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Daily Digest - Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Daily Digest
[Page: D185] GPO's PDF
Senate
Chamber Action
Routine Proceedings, pages S1217-S1321
Measures Introduced:
Three bills and one resolution were introduced, as follows: S. 2670-2672, and S. Res. 462.
Page S1271
Measures Passed:
Federal Rules of Evidence:
Senate passed S. 2450, to amend the Federal Rules of Evidence to address the waiver of the attorney-client privilege and the work product doctrine.
Pages S1317-19
Measures Considered:
Pages S1226-34, S1235-58
The motion to proceed was withdrawn.
Page S1258
Pages S1258-64
During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action:
By 89 yeas to 3 nays (Vote No. 34), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to close further debate on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill.
Page S1259
A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill at approximately 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, February 28, 2008, and that all time during any adjournment or morning business count post-cloture.
Page S1319
Nominations Received:
Senate received the following nominations:
Nanci E. Langley, of Virginia, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission for a term expiring November 22, 2012.
Ronald D. Rotunda, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term of four years expiring January 29, 2012.
Daniel W. Sutherland, of Virginia, to be Chairman of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term of six years expiring January 29, 2014.
Francis X. Taylor, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term of two years expiring January 29, 2010.
Routine lists in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy.
Pages S1319-21
Messages from the House:
Pages S1269-70
Executive Communications:
Pages S1270-71
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages S1271-72
Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:
Pages S1272-73
Additional Statements:
Page S1269
Notices of Hearings/Meetings:
Pages S1273-75
Authorities for Committees to Meet:
Page S1273
Text of S. 1200, as Previously Passed
Pages S1275-S1317
Record Votes:
One record vote was taken today. (Total--34)
Page S1259
Adjournment:
Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 7:46 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2008. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S1319.)
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
APPROPRIATIONS: U.S. ARMY
Committee on Appropriations:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, after receiving testimony from Preston M. Geren III, Secretary, and General George W. Casey, Jr., Chief of Staff, both of the United States Army, Department of Defense.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Committee on Armed Services:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine the current and future worldwide threats to the national security of the United States, after receiving testimony from John M. McConnell, Director, Tim Langford, Cuba-Venezuela Mission D186Manager, Benjamin Powell, General Counsel, Alan Pino, National Intelligence Officer for the Middle East, and Tom Fingar, Deputy Director for Analysis, all of National Intelligence; and Lieutenant General Michael D. Maples, USA, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency.
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DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST
Committee on Armed Services:
Subcommittee on Personnel concluded a hearing to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 for the Active component, Reserve component, civilian personnel programs, and the future years defense program, after receiving testimony from David S. C. Chu, Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness, Lieutenant General Michael D. Rochelle, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G1, United States Army, Vice Admiral John C. Harvey, Jr., USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education, United States Navy, Lieutenant General Roland S. Coleman, USMC, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, United States Marine Corps, and Lieutenant General Richard Y. Newton III, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel, United States Air Force, all of the Department of Defense.
NASA BUDGET
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the National Space and Aeronautics Administration (NASA), after receiving testimony from Michael D. Griffin, Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
NOMINATION
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of J. Gregory Copeland, of Texas, to be General Counsel of the Department of Energy, after the nominee testified and answered questions in his own behalf.
LAND BILLS
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:
Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests concluded a hearing to examine S. 2229, to withdraw certain Federal land in the Wyoming Range from leasing and provide an opportunity to retire certain leases in the Wyoming Range, S. 2379, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to cancel certain grazing leases on land in Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument that are voluntarily waived by the lessees, to provide for the exchange of certain Monument land in exchange for private land, to designate certain Monument land as wilderness, S. 832, to provide for the sale of approximately 25 acres of public land to the Turnabout Ranch, Escalante, Utah, at fair market value, S. 2508 and H.R. 903, bills to provide for a study of options for protecting the open space characteristics of certain lands in and adjacent to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado, S. 2601 and H.R. 1285, bills to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to King and Kittitas Counties Fire District No. 51 a certain parcel of real property for use as a site for a new Snoqualmie Pass fire and rescue station, H.R. 523, to require the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain public land located wholly or partially within the boundaries of the Wells Hydroelectric Project of Public Utility District No. 1 of Douglas County, Washington, to the utility district, and S. 532 and H.R. 838, bills to provide for the conveyance of the Bureau of Land Management parcels known as the White Acre and Gambel Oak properties and related real property to Park City, Utah, after receiving testimony from Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal, Cheyenne; Melissa Simpson, Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment; Luke Johnson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior; Andy Kerr, Soda Mountain Wilderness Council, and Mike Dauenhauer, both of Ashland, Oregon; Claire Moseley, Public Lands Advocacy, Denver, Colorado; Gary Amerine, Citizens Protecting the Wyoming Range, Daniel; and Chris Caviezel, Snoqualmie Pass Fire Station, Snoqualmie Pass, Washington.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY BUDGET
Committee on Environment and Public Works:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Environmental Protection Agency, after receiving testimony from Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency.
PRIVATE SECURITY FIRMS RELIANCE
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine U.S. reliance on private security firms in overseas operations, after receiving testimony from Patrick F. Kennedy, Under Secretary of State for Management; P. Jackson Bell, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Material Readiness; James D. Schmitt, ArmorGroup North America, Inc., McLean, Virginia; and Laura A. Dickinson, University of Connecticut School of Law, Hartford.
FOREIGN AID LESSONS FOR DOMESTIC ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE ACT
Committee on Indian Affairs:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 2232, to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a demonstration program to adapt the lessons of providing foreign aid to underdeveloped economies to the provision of Federal economic development assistance to certain similarly situated individuals, after receiving testimony from Senator Stevens; Matthew Crow, Deputy Assistant Secretary for External Affairs and Communications of D187Commerce for Economic Development Administration; Julie Kitka, Alaska Federation of Natives, Anchorage; Byron Mallott, Sealaska Corporation, Juneau, Alaska; Ralph Andersen, Bristol Bay Native Association, Dillingham, Alaska; Zach Brink, Association of Village Council Presidents, Bethel, Alaska; and Paul V. Applegarth, Value Enhancement International, Greenwich, Connecticut.
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FALSE CLAIMS ACT
Committee on the Judiciary:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 2041, to amend the False Claims Act, focusing on strengthening the government's most effective tool against fraud for the 21st century, after receiving testimony from Michael F. Hertz, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division, Department of Justice; John E. Clark, Goode, Casseb, Jones, Riklin, Choate, and Watson, PC, San Antonio, Texas; John T. Boese, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver and Jacobson, LLP, Washington, DC; Pamela H. Bucy, University of Alabama School of Law, Tuscaloosa; and Tina Marie Gonter, Jacksonville, Florida.
FEDERAL FUNDING FOR STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
Committee on the Judiciary:
Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs concluded a hearing to examine supporting the front line in the fight against crime, focusing on restoring federal funding for state and local law enforcement, after receiving testimony from Senators Harkin and Chambliss; Mark Epley, Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice; Jeffrey Horvath, Dover Police Department, Dover, Delaware; Anthony F. Wieners, New Jersey Police Department, Belleville, on behalf of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO); and Charles H. Ramsey, Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
VOTE CAGING PRACTICES
Committee on Rules and Administration:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine protecting voters in the United States at the polls, focusing on limiting abusive robocalls and vote caging practices, including S. 2305, to prevent voter caging, after receiving testimony from Senator Whitehouse; Roy Cooper, North Carolina Attorney General, Raleigh; J. Bradley King, Indiana Election Division, Indianapolis; James Bopp, Jr., James Madison Center for Free Speech, Terre Haute, Indiana; Shaun Dakin, National Political Do Not Contact Registry, and Judith A. Browne-Dianis, Advancement Project, both of Washington, DC; and Chandler Davidson, Rice University, Houston, Texas.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION BUDGET
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Small Business Administration, including The Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-186), The CLEAN Energy Act (Public Law 110-140), and S. 1256, to amend the Small Business Act to reauthorize loan programs under that Act, after receiving testimony from Steven Preston, Administrator, Small Business Administration.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Committee on Veterans' Affairs:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine veterans' disability compensation, focusing on expert work on post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues, after receiving testimony from Joyce McMahon, CNA Corporation, Alexandria, Virginia; Lonnie R. Bristow, National Academies, Washington, DC; Dean G. Kilpatrick, Medical University of South Carolina National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Charleston; and Scott L. Zeger, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.
BUSINESS MEETING
Select Committee on Intelligence:
Committee met in closed session to consider pending intelligence matters.
Committee recessed subject to the call.
MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRY
Special Committee on Aging:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine issues relative to surgeons, focusing on conflicts and consultant payments in the medical device industry, after receiving testimony from Gregory E. Demske, Assistant Inspector General for Legal Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services; Charles D. Rosen, University of California School of Medicine, Irvine, on behalf of the Association for Ethics in Spine Surgery; Said Hilal, Applied Medical Resources Corporation, Ranch Santa, Margarita, California; Edward B. Lipes, Stryker Corporation, Mahwah, New Jersey; Chad F. Phipps, Zimmer Holdings, Inc., Warsaw, Indiana; and Christopher L. White, Advanced Medical Technology Association, Washington, DC.
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House of Representatives
Chamber Action
Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced:
7 public bills, H.R. 5501-5507; 1 private bill, H.R. 5508; and 3 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 304; and H. Res. 1003-1005, were introduced.
Page H1154
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages H1154-55
Reports Filed:
There were no reports filed today.
Speaker:
Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Salazar to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today.
Page H1077
Chaplain:
The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rev. Wayne Graumann, Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas.
Page H1077
Journal:
The House agreed to the Speaker's approval of the Journal by a yea-and-nay vote of 217 yeas to 185 nays with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 79.
Page H1089
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008:
The House passed H.R. 5351, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation, by a yea-and-nay vote of 236 yeas to 182 nays, Roll No. 84.
Pages H1079-H1131
Agreed to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair on a point of order sustained against the Hoekstra motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Ways and Means with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment, by a yea-and-nay vote of 222 yeas to 191 nays, Roll No. 82.
Pages H1116-28
Rejected the English (PA) motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Ways and Means with instructions to report the same back to the House promptly with amendments, by a yea-and-nay vote of 197 yeas to 222 nays, Roll No. 83.
Pages H1128-30
H. Res. 1001, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 220 yeas to 188 nays, Roll No. 81, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 214 yeas to 189 nays, Roll No. 80.
Pages H1090-91
A point of order was raised against the consideration of H. Res. 1001 and it was agreed to proceed with consideration of the resolution, by a yea-and-nay vote of 224 yeas to 186 nays, Roll No. 78.
Pages H1079-82
Pursuant to the rule, H. Res. 983 is laid upon the table.
Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy--Appointment:
The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of Representative Frelinghuysen to the Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy.
Page H1131
Suspension:
The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measure:
Trade Preference Extension Act of 2008:
H.R. 5264, amended, to extend certain trade preference programs.
Pages H1131-37
Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To extend the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes.''.
Page H1137
Senate Message:
Message received from the Senate today appears on page H1077.
Senate Referrals:
S. 428 was held at the desk.
Page H1077
Quorum Calls--Votes:
Seven yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H1081-82, H1089-90, H1090, H1090-91, H1127-28, H1129-30 and H1131. There were no quorum calls.
Adjournment:
The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 7.36 p.m.
Committee Meetings
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Agriculture:
Approved Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2009 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Drug Safety. Testimony was heard from Janet Woodcock, M.D., Deputy Commissioner, Scientific and Medical Programs, Chief Medical Officer and Acting Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Department of Agriculture; and public witnesses.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a hearing on National Science Board/National Science Foundation. Testimony was heard from Arden L. Bement, Jr., Director, National Science Foundation.
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DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on Shipbuilding. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Vice ADM Barry McCullough, USN, Deputy Chief, Naval Operations, Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8); and Allison Stiller, Assistant Secretary, (Research, Development and Acquisition).
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Bureau of Reclamation Commission. Testimony was heard from Robert W. Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior.
FINANCIAL SERVICES, GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on the Election Administration. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Election Assistance Commission: Rosemary Rodriguez, Chair; Caroline Hunter, Vice-Chair; Donetta L. Davidson; and Gracia Hillman, both Commissioners; and public witnesses.
INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies held a hearing on Bureau of Land Management. Testimony was heard from Henry Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior.
LABOR, HHS AND EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Health and Human Services. Testimony was heard from Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Office of Inspector General. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans' Affairs: John Daigh, Jr., M.D., Assistant Inspector General, Healthcare Inspections; James J. O'Neill, Assistant Inspector General, Investigations; Belinda Finn, Assistant Inspector General, Audits; and Maureen Regan, Counsel to the Inspector General.
STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, U.S. Agency for International Development. Testimony was heard from Henrietta Fore, Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development, and Director, United States Foreign Assistance, Department of State.
AIR FORCE BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services:
Held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the Department of the Air Force. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air Force:
Michael W. Wynne, Secretary; and GEN T. Michael Moseley, USAF, Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force.
MARINE CORPS BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services:
Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request overview for the United States Marine Corps. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Marine Corps: LTG James F. Amos, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration; LTG John G. Castellaw, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Programs and Resources; and BG Michael M. Brogan, USMC, Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command.
DEFENSE STRATEGIC PROGRAMS BUDGET
Committee on Armed Services:
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing on U.S. Strategic Posture/Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request for Strategic Programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Kevin P. Chilton, USAF, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command; and Michael Vickers, Assistant Secretary, Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict/Interdependent Capabilities, Office of the Secretary, Policy; and Thomas D'Agostino, Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy.
DOD BUDGET; HHS BUDGET
Committee on the Budget:
Held a hearing on Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2009 Budget. Testimony was heard from Gordon R. England, Deputy Secretary of Defense.
The Committee also held a hearing on Department of Health and Human Services Fiscal Year D1902009 Budget. Testimony was heard from Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services.
[Page: D190] GPO's PDF
DRUGS IN SPORTS
Committee on Energy and Commerce:
Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled ``Drugs in Sports: Compromising the Health of Athletes and Undermining the Integrity of Competition.'' Testimony was heard from representatives of various professional sports organizations, player associations, and public witnesses.
WIRELESS/BROADBAND CONSUMER PROTECTION
Committee on Energy and Commerce:
Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing on Wireless Consumer Protection and Community Broadband Empowerment. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MONETARY POLICY AND THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Committee on Financial Services:
Concluded hearings on Monetary Policy and the State of the Economy. Testimony was heard from Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Foreign Affairs:
Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 5501,
Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde, United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008; and, as amended, H.R. 1084, Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act of 2007.
The Committee favorably considered the following resolutions and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that they be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H. Res. 185, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the creation of refugee populations in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf region as a result of human rights violations; H. Res. 854, Expressing the gratitude to all member states of the International Commission of the International Tracing Service (ITS) on ratifying the May 2006 Agreement to amend the 1955 Bonn Accords granting open access to vast Holocaust and other World War II related archives located in Bad Arolsen, Germany; H. Res. 865, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the March 2007 report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development makes an important contribution to the understanding of the high levels of crime and violence in the Caribbean, and that the United States should work with Caribbean countries to address crime and violence in the region; H. Res. 951, Condemning the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, and for other purposes; H. Con. Res. 154, Expressing the sense of Congress that the fatal radiation poisoning of Russian dissident and writer Alexandria Litvinenko raises significant concerns about the potential involvement of elements of the Russian Government in Mr. Litvinenko's death and about the security and proliferation of radioactive materials; H. Con. Res. 255, Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the United States commitment to preservation of religious and cultural sites and condemning instances where sites are desecrated; H. Con. Res. 278, Supporting Taiwan's fourth direct and democratic presidential elections in March 2008; and H. Con. Res. 290, Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the special relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand.
MULTIDRUG RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS
Committee on Foreign Affairs:
Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health held a hearing on Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis: Assessing the U.S. Response to an Emerging Global Threat. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Mark R. Dybul, Coordinator, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator; and Kent R. Hill, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Global Health, U.S. Agency for International Development; and Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services.
The Subcommittee also had a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was briefed by Mario Raviglione, M.D., Director, Stop TB Department, World Health Organization.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND VULNERABLE SOCIETIES
Committee on Foreign Affairs:
Subcommittee on Asia,
the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on Climate Change and Vulnerable Societies: A Post-Bali Overview. Testimony was heard from Harlan Watson, Special Representative and Senior Climate Negotiator, Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and Scientific Affairs, Department of State.
The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was briefed by public witnesses.
BORDER SECURITY TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
Committee on Homeland Security:
Subcommittee on Border,
Maritime and Global Counterterrorism and the Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight held a joint hearing entitled `` Project D19128: Lessons Learned and the Future of SBInet.'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security: Jayson P. Ahern, Deputy Commissioner; David V. Aguilar, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; and Gregory Giddens, Executive Director, Secure Border Initiative; Richard Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; and a public witness.
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OVERSIGHT--PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Committee on the Judiciary:
Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property held an oversight hearing on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Testimony was heard from Jon W. Dudas, Under Secretary, Intellectual Property, Director, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce; Robin M. Nazzaro, Director, National Resources and Environment, GAO; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--TRIBAL LAND TRUSTS
Committee on Natural Resources:
Held an oversight hearing on the Department of Interior's recently released guidance on taking land into trust for Indian Tribes and its ramifications. Testimony was heard from Carl Artman, Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--BUDGET PARK SERVICE, FOREST SERVICE AND BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
Committee on Natural Resources:
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held an oversight hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Requests for the National Park Service, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Mary Bomar, Director, National Park Service; and Henri Bisson, Deputy Director, Bureau of Land Management; and Gail Kimbell Chief, Forest Service, USDA.
FEDERAL CONTRACTING REFORM
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform:
Subcommittee on Government Management,
Organization and Procurement held a hearing on Contracting Reform: Expert Recommendations and pending measures. Testimony was heard from Paul A. Denett, Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, OMB; John Hutton, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, GAO; and public witnesses.
WALTER REED INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform:
Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on One Year After Walter Reed: An Independent Assessment of the Care, Support, and Disability Evaluation for Wounded Soldiers. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: John Pendleton, Acting Director, Health Care; and Daniel Bertoni, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security; and the following officials of the Department of Defense: LTG Eric Schoomaker, M.D., USA, Surgeon General/Commander U.S. Army Medical Command; and Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Under Secretary (Personnel and Readiness); and Patrick W. Dunne, Assistant Secretary, Policy and Planning, Department of Veterans Affairs.
HOUSE OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS
Committee on Rules:
Heard testimony from Representatives Capuano, Murphy of Connecticut, Space, Smith of Texas, Boehner, Shays and Kirk, but action was deferred on H. Res. 895, Establishing within the House of Representatives an Office of Congressional Ethics, and for other purposes.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Science and Technology:
Ordered reported,
as amended, the following bills: H.R. 3916, To provide for the next generation of border and maritime security technologies; H.R. 4847, U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008; and H.R. 5161, Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act.
BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES
Committee on Small Business:
Approved Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2009 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.
VA CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs:
Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on VA Construction Authorization. Testimony was heard from Donald Orndoff, Director, Office of Construction and Facilities Management, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations.
CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM
Committee on Ways and Means:
Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Improving the Child Welfare System. Testimony was heard from Representatives Davis of Illinois; Fattah and Bachmann; Ken Deibert, Deputy Director, Department of Economic Security--Children, D192Youth and Family Services, State of Arizona; Jim Purcell, Executive Director, Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies, New York City; and public witnesses.
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SECURITY CLEARANCES
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence:
Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management held a hearing on Security Clearances. Testimony was heard from Kathy Dillaman, Associate Director, Investigations, OPM; Clay Johnson, Deputy Director, OMB; Eric Boswell, Assistant Deputy Director, Security, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; and Brenda Farrell, Director, Military and Civilian Personnel and Healthcare, Defense Capabilities and Management, GAO.
BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence:
Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses.
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine the recent Hallmark/Westland meat recall, 2 p.m., SD-192.
Committee on Armed Services:
to hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 for Department of the Navy, and the future years defense program; with the possibility of a closed session in SR-222 immediately following the open session, 9:30 a.m., SH-216.
Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009, for the Department of the Navy, and the future years defense program; with the possibility of a closed session in SR-222 immediately following the open session, 9:30 a.m., SH-216.
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs:
to hold hearings to examine the semiannual monetary policy report to the Congress, 10 a.m., SD-538.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
to hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Transportation, 10 a.m., SR-253.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:
to hold hearings to examine the impact of increased minimum wages on the economies of American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 9:30 a.m., SD-366.
Subcommittee on Water and Power, to hold hearings to examine S. 177 and H.R. 2085, bills to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the McGee Creek Authority certain facilities of the McGee Creek Project, Oklahoma, S. 1473 and H.R. 1855, bills to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Madera Irrigation District for purposes of supporting the Madera Water Supply Enhancement Project, S. 1474 and H.R. 1139, bills to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to plan, design and construct facilities to provide water for irrigation, municipal, domestic, and other uses from the Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin, Santa Ana River, California, S. 1929, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to conduct a feasibility study of water augmentation alternatives in the Sierra Vista Subwatershed, S. 2370, to clear title to certain real property in New Mexico associated with the Middle Rio Grande Project, and H.R. 2381, to promote Department of the Interior efforts to provide a scientific basis for the management of sediment and nutrient loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 2 p.m., SD-366.
Committee on Environment and Public Works:
Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, to hold oversight hearings to examine the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, focusing on the security of the nuclear power plants in the United States, 10 a.m., SD-406.
Committee on Finance:
to hold hearings to examine the real estate market, focusing on building a strong economy, 10 a.m., SD-215.
Committee on Foreign Relations:
to hold hearings to examine the policy options of the United States in post-election Pakistan, 9:30 a.m., SD-419.
Committee on the Judiciary:
business meeting to consider S. 2304, to amend title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide grants for the improved mental health treatment and services provided to offenders with mental illnesses, S. 2449, to amend chapter 111 of title 28, United States Code, relating to protective orders, sealing of cases, disclosures of discovery information in civil actions, S. 352, to provide for media coverage of Federal court proceedings, S. 2136, to address the treatment of primary mortgages in bankruptcy, S. 2133, to authorize bankruptcy courts to take certain actions with respect to mortgage loans in bankruptcy, S. 2041, to amend the False Claims Act, and the nominations of Kevin J. O'Connor, of Connecticut, to be Associate Attorney General, and Gregory G. Katsas, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Attorney General, both of the Department of Justice, Brian Stacy Miller, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and James Randal Hall, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Georgia, 10 a.m., SD-226.
Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine weaknesses in the visa waiver program, focusing on possible safeguards needed to protect the United States of America, 2:30 p.m., SD-226.
Select Committee on Intelligence:
to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219.
[Page: D193] GPO's PDF
Committee on Appropriations,
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, on Inspector General, 10 a.m., 2362-A Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Defense, on Defense Health Program, 10 a.m., and on National Guard and Reserve Issues, 1:30 p.m., H-140 Capitol.
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies, on Department of Energy, 9 a.m., 2362-B Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, on Consumer Protection in Financial Services, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Improving the Efficiency of the Aviation Security System-TSA, GAO, American Airlines, and Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-and U.S. Geological Survey,10 a.m., B-308 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, on Reducing the Disability Backlog at the Social Security Administration/Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Overview, 10 a.m., 2358-C Rayburn.
Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget-State Operations, Embassy Baghdad, 10 a.m., B-318 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, on Housing Needs of Special Populations (Elderly; Disabled; Homeless; HOPWA), 10 a.m., 2358-A Rayburn.
Committee on Armed Services,
hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the Department of the Army, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Readiness, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request on military construction, 1 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.
Committee on the Budget,
hearing on Members' Day, 10 a.m., 210 Cannon.
Committee on Energy and Commerce,
hearing entitled ``A Review of the Department of Health and Human Services Fiscal Year 2009 Budget,'' 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, hearing on S. 742, Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007; and on other proposals to Ban Asbestos in Products, 12:30 p.m., 2322 Rayburn.
Committee on Financial Services,
to consider Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2009 for submission to the Committee on the Budget, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, hearing on Status of Forces in Agreements and UN Mandates: What Authorities and Protections Do They Provide to U.S. Personnel? 9:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
Committee on Homeland Security,
hearing entitled ``The Cyber Initiative'', 10 a.m., 311 Cannon.
Committee on Natural Resources,
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, oversight hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2009 Budget for the Minerals Management Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Energy and Minerals programs, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the Minerals programs, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the Minerals and Geology Program of the Forest Service, and the United States Geological Survey, except for the activities and programs of the Water Resources Division, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, hearing on the following bills:
H.R. 3223, Keep Our Waterfronts Working Act of 2007; H.R. 5451, Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act of 2009; H.R. 5452, Coastal State Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2008; and H.R. 5453, Coastal State Climate Change Planning Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth.
Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, oversight hearing on the fiscal Year 2009 budget request for the Department of Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, 1 p.m., 1324 Longworth.
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, to consider H.R. 4106, Telework Improvements Act of 2007; and to hold a hearing on the Implementation of the Postal Accountability Enhancement Act of 2006, 2 p.m., 2237 Rayburn.
Committee on Small Business,
hearing entitled ``Improving the Paperwork Reduction Act for Small Businesses,'' 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
to mark up the following:
Committee Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2009 for submission to the Committee on the Budget; a measure to authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to construct a greenhouse facility at its museum support facility in Suitland, Maryland; H. Res. 936, Honoring the 200th anniversary of the Gallatin Report on Roads and Canals, celebrating the national unity the Gallatin Report engendered, and recognizing the vast contributions that national planning efforts have provided to the United States; H. Res. 964, To promote the safe operation of 15 passenger vans; GSA Lease Resolution; GSA Section 11(b) Resolution; and other pending business, 11 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, hearing on Subprime Mortgage Crisis and America's Veterans, 1 p.m., 334 Cannon.
Subcommittee on Health, hearing on Mental Health Treatment for Families:
Supporting Those Who Support our Veterans, 10 a.m. 334 Cannon.
Committee on Ways and Means,
Subcommittee on Health, hearing on Medicare Advantage, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth.
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,
executive, briefing on FISA, 12:30 p.m., H-405 Capitol.
Joint Economic Committee:
to hold hearings to examine the total economic costs of the war beyond the federal budget, 9:30 a.m., SD-106.
[Page: D194] GPO's PDF
Program for Thursday:
After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), Senate will continue consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 2634, Global Strategic Report.
Program for Thursday:
Consideration of the following suspensions: (1) S. 2478--The ``Captain Jonathan D. Grassbaugh Post Office'' Designation Act; (2) S. 2272--The ``John `Marty' Thiels Post Office'' Designation Act, in honor and memory of Thiels, a Louisiana postal worker who was killed in the line of duty on October 4, 2007; (3) H.R. 3936--The ``Sgt. Jason Harkins Post Office'' Designation Act; (4) H.R. 3803--The ``John Henry Wooten, Sr. Post Office'' Designation Act; (5) H.R. 4454--The ``Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Military Heroes of Louisville Memorial Post Office'' Designation Act, in honor of the servicemen and women from Louisville, Kentucky, who died in service during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom; (6) S. Con. Res. 67--A concurrent resolution establishing the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies; and (7) S. Con. Res. 68--A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
HOUSE
Allen, Thomas H., Me., E253
Berman, Howard L., Calif., E255
Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E259, E259, E260, E260, E260
Castor, Kathy, Fla., E259
Clyburn, James E., S.C., E256
Cuellar, Henry, Tex., E251
Culberson, John Abney, Tex., E255
Doolittle, John T., Calif., E257
Engel, Eliot L., N.Y., E260
English, Phil, Pa., E250, E252
Farr, Sam, Calif., E256
Graves, Sam, Mo., E249, E250, E252, E255, E255, E256, E256, E257, E258, E258
Hayes, Robin, N.C., E254
Hirono, Mazie K., Hawaii, E254
Keller, Ric, Fla., E257
Larson, John B., Conn., E258
McCollum, Betty, Minn., E259
Musgrave, Marilyn N., Colo., E249, E252
Oberstar, James L., Minn., E250
Ortiz, Solomon P., Tex., E249, E252
Putnam, Adam H., Fla., E256
Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E258
Ross, Mike, Ark., E254
Royce, Edward R., Calif., E255
Sarbanes, John P., Md., E251
Schakowsky, Janice D., Ill., E250
Stupak, Bart, Mich., E253
Thompson, Mike, Calif., E254
Wilson, Joe, S.C., E258
Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E249, E253, E255, E256
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