title 38, United States Code, to reduce the period of time for which a veteran must be totally disabled before the veteran's survivors are eligible for the benefits provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for survivors of certain veterans rated totally disabled at time of death; and H.R. 4084, Veterans Quality of Life Study Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Langevin; Bradley G. Mayes, Director, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. [Page: D1503] 2007/11/09 Daily Digest - Friday, November 9, 2007; pages D1505 - D1510 Committee Meetings ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION/PROVISIONAL VOTING Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections held an oversight hearing on Election Day Registration and Provisional Voting. Testimony was heard from Representatives Ellison and King of Iowa; Tim Moore, State Representative, North Carolina; Mark Ritchie, Secretary of State, Minnesota; Neil Albrecht, Assistant Director, City of Milwaukee Election Commission, Wisconsin; Mary Kiffmeyer, former Secretary of State, Minnesota; and public witnesses. CONFERENCE REPORT--IMPROVING HEAD START ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Committee granted, by a voice vote, a conference report rule. The rule waives all points of order against the conference report on H.R. 1429, Improving Head Start Act of 2007 and against its consideration. The rule provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard from Chairman George Miller of California. 2007/11/13 Daily Digest - Tuesday, November 13, 2007; pages D1511 - D1520 Committee Meetings LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Community held a hearing on LIHEAP: Overview and Current Issues. Testimony was heard from Guy Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. FDA FOOD SUPPLY SAFETY Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations continued hearings entitled "Diminished Capacity: Can the FDA Assure the Safety and Security of the Nation's Food Supply?--Part IV--Deception in Labeling." Testimony was heard from Daniel Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA; David W. K. Acheson, M.D., Assistant Commissioner, Food Protection, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. HOMELAND SECURITY EMPLOYING VETERANS Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight held a hearing on Examining the Department of Homeland Security's Efforts to Recruit, Hire and Promote Veterans. Testimony was heard from Marta Brito Perez, Chief Human Capital Officer, Department of Homeland Security; Leslye A. Arsht, Deputy Under Secretary, Military Community and Family Policy, Department of Defense; and a representative of a veterans organization. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2334, Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness and Indian Peaks Wilderness Expansion Act; H.R. 2632, Sabinoso Wilderness Act of 2007; H.R. 3287, Tumacacori Highland Wilderness Act of 2007; H.R. 3513, Copper Salmon Wilderness Act; and H.R. 3682, California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act. Testimony was heard from: Senators Salazar and Allard; Representatives Bono and Udall of New Mexico; Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest System, Forest Service, USDA; Elena Daly, Director, National Landscape Conservation System, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH AGENCIES EXECUTIVE DIVERSITY Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia held a hearing on Opportunities Exist to Improve SES Diversity in Legislative Branch Agencies. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Library of Congress: Curtis Copeland, Specialist in American National Government, CRS; and Dennis Hanratty, Director, Human Resources Services; Nadine L. Elzy, Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, GPO; Ronald A. Stroman, Managing Director, Office of Opportunity and Inclusiveness, GAO; Teresa Bailey, Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Conciliation Programs, Office of the Architect of the Capitol; Stephanie Ruiz, Equal Employment Opportunity and Conciliatory Program, CBO; Daniel Nichols, Assistant Chief of Policy, U.S. Capitol Police; and public witnesses. [Page: D1517] ORDERLY AND RESPONSIBLE IRAQ REDEPLOYMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 3, a closed rule. The rule provides two hours of debate on H.R. 4156, Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act of 2008, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of the bill. The rule provides one motion to recommit the bill. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey. TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL, CONFERENCE REPORT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a conference report rule. The rule waives all points of order against the conference report on H.R. 3074, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, and against its consideration and provides that the conference report shall be considered as read. Testimony was heard from Representative Olver. 2007/11/14 Daily Digest - Wednesday, November 14, 2007; pages D1521 - D1532 Committee Meetings CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on Capitol Visitor Center. Testimony was heard from Stephen T. Ayers, Acting Architect of the Capitol; Bernard Ungar, Capitol Visitor Center Project Executive, Architect of the Capitol; Terrie S. Rouse, CEO for Visitor Services, Capitol Visitor Center; Chief Phillip D. Morse, Sr., Chief of Police, U.S. Capitol Police; and Terrell Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO. AFRICA COMMAND Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Africa Command. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Ryan Henry, Principal Under Secretary, Policy; and GEN William E. Ward, USA, Command U.S. Africa Command; and Ambassador Stephen Mull, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Department of State. COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY AND AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Education and Labor: Began mark up of H.R. 4137, College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007. Will continue tomorrow MERIDA INITIATIVE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on the Merida Initiative: Assessing Plans to Step Up our Security Cooperation with Mexico and Central America. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Thoms A. Shannon, Jr., Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs; and David T. Johnson, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. U.S.-GREECE RELATIONS AND REGIONAL ISSUES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on U.S.-Greece Relations and Regional Issues. Testimony was heard from R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary, Political Affairs, Department of State. TSA SECURITY TEST TIP OFF Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled "Cover Blown--Did TSA Tip Off Airport Screeners about Covert Testing?" Testimony was heard from Edmond S. Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security; Gregory Kutz, Managing Director, Office of Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, GAO; and a public witness. ONLINE GAMBLING ENFORCEMENT POLICIES Committee on the Judiciary: Held a hearing on Establishing Consistent Enforcement Policies in the Context of Online Wagers. Testimony was heard from Representatives Berkley and Goodlatte; Catherine Hanaway, U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Missouri, Department of Justice; Valerie Abend, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Critical Infrastructure Protection and Compliance, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2445, To amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to recognize Alexander Creek as a Native village; H.R. 3350, Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Equity Act; H.R. 3351, Native American Challenge Demonstration Project Act of 2007; and H.R. 3560, Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization Act. Testimony was heard from Michael Nedd, Assistant Director, Minerals, Realty and Resource Protection, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; Melissa Simpson, Deputy Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, USDA; Ben Erulkar, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Economic Development, Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses. [Page: D1529] STATE DEPARTMENT INSPECTOR GENERAL Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Assessing Whistle Blower Allegations Against the State Department Inspector General. Testimony was heard from Howard J. Krongard, Inspector General, Department of State. MERCURY DENTAL FILLINGS ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on the Environmental Risks of and Regulatory Response to Dental Mercury Amalgam. Testimony was heard from Ephrain King, Director, Office of Science and Technology, EPA; Norris Alderson, M.D., Director, Office of Science and Health Coordination, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. MILITARY ACTION IN IRAN Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs continued hearings on Iran: Reality, Options and Consequences, Part 3--Regional and Global Consequences of U.S. Military Action in Iran. Testimony was heard from COL Lawrence Wilkerson, USA (ret.), former Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to Secretary of State Colin Powell; COL Samuel B. Gardiner, USAF (ret.), former faculty member, National War College, the Naval War College, and the Air War College; Paul Pillar, former National Intelligence Officer, Near East and South Asia, 2000 to 2005 and Deputy Director, CIA Counterterrorism Center; LTG Paul K. Van Riper, USMC (ret.) former Commanding General of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Development Command; and a public witness. COMMITTEE MEETINGS MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI-PREDATORY LENDING ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted by a non-record vote, a structured rule providing one hour of general debate on H.R. 3915, Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in this report. The amendments made in order may be offered only in the order printed in this report, may be offered only by a Member designated in this report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in this report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment except as specified in this report, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank and Representatives Maloney of New York, Watt, Miller of North Carolina and Pryce of Ohio. COMMITTEE MEETINGS RESTORE ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 7 to 2, a closed rule providing for further consideration of H.R. 3773, the "RESTORE Act of 2007." The rule provides for further consideration of the bill pursuant to House Resolution 746. The rule provides that time for debate on the bill pursuant to House Resolution 746 shall be considered as expired. The bill, as amended, shall be debatable for one hour, with 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary and 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The rule provides that the further amendment printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this rule shall be considered as adopted. Testimony was heard from Chairman Conyers and Chairman Reyes and Representatives Smith of Texas and Hoekstra. SMALL BUSINESS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REPORTING Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Urban and Rural Entrepreneurship held a hearing on Program Harmonization in Rural America--How the Small Business Administration and the Department of Agriculture Can Work Together to Better Serve Small Businesses. Testimony was heard from William Shear, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investments, GAO; Leon Milobar, Nebraska Office, SBA; and public witnesses. [Page: D1530] HEALTH CARE GAPS AND INCOME SECURITY Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Effects of Gap in Health Coverage on Work, Family and Opportunity. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. BRIEFINGS--HOT SPOTS AND CYBER Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. The Committee also met in executive session to receive a briefing on Cyber. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. STATE LEADERSHIP TOWARDS LOW-CARBON ENERGY FUTURE Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming . Held a hearing entitled "State Leadership Towards a Low-Carbon Energy Future." Testimony was heard from the Governors: Eliot Spitzer, New York and Janet Napolitano, Arizona. 2007/11/15 Daily Digest - Thursday, November 15, 2007; pages D1533 - D1542 Committee Meetings COUNTERING TERRORISM'S IDEOLOGICAL SUPPORT Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a hearing on strategic communications and countering ideological support for terrorism. Testimony was heard from Duncan MacInnes, Principal Deputy Coordinator, Bureau of International Information Programs, Department of State; and the following officials of the Department of Defense, CAPT Hall Pittman, USN, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, (Joint Communication); and Michael Doran, Deputy Assistant Secretary, (Support for Public Diplomacy). COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY AND AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Education and Labor: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 4137, College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007. [Page: D1541] CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection approved for full Committee action, as amended, H.R. 4040, Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act. DIPLOMATIC ASSURANCES ON TERRORISM Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on Diplomatic Assurances on Torture: A Case Study of Why Some Are Accepted and Others Rejected. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. EMERGENCY RESPONSE MUTUAL AID Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response held a hearing entitled "Leveraging Mutual Aid for Effective Emergency Response." Testimony was heard from Marko Bourne, Director of Policy and Program Analysis, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security; Kenneth Murphy, Director, Office of Emergency Management, State of Oregon; and public witnesses. DEFECTIVE TOY MANUFACTURER ACCOUNTABILITY Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held an oversight hearing on Protecting the Playroom: Holding Foreign Manufacturers Accountable for Defective Products. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 4074, San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act; H.R. 123, amended, To authorize appropriations for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund; H.R. 236, amended, North Bay Water Reuse Program Act of 2007; H. R. 2085, McGee Creek Project Pipeline and Associated Facilities Conveyance Act; and H.R. 3739, To amend the Arizona Water Settlements Act to modify the requirement for the statement of findings. TSA AIRPORT SECURITY CHECKPOINTS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on One Year Later: Have TSA Airport Security Checkpoints Improved? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, and John Cooney, Assistant Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations; and Edmund S. Hawley, Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security. BORDER/MARITIME SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing on the Next Generation Border and Maritime Security Technologies: H.R. 3916, To provide for the next generation of border and maritime security technologies. Testimony was heard from the following officials Department of Homeland Security: Robert Hooks, Director of Transition, and Ervin Kapos, Director, Operations Analysis, both with the Science and Technology Directorate; and Jeff Self, Division Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; and a public witness. SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing on Reducing the Regulatory Burden on Small Business: Improving the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. AVIATION--AIRPORT HOLIDAY TRAVEL PREPARATIONS Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on Aviation and Airport Holiday Travel Preparations. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. NURSING HOME OWNERSHIP/QUALITY Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Trends in Nursing Home Ownership and Quality. Testimony was heard from Scott A. Johnson, Special Assistant Attorney General, State of Mississippi; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--IC CLEARANCE AND SECURITY CONCERNS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a briefing on IC Clearance and Security Concerns. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/11/16 Daily Digest - Friday, November 16, 2007; pages D1544 - D1548 Committee Meetings VOTER REGISTRATION AND LIST MAINTENANCE Committee on House Administration: Continued hearings on Voter Registration and List Maintenance. Testimony was heard from the former officials of the Department of Justice: Joseph Rich, former Chief, Voting Rights Section; and J. Gerald Hebert, former Acting Chief, Deputy Chief, and Special Litigation Counsel, Justice Voting Rights Section; Scott Leiendecker, Co-Director of Elections, Board of Elections, St. Louis, Missouri; and public witnesses. 2007/11/20 Daily Digest - Tuesday, November 20, 2007; pages D1549 - D1550 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/11/23 Daily Digest - Friday, November 23, 2007; pages D1551 - D1552 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. [Page: D1552] 2007/11/27 Daily Digest - Tuesday, November 27, 2007; pages D1553 - D1554 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/11/29 Daily Digest - Thursday, November 29, 2007; pages D1555 - D1556 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/12/03 Daily Digest - Monday, December 3, 2007; pages D1558 - D1564 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/12/04 Daily Digest - Tuesday, December 4, 2007; pages D1566 - D1572 Committee Meetings HEALTH MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1343, Health Centers Renewal Act of 2007; H.R. 2915, National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Replacement Programs Reauthorization Act of 2007; and H.R. 4230, School-Based Health Clinic Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Dennis P. Williams, Deputy Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses. SAME-DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 2, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported from the Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any resolutions reported on the legislative day of Wednesday, December 5, 2007, providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 6) to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes. 2007/12/05 Daily Digest - Wednesday, December 5, 2007; pages D1573 - D1580 Committee Meetings PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAMS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Provincial Reconstruction Teams--Historical and Current Perspectives on Doctrine and Strategy. Testimony was heard from BG Eric Olson, USA (Ret.), former Commander, Combined/Joint Task Force-76, former Director, National Coordination Team; and public witnesses. [Page: D1578] U.S. ECONOMY AND THE FEDERAL BUDGET Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on the State of the U.S. Economy and Implications for the Federal Budget. Testimony was heard from Peter Orszag, Director, CBO; and public witnesses. COMMITTEE RESOLUTION--PROVIDING FOR TAKING DEPOSITIONS Committee on Education and Labor: Approved a motion adopting, as amended, a resolution to add a Rule 24 to the Rules of the Committee to Provide a Process for Taking Depositions. OVERSIGHT--FCC: MEDIA OWNERSHIP Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing entitled "Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission: Media Ownership." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FCC: Kevin J. Martin, Chairman; Michael J. Copps, Jonathan S. Adelstein, Deborah Taylor Tate and Robert M. McDowell, all Commissioners; and public witnesses. LOW INCOME VETERANS' HOUSING Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing entitled "Affordable Housing Needs of America's Low Income Veterans." Testimony was heard from Mark Johnston, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Special Needs, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Peter H. Dougherty, Director, Homeless Veterans Programs, Department of Veterans Affairs; David Wood, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, GAO; and public witnesses. MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS--AFTER ANNAPOLIS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on After Annapolis: Next Steps in the Middle East Peace Process. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. REBUILDING FISHERIES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight hearing entitled "Rebuilding Overfished Fisheries Under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Act." Testimony was heard from Representatives Frank of Massachusetts, Jones of North Carolina; and Bishop of New York; and public witnesses. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION CONSULTANTS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Executive Pay and the Role of Compensation Consultants. Testimony was heard from Meredith Miller, Assistant Treasurer, Policy, Office of Treasurer, Connecticut; and public witnesses. PROVIDING FOR TAKING DEPOSITIONS--CRANDALL CANYON MINE INVESTIGATION Committee on Rules: Ordered reported H. Res. 836, Granting the authority provided under clause 4(c)(3) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to the Committee on Education and Labor for purposes of its investigation into the deaths of 9 individuals that occurred at the Crandall Canyon Mine near Huntington, Utah. Testimony was heard from Chairman George Miller of California; Representative McKeon; and T.J. Halstead, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division, CRS, Library of Congress. CREATING LONG-TERM ENERGY ALTERNATIVES FOR THE NATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 9 to 3, a rule which makes in order a motion by the Majority Leader to concur in the Senate amendments with the House amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The rule waives all points of order against the motion except clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the Senate amendments and the motion shall be considered as read. The rule provides 1 hour of debate on the motion equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader. The rule further provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the motion to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard by Representatives Blumenauer and Barton of Texas. BRIEFING--IRAN Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Iran. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/12/06 Daily Digest - Thursday, December 6, 2007; pages D1581 - D1586 Committee Meetings FORECLOSURE PREVENTION LOAN MODIFICATIONS Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled "Accelerating Loan Modifications, Improving Foreclosure Prevention and Enhancing Enforcement." Testimony was heard from Sheila C. Bair, Chairman, FDIC; Randall S, Kroszner, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: John C. Dugan, Comptroller of the Currency; and Scott M. Polakoff, Senior Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer, Office of Thrift Supervision; Christiane Gigi Hyland, board member, National Credit Union Administration; Mark E. Pearce, Deputy Commissioner of Banks, North Carolina; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--USE OF ROBO-CALLS IN FEDERAL CAMPAIGNS Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections held an oversight hearing on the Use of Robo-Calls in Federal Campaigns. Testimony was heard from Representatives Bean, Altmire and Foxx; Steve Carter, Attorney General, Indiana, and public witnesses. SALES TAX FAIRNESS AND SIMPLIFICATION ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law held a hearing on H.R. 3396, Sales Tax Fairness and Simplification Act. Testimony was heard from Joan Wagnon, Secretary of Revenue, Kansas; and public witnesses. INMATE REHABILITATION AND RELEASE PLANNING Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on Promoting Inmate Rehabilitation and Successful Release Planning. Testimony was heard from Drew Wrigley, U.S. Attorney, District of North Dakota, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. SENATE AMENDMENT TO TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE REVISION AND EXTENSION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule which makes in order a motion by the Chairman of the Committee on Financial Services to concur in the Senate amendment with the House amendment printed in the Rules Committee report. The rule waives all points of order against the motion except clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read. The rule provides 1 hour of debate on the motion equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule further provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the motion to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank of Massachusetts, and Representatives Wasserman Schultz, and Neugebauer. [Page: D1585] SAME-DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED FROM RULES COMMITTEE Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8 to 3, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported from the Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any resolutions reported on the legislative day of December 11, 2007, providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2764, the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008. The rule also permits the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to insert in the Congressional Record during the remainder of the first session of the 110th Congress such material as he may deem explanatory of appropriations measures for the fiscal year 2008. Finally, the rule lays House Resolution 839 on the table. REVIEW REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ACT Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing to review legislation to improve the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Testimony was heard from Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel, Office of Advocacy, SBA; and public witnesses. DNI'S 500-DAY PLAN Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management held a hearing on DNI's 500-Day Plan. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence: Donald Kerr, Principal Deputy, and David Shedd, Deputy Director, Policy, Plans and Requirements; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--COLOMBIA Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to receive a briefing on Colombia. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. 2007/12/07 Daily Digest - Friday, December 7, 2007; pages D1587 - D1592 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/12/10 Daily Digest - Monday, December 10, 2007; pages D1593 - D1596 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/12/11 Daily Digest - Tuesday, December 11, 2007; pages D1598 - D1608 Committee Meetings AFGHANISTAN: STATUS OF U.S. STRATEGY Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Security and Stability in Afghanistan: Status of U.S. Strategy and Operations and the Way Ahead. Testimony was heard from the 4 following officials of the Department of Defense: Robert M. Gates, Secretary; Adm Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; Ambassador Eric S. Edelman, Under Secretary, Policy; and LTG John F. Sattler, USMC, Director, Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Chiefs of Staff. REVIEW CENSUS BUREAU'S RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR IT ACQUISITIONS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives held a hearing on A Review of the Census Bureau's Risk Management Activities for IT Acquisitions. Testimony was heard from Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce; the following officials of the GAO: David Powner, Director, Information Technology Management Issues; and Matthew Scire, Director, Strategic Issues; and public witnesses. INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008--CONFERENCE REPORT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule waiving all points of order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, and against its consideration. Testimony was heard from Chairman Reyes. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008--CONFERENCE REPORT Committee on Rules: Granted, by a non-record vote, a rule waiving all points of order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, and against its consideration. The rule also provides that the conferees on H.R. 3093 are hereby discharged and that the conference and its accompanying papers are hereby tabled. Testimony was heard from Chairman Skelton and Representative Saxton. AMT RELIEF ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a non-record vote, a closed rule providing 1 hour of debate on H.R. 4351, the AMT Relief Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of the bill. The rule provides one motion to recommit the bill. Finally, the rule permits the Chair, during consideration of the bill, to postpone further consideration of it to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Rangel and Representative Neal of Massachusetts. TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule providing 1 hour of debate in the House on H.R. 4299, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule waives all points of order against provisions of the bill. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, the rule provides that during consideration of H.R. 4299, the Chair may postpone further consideration to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Frank. 2007/12/12 Daily Digest - Wednesday, December 12, 2007; pages D1610 - D1620 Committee Meetings MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Agriculture: Ordered reported the following measures: as amended, the CFTU Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.J. Res. 15, Recognizing the contributions of the Christmas tree industry to the United States economy; H.R. 1374, To amend the Florida National Forest Land Management Act of 2003 to authorize the conveyance of an additional tract of National Forest System land under that Act, and for other purposes; and H.R. 3454, To provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of National Forest System land in the George Washington National Forest in Alleghany County, Virginia, that contains the cemetery of the Central Advent Christian Church and an adjoining tract of land located between the cemetery and road boundaries. BASE CLOSURE DECISIONS IMPLEMENTATION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on implementation of the Base Realignment and Closure 2005 decisions. Testimony was heard from Philip Grone, Deputy Under Secretary, Installations and Environment, Department of Defense; Brian Lepore, Director, Defense Capabilities Assessment, GAO; Anthony Brown, Lt. Gov., State of Maryland; and public witnesses. [Page: D1616] ENERGY SPECULATION AND PRICE MANIPULATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation held a hearing entitled "Energy Speculation: Is Greater Regulation Necessary to Stop Price Manipulation?" Testimony was heard from Joseph T. Kelliher, Chairman, FERC; Walter Lukken, Acting Chairman, CFTC; and public witnesses. FINANCIAL CONSUMER HOTLINE Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing entitled "The Financial Consumer Hotline Act of 2007: Providing Consumers with Easy Access to the Appropriate Banking Regulator." Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Treasury: John Walsh, Chief of Staff and Public Affairs, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; and Cassandra McConnell, Director, Consumer and Community Affairs, Office of Thrift Supervision; Sandra Braunstein, Director, Consumer and Community Affairs, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Sandra L. Thompson, Director, Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection, FDIC; Leonard Skiles, Executive Director, National Credit Union Administration; Richard Neiman, Superintendent of Banks, Banking Department, State of New York; and public witnesses. U.S. ASSISTANCE TO PALESTINIANS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on Connecting the Money to the Mission: The Past, Present, and Future of U.S. Assistance to the Palestinians. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Robert M. Danin, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; Charles R. Snyder, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Civilian Police and African, Asian, and European Programs, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement; and Mark Ward, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia and the Near East, U.S. Agency for International Development. CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM ACT OF 2008 Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection held a hearing on the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Bob Stephan, Assistant Secretary, Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Gary Sondermeyer, Director of Operations, Department of Environmental Protection, State of New Jersey; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3609, Emergency Home Ownership and Mortgage Equity Protection Act of 2007; and H.R. 3753, Federal Judicial Salary Restoration Act of 2007. OVERSIGHT--FEES FOR FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY ON PUBLIC LANDS Committee on Natural Resources: Held an oversight hearing on New Fees for Filming and Photography on Public Lands. Testimony was heard from Mitch Butler, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior; Leslie Weldon, External Affairs Officer, Office of the Chief, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 4220, amended, Federal Food Donation Act of 2007; H.R. 3468, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1704 Weeksville Road in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the "Dr. Cliford Bell Jones, Sr. Post Office;" H.R. 3720, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 424 Clay Avenue in Waco, Texas as the "Army PFC Juan Alonso Covarrubias Post Office Building;" H.R. 3721, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1190 Lorena Road in Lorena, Texas, as the "Marine Gunnery Sgt. John D. Fry Post Office Building;" H.R. 3803, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3100 Cashwell Drive in Goldsboro, North Carolina, as the "John Henry Wooten, Sr. Post Office Building;" H.R. 3911, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 95 Church Street in Jessup, Pennsylvania, as the "Lance Corporal Dennis James Veater Post Office;" H.R. 3988, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3701 Altamesa Boulevard in Fort Worth, Texas, as the "Master Sergeant Kenneth N. Mack Post Office Building;" H.R. 4210, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 401 Washington Avenue in Weldon, North Carolina, as the "Dock M. Brown Post Office Building;" H.R. 4211, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 725 Roanoke Avenue in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, as the "Judge Richard B. Allsbrook Post Office;" H.R. 4240, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10799 West Alameda Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado, as the "Felix Sparks Post Office Building;" H.R. 4342, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 824 Manatee Avenue in West Bradenton, Florida, as the "Dan Miller Post Office Building;" S. 2110, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 427 North Street in Taft, California, as the "Larry S. Pierce Post Office;" S. 2174, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 175 South Monroe Street in Tiffin, Ohio, as the "Paul E. Gillmor Post Office Building;" H. Con. Res. 198, amended, Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States has a moral responsibility to meet the needs of those persons, groups and communities that are impoverished, disadvantaged or otherwise in poverty; H. Con. Res. 254, Recognizing and celebrating the centennial of Oklahoma statehood; and H. Res. 816, amended, Congratulating the Colorado Rockies on winning the National League Championship and playing in the World Series. [Page: D1617] The Committee also approved a Committee report entitled "Political Interference with Global Change Science under the Bush Administration." ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS OF WATER BOTTLING Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on Assessing the Environmental Risks of the Water Bottling Industry's Extraction of Groundwater. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a closed rule providing one hour of debate in the House on H.J. Res. 69, making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the joint resolution (except for clause 9 or 10 of Rule XXI). The rule waives all points of order against provisions of the joint resolution. The rule also provides that the joint resolution shall be considered as read. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the joint resolution to a time designated by the Speaker. The rule directs the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to insert in the Congressional Record at any time during the remainder of the first session of the 110th Congress such material as he may deem explanatory of appropriations measures for the fiscal year. Finally, the rule tables H. Res. 839 and H. Res. 850. SARBANES-OXLEY AND FINANCIAL REPORTING Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled "Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404: New Evidence on the Cost for Small Companies." Testimony was heard from Christopher Cox, Chairman, SEC; and public witnesses. LOCAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES NEAR NEW DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on the New DHS Headquarters at St. Elizabeths: Local Business Opportunities. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GSA: David Winstead, Commissioner, Public Building Service; and Dawud Abdur-Rahman, Director, Portfolio Management Division--National Capital Region; RADM Earl Gay, USN, Commandant, Naval District Washington, Washington Navy Yard; Department of the Navy; and public witnesses. VETERANS' MENTAL HEALTH CARE Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Held a hearing on Stopping Suicides: Mental Health Challenges Within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Michael Shepherd, M.D., Physician, Office of Healthcare Inspections, Office of the Inspector General; Ira Katz, M.D., Deputy Chief, Patient Care Services, Office of Mental Health, Veterans Health Administration; and Kara Zivin, Research Investigator, Serious Mental Illness Treatment Research and Evaluation Center; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. [Page: D1618] OUTPATIENT WAITING TIMES Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the Subcommittee on Health held a joint hearing on Outpatient Waiting Times. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Belinda Finn, Assistant Inspector General, Audits; Gerald M. Cross, M.D., Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Health; and Paul Tibbits, M.D., Deputy Chief Information Officer, Office of Enterprise Development, Office of Information and Technology; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--CIA TAPES Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on CIA Tapes. The Committee was briefed by Michael V. Hayden, Director, CIA. 2007/12/13 Daily Digest - Thursday, December 13, 2007; pages D1622 - D1630 Committee Meetings CIA INTERROGATION PROGRAM Committee on Appropriations: Select Intelligence Oversight Panel met in executive session to hold a hearing on CIA Interrogation Program. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. GLOBAL MARITIME STRATEGY INITIATIVES Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on global maritime strategy initiatives. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: ADM Gary Roughead, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; and GEN James T. Conway, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps; and ADM Thad W. Allen, USCG, Commandant of the Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security. CBO's LONG-TERM BUDGET OUTLOOK Committee on the Budget: Held a hearing on CBO's Long-Term Budget Outlook. Testimony was heard from Peter Orszag, Director, CBO. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT; COMMITTEE BUSINESS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Began consideration of H.R. 4040, Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act. The Committee also approved pending Committee business. PRIORITIZING RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATION FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property held a hearing on H.R. 4279, Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Sigal P. Mandelker, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. STATE-RUN JUVENILE BOOT CAMPS Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on oversight of State-Run Juvenile Correctional Facilities known as "Boot Camps." Testimony was heard from Audrey Gibson, State Representative, Florida; and public witnesses. ASSESSING VETERANS' CHARITIES Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Held a hearing on Assessing Veterans' Charities. Testimony was heard from Senator Grassley; Tracy L. McCurdy, Director, Bureau of Charitable Organizations, State of Pennsylvania; and public witnesses. [Page: D1629] SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY RULES COMMITTEE Committee on Rules: Granted, by a voice vote, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported from the Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any resolution reported on the legislative day of December 17, 2007, providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2764) making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. It also applies to any resolution reported on the legislative day of December 17, 2007, providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to H.R. 6, to reduce our Nation's dependency on foreign oil by investing in clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, promoting new emerging energy technologies, developing greater efficiency, and creating a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve to invest in alternative energy, and for other purposes. SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY IMPROVEMENT ACT Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported H.R. 4458, Small Business Regulatory Improvement Act. LATIN AMERICA: DESTABILIZING EFFECTS OF THE DRUG TRADE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Latin America: Destabilizing Effects of the Drug Trade. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. 2007/12/14 Daily Digest - Friday, December 14, 2007; pages D1631 - D1636 Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. [Page: D1634] 2007/12/17 Daily Digest - Monday, December 17, 2007; pages D1638 - D1644 Committee Meetings SENATE AMENDMENT--STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by a voice vote, a rule making in order a motion by the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to concur in the Senate amendment with each of the two House amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the motion except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI and provides that the Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read. The rule provides one hour of debate on the motion equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule provides for a division of the question of adoption of the motion between the two House amendments. Finally, the rule provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the motion to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Chairman Obey and Representative Broun of Georgia. SENATE AMENDMENT TO HOUSE AMENDMENT--ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted by a voice vote, a rule making in order a motion by the Majority Leader or his designee that the House concur in the Senate amendment. The rule waives all points of order against the motion except clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read. The rule provides one hour of debate in the House on the motion equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader or their designees. The rule further provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of the motion to a time designated by the Speaker. Finally, the rule provides that the House shall not conduct organizational or legislative business on the first legislative day of the second session of the 110th Congress. SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY THE RULES COMMITTEE Committee on Rules: Granted, by non-record vote, a rule waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain rules reported from the Rules Committee. The rule applies the waiver to any rule reported on or before the legislative day of December 19, 2007, providing for consideration or disposition of any of the following measures: (1) a bill relating to the Children's Health Insurance Program, or an amendment thereto; (2) a bill relating to Medicare, or an amendment thereto; (3) a bill relating to the alternative minimum tax, or an amendment thereto; (4) a joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2008, or an amendment thereto; and (5) the bill (H.R. 2764) making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes, or an amendment thereto. 2007/12/18 Daily Digest - Tuesday, December 18, 2007; pages D1646 - D1652 Committee Meetings CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY AND MODERNIZATION ACT; CAMERON GULBRANSEN KIDS AND CARS SAFETY ACT OF 2007 Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, the following bills: H.R. 4040, Consumer Product Safety and Modernization Act, and H.R. 1216, Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act of 2007. The Committee also approved pending Committee business. OVERSIGHT--LEGACY OF TRANS-ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties held an oversight hearing on the Legacy of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Testimony was heard from JoAnn Watson, member, City Council, City of Detroit, Michigan; and public witnesses. PRIVACY AND CYBERCRIME ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on H.R. 4175, Privacy and Cybercrime Enforcement Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Andrew Lourie, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Chief of Staff to the Criminal Division, Department of Justice; Craig Magaw, Special Agent, Criminal Investigative Division, U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security; Joel Winston, Associate Director, Division of Privacy and Identity Protection, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; and public witnesses. 2007/12/19 Daily Digest - Wednesday, December 19, 2007; pages D1653 - D1662 Committee Meetings EXTENSION OF U.N. MANDATE FOR IRAQ Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on the Extension of the United Nations Mandate for Iraq: Is the Iraqi Parliament Being Ignored? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Library of Congress: Kenneth Katzman, Specialist in Middle East Affairs; Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division, CRS; and Issam Michael Saliba, Senior Foreign Law Specialist, Middle East and North Africa, Law Library of Congress; and public witnesses. FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO PROTECT AMERICANS WORKING FOR U.S. CONTRACTORS IN IRAQ Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on Enforcement of Federal Criminal Law to Protect Americans Working for U.S. Contractors in Iraq. Testimony was heard from Representative Poe; Jamie Leigh Jones, former employee of Halliburton Company; and public witnesses. SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY RULES COMMITTEE Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for the consideration of two measures. The first measure is a motion by the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations to concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2764, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the motion except for clause 10 of rule XXI; provides that the Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read; and provides one hour of debate on the motion equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The second measure is H.J. Res. 72, providing further continuing appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. The closed rule waives all points of order against the joint resolution and against its consideration except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI; provides that the joint resolution shall be considered as read; provides one hour of general debate in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations; and allows for one motion to recommit with or without instructions. [Page: D1661] The rule also provides that the Chair may postpone further consideration of either measure to a time designated by the Speaker. Finally, the rule tables House Resolution 849. SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS REPORTED BY RULES COMMITTEE--TEMPORARY TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: The Committee granted, by voice vote, a rule providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 3996, the "Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007." The rule provides that it is in order for the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means to make a motion that the House concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 3996. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the motion. The rule provides that the Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read. It further provides that the motion shall be debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the motion to a time designated by the Speaker. BRIEFINGS--HOTS SPOTS AND NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE; COMMITTEE BUSINESS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots--Venezuela, Australia and Pakistan. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. The Committee also met in executive session to receive a briefing on National Intelligence Estimate. The Committee was briefed by Mike McConnell, Director, Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The Committee also met in executive session to consider pending Committee business. AFTER BALI-U.N. CONFERENCE AND THE IMPACT ON INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Held a hearing entitled "After Bali--UN Conference and the Impact on International Climate Change Policy." Testimony was heard from public witnesses. 2007/12/21 Daily Digest - Friday, December 21, 2007; pages D1663 - D1664 Committee Meetings FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAWS--INTERROGATION OF DETAINEES Committee on the Judiciary: On December 20, the Committee held a hearing on Applicability of Federal Criminal Laws to the Interrogation of Detainees. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. PAKISTANI ELECTIONS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: On December 20, the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Pakistani Elections: Will They Be Free and Fair or Fundamentally Flawed. Testimony was heard from former Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota; and public witnesses. [Page: D1664] 2007/12/23 Daily Digest - Sunday, December 23, 2007; pages D1665 - D1666 The House was not in session today. The House will meet on Thursday, January 3, 2008 for the convening of the second Session of the One Hundred Tenth Congress. Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/12/26 Daily Digest - Wednesday, December 26, 2007; pages D1667 - D1668 The House was not in session today. The House will meet on Thursday, January 3, 2008 for the convening of the Second Session of the One Hundred Tenth Congress. Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/12/28 Daily Digest - Friday, December 28, 2007; pages D1669 - D1670 The House was not in session today. The House will meet on Thursday, January 3, 2008 for the convening of the Second Session of the One Hundred Tenth Congress. Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. 2007/12/31 Daily Digest - Monday, December 31, 2007; pages D1671 - D1676 The House was not in session today. The House will meet on Thursday, January 3, 2008 for the convening of the Second Session of the One Hundred Tenth Congress. Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. thomas.loc.gov

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