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Daily Digest - Thursday, May 15, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Daily Digest
HIGHLIGHTS
- Senate agreed to the conference report to accompany H.R. 2419, Food, Conservation, and Energy Act.
[Page: D607] GPO's PDF
Senate
Chamber Action
Routine Proceedings, pages S4211-S4289
Measures Introduced:
Ten bills and two resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 3020-3029, and S. Res. 567-568.
Page S4282
Measures Reported:
S. 2511, to amend the grant program for law enforcement armor vests to provide for a waiver of or reduction in the matching funds requirement in the case of fiscal hardship, with an amendment.
S. 2913, to provide a limitation on judicial remedies in copyright infringement cases involving orphan works, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
Page S4282
Measures Passed:
FCC Rule Disapproval:
Senate passed S.J. Res. 28, disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to broadcast media ownership.
Pages S4267-70
National Governors Association Anniversary: Senate agreed to S. Res. 568, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Governors Association.
Pages S4271-72
Encourage Display of Flag: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2356, to amend title 4, United States Code, to encourage the display of the flag of the United States on Father's Day, and the bill was then passed, clearing the measure for the President.
Page S4288
Small Business Act Programs Temporary Extension: Senate passed S. 3029, to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.
Pages S4288-89
Conference Reports:
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act--Conference Report:
By 81 yeas to 15 nays (Vote No. 130), Senate agreed to the conference report to accompany H.R. 2419, to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012.
Pages S4212-43
During consideration of this measure today, the Senate also took the following action:
By 74 yeas to 21 nays (Vote No. 128), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to waive section 203 of S. Con. Res. 21, FY08 Congressional Budget Resolution, with respect to the conference report.
Page S4227
By 62 yeas to 34 nays (Vote No. 129), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to waive Rule XLIV, paragraph 8, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, with respect to all provisions of the conference report.
Page S4227
House Messages:
Budget Resolution--Motions TO Instruct Conferees:
Senate began consideration of the amendment of the House of Representatives to S. Con. Res. 70, setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013, disagreed to the amendment of the House, agreed to the request of the House for a conference, agreed to the motion to authorize the Chair to appoint conferees, after taking action on the following motions to instruct conferees on the part of the Senate on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the concurrent resolution to be instructed to insist on the inclusion in the final conference report the following motions proposed thereto:
Pages S4247-67
Adopted:
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Gregg Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist on the inclusion in the final conference report the point of order against the consideration of a budget resolution in the Senate that does not contain a section regarding gross federal debt disclosure as contained in section 223 of the concurrent resolution as passed by the Senate, and further, that the conferees be instructed to include a debt disclosure section in the final conference report that itemizes the overall debt increase and the per person debt increase assumed by the final conference report.
Page S4263
Gregg Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include the individual points of order that empower the Senate to prevent future budget resolutions from raiding Social Security, enforces transparency during Senate consideration of the congressional budget by requiring disclosure of the gross federal debt held by the nation, strengthens the integrity of the reconciliation process, and provides an additional tool to thwart any net increases in deficits in the long term (four ten year periods after 2018), as contained in sections 226, 223/224, 202, and 201, respectively, of the concurrent resolution passed by the Senate.
Page S4263
Conrad Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the revenue levels in the resolution include the cost of providing relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax in 2008.
Pages S4261-63
Kyl Motion to Instruct Conferees to reject the House amendment that assumes $110 billion in tax increases as a result of having to offset the extension of tax policies that expired at the end of 2007 and will expire at the end of 2008 (including the AMT patch, the research and experimentation tax credit, the state and local sales tax deduction, the combat pay earned income tax credit, education tax credits, at the alternative energy tax credits) and insist that the final conference report include in the recommended levels and amounts in Title I reductions in revenues commensurate with extending these tax policies without offsetting tax increases.
Pages S4251-53
Gregg Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist on the inclusion in the final conference report section 311 of the concurrent resolution, the deficit neutral reserve fund to improve energy efficiency and production, as passed by the Senate, and that such section include an additional requirement that the legislation also encourages the removal of existing barriers to building new zero-emission nuclear power plants in the United States.
Page S4258
By 55 yeas to 40 nays (Vote No. 132), Boxer Motion to Instruct Conferees that no legislation providing for new mandates on greenhouse gas emissions should be enacted until it effectively addresses imports from China, India and other nations that have no similar emissions programs.
Pages S4255-57, S4264-65
Rejected:
By 44 yeas to 51 nays (Vote No. 131), Gregg Motion to Instruct Conferees to reject the revenue levels in both the Senate-passed and the House-passed budget resolutions, both of which assume the largest tax increase in history, and include revenue levels consistent with extension of the tax rates currently in place.
Pages S4248-51, S4263-64
By 34 yeas to 61 nays (Vote No. 133), DeMint Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that if the final conference report includes section 304 of the concurrent resolution, the deficit neutral reserve fund to invest in clean energy, preserve the environment and provide for certain settlements, as passed by the Senate, that such section shall include an additional requirement that legislation providing for new mandates on greenhouse gas emissions that would harm the United States economy or result in a loss of jobs should not be enacted unless similar mandates are enacted by China and India.
Pages S4253-55, S4265-66
By 44 yeas to 51 nays (Vote No. 134), Vitter Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the conference report include a reserve fund that requires the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Budget to adjust budget aggregates and the allocation of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, if the Senate considers legislation that allows a governor, with the concurrence of the state legislature to petition for increased energy exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf and that allows for revenue sharing for such producing states on new areas of production and new leases made available, if the average price of regular gasoline in the United States reaches $5 per gallon.
Pages S4258-60, S4266-67
By 47 yeas to 48 nays (Vote No. 135), Gregg Motion to Instruct Conferees to insist that the final conference report include a level for 2009 budget authority not to exceed $1 trillion for non-emergency discretionary appropriations.
Pages S4257-58, S4267
The Chair was authorized to appoint the following conferees on the part of the Senate: Senators Conrad, Murray, Wyden, Gregg and Domenici.
Page S4267
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act--Agreement:
A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the following motions to invoke cloture relative to H.R. 980, to provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political subdivisions, be withdrawn:
A motion to close further debate on the Reid (for Gregg/Kennedy) Amendment No. 4751), in the nature of a substitute.
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A motion to close further debate on the bill.
Signing Authority--Agreement
: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the Majority Leader, Senator Reid, be authorized to sign enrolled bills during the adjournment of the Senate.
Page S4289
Messages from the House:
Page S4281
Executive Communications:
Pages S4281-82
Executive Reports of Committees:
Page S4282
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages S4283-84
Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:
Pages S4284-86
Additional Statements:
Pages S4279-81
Amendments Submitted:
Pages S4286-87
Authorities for Committees to Meet:
Pages S4287-88
Privileges of the Floor:
Page S4288
Record Votes:
Eight record votes were taken today. (Total--135)
Pages S4227, S4239, S4264, S4265, S4265-66, S4266, S4267
Adjournment:
Senate convened at 9:31 a.m. and adjourned at 8:26 p.m., until 2 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2008. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S4289.)
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Appropriations:
Committee ordered favorably reported a bill providing emergency supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2008, with amendments.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
Committee ordered favorably reported the following:
S. 2685, to prohibit cigarette manufacturers from making claims or representations based on data derived from the cigarette testing method established by the Federal Trade Commission;
H.R. 1187, to expand the boundaries of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, with amendments;
S. 2281, to expand the boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve;
H.R. 1006, to amend the provisions of law relating to the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
S. 2997, to reauthorize the Maritime Administration, with amendments;
S. 2699, to require new vessels for carrying oil fuel to have double hulls, with amendments; and
The nominations of Lily Fu Claffee, of Illinois, to be General Counsel, and William J. Brennan, of Maine, to be Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, both of the Department of Commerce.
OIL SHALE RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine development of oil shale resources, after receiving testimony from Senators Hatch and Allard; C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management; Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., Terry O'Connor, Shell Exploration and Production Company, and Steve Smith, Wilderness Society, all of Denver, Colorado; and James V. Hansen, Oil Shale Exploration Company, Farmington, Utah.
UNITED STATES-CHINA RELATIONS
Committee on Foreign Relations:
Committee held a hearing to examine United States-China relations in the era of globalization, receiving testimony from John D. Negroponte, Deputy Secretary of State; Richard N. Haass, Council on Foreign Relations, New York, New York; and Kurt Campbell, Center for a New American Security, and Harry Harding, George Washington University, both of Washington, D.C.
Hearing recessed subject to the call of the Chair.
MEDICAL CARE IN AFTERMATH OF NUCLEAR TERRORISM
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine nuclear terrorism, focusing on providing medical care and meeting basic needs in the aftermath of an attack, after receiving testimony from Irwin Redlener, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health National Center for Disaster Preparedness, New York, New York; Ira Helfand, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Leeds, Massachusetts; and Joseph C. Becker, American Red Cross, and John Ullyot, Hill and Knowlton, Inc., both of Washington, D.C.
STATE DEPARTMENT ROLE IN ARMS CONTROL
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs:
Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia concluded a hearing to examine the organizational structures of the Department of D610State responsible for arms control, counterproliferation, and nonproliferation, focusing on the processes they have in place for optimizing national efforts, and how responsive those structures and processes are to the Executive Branch's nonproliferation and counterproliferation policies, after receiving testimony from Thomas Graham, Jr., former Acting Director, Bethesda, Maryland, and Norman A. Wulf, former Deputy Assistant Director, Nonproliferation and Arms Control, Fairfax, Virginia, both of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency; and Andrew K. Semmel, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy and Negotiations, Arlington, Virginia.
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NATIVE AMERICAN ISSUES
Committee on Indian Affairs:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 1080, to develop a program to acquire interests in land from eligible individuals within the Crow Reservation in the State of Montana, 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, S. 2494, to provide for equitable compensation to the Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation for the use of tribal land for the production of hydropower by the Grand Coulee Dam, H.R. 2963, to transfer certain land in Riverside County, California, and San Diego County, California, from the Bureau of Land Management to the United States to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, and S. 531, to repeal section 10(f) of Public Law 93-531, commonly known as the ``Bennett Freeze'', after receiving testimony from Jerry Gidner, Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior; Richard Sherwood, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Wellpinit, Washington; Carl Venne, Crow Nation, Crow Agency, Montana; Mark Macarro, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, Temecula, California; Aaron Payment, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; Benjamin H. Nuvamsa, Hopi Tribe, Kykotsmovi, Arizona; and Raymond Maxx, Navajo Nation Council, Window Rock, Arizona.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on the Judiciary:
Committee ordered favorably reported the following:
S. 2913, to provide a limitation on judicial remedies in copyright infringement cases involving orphan works, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
S. 2511, to amend the grant program for law enforcement armor vests to provide for a waiver of or reduction in the matching funds requirement in the case of fiscal hardship, with an amendment;
S. 2565, to establish an awards mechanism to honor exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by Federal law enforcement officers, with an amendment;
H.R. 4056, to establish an awards mechanism to honor Federal law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty, with an amendment;
S. 2774, to provide for the appointment of additional Federal circuit and district judges;
S. 1738, to establish a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction within the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, to improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, to increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, and to make other improvements to increase the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute predators, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
S. 1515, to establish a domestic violence volunteer attorney network to represent domestic violence victims, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
S. 2942, to authorize funding for the National Advocacy Center; and
The nomination of G. Steven Agee, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit.
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House of Representatives
Chamber Action
Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced:
19 public bills, H.R. 6062-6080; and 8 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 351-352; and H. Res. 1201-1206 were introduced.
Pages H4059-60
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages H4061-62
Reports Filed:
Reports were filed today as follows:
H.R. 5803, to direct the Election Assistance Commission to establish a program to make grants to participating States and units of local government which will administer the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2008 for carrying out a program to make backup paper ballots available in the case of the failure of a voting system or voting equipment in the election or some other emergency situation (H. Rept. 110-637);
H.R. 3819, to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse veterans receiving emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities for such treatment until such veterans are transferred to Department facilities (H. Rept. 110-638);
H.R. 5554, to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs for substance use disorders, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-639);
H.R. 3889, to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-640);
H.R. 5664, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-641);
H.R. 2790, to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the office of the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-642);
H.R. 5826, to increase, effective as of December 1, 2008, the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans (H. Rept. 110-643);
H.R. 3681, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to advertise in the national media to promote awareness of benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-644);
H.R. 5729, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide comprehensive health care to children of Vietnam veterans born with Spina Bifida, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-645);
H.R. 5571, to extend for 5 years the program relating to waiver of the foreign country residence requirement with respect to international medical graduates (H. Rept. 110-646);
H.R. 3480, to direct the United States Sentencing Commission to assure appropriate enhancements of those involved in receiving stolen property where that property consists of grave markers of veterans, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-647);
H.R. 5856, to authorize major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2009 (H. Rept. 110-648);
H.R. 4841, to approve, ratify, and confirm the settlement agreement entered into to resolve claims by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians relating to alleged interferences with the water resources of the Tribe and to authorize and direct the Secretary of the Interior to execute and perform the Settlement Agreement and related waivers, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-649);
H.R. 5687, to amend the Federal Advisory Committee Act to increase the transparency and accountability of Federal advisory committees, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-650); and
H.R. 5787, to amend title 40, United States Code, to enhance authorities with regard to real property that has yet to be reported excess, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-651).
Page H4059
Suspensions--Proceedings Resumed:
The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures which were debated on Tuesday, May 13th:
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Ultra-High Relief Bullion Coin Act:
H.R. 5614, amended, to authorize the production of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle ultra-high relief bullion coins in palladium to provide affordable opportunities for investments in precious metals, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 415 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 325;
Pages H3903-04
Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To authorize the production in palladium of Saint-D612Gaudens Double Eagle coins as ultra-high relief numismatic coins and bullion investment coins in order to provide affordable opportunities for investments in precious metals, and for other purposes.''.
Page H3904
Alice Paul Congressional Gold Medal Act: H.R. 406, amended, to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Alice Paul in recognition of her role in the women's suffrage movement and in advancing equal rights for women, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 412 yeas to 1 nay, Roll No. 326;
Page H3904
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Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To award a congressional gold medal in recognition of Alice Paul's role in the women's suffrage movement and in advancing equal rights for women.''.
Page H3904
Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act: H.R. 5872, amended, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of the Boy Scouts of America, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 403 yeas to 8 nays, Roll No. 327;
Page H3905
Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act: H.R. 2894, amended, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the writing of the ``Star Spangled Banner'' and the War of 1812;
Page H4047
Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Reform Act of 2008: H.R. 5916, amended, to reform the administration of the Arms Export Control Act; and
Page H4047
North Korean Human Rights Reauthorization Act of 2008: H.R. 5834, amended, to amend the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 to promote respect for the fundamental human rights of the people of North Korea.
Page H4047
Moment of Silence:
The House observed a moment of silence in honor of Peace Officers and their families.
Page H3904
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008:
The House agreed to the Senate amendment with amendments, made in order by the rule and printed in H. Rept. 110-636, to H.R. 2642, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008.
Pages H3891-H3903, H3905-44
On a division of the question, the House rejected amendment No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 110-636 by a yea-and-nay vote of 141 yeas to 149 nays with 132 voting ``present'', Roll No. 328.
Pages H4044-45
On a division of the question, the House agreed to the Senate amendment with amendment No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 110-636 by a yea-and-nay vote of 227 yeas to 196 nays, Roll No. 329.
Pages H4045-46
On a division of the question, the House agreed to the Senate amendment with amendment No. 3 printed in H. Rept. 110-636 by a yea-and-nay vote of 256 yeas to 166 nays, Roll No. 330.
Page H4046
H. Res. 1197, the rule providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 221 yeas to 200 nays, Roll No. 324, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 224 yeas to 195 nays, Roll No. 323.
Pages H3891-H3903
Meeting Hour:
Agreed that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, and further, that when the House adjourns on that day, it adjourn to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 19th for morning hour debate.
Page H4047
Senate Messages:
Messages received from the Senate today appear on pages H3889, H4044.
Quorum Calls--Votes:
Eight yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H3902, H3902-03, H3903, H3904, H3905, H4044-45, H4045-46, H4046. There were no quorum calls.
Adjournment:
The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 5:24 p.m.
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE/ENERGY COMMODITY MARKETS MOVEMENT
Committee on Agriculture:
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing to review the source of dramatic movements in community markets (agriculture and energy): a change in market fundamentals or influence of institutional investors? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the CFTC: Jeff Harris, Chief Economist; and John Fenton, Deputy Director, Market Surveillance Section; and public witnesses.
PROTECTING CHILDREN'S HEALTH COVERAGE ACT OF 2008
Committee on Energy and Commerce:
Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on H.R. 5998, Protecting Children's Health Coverage Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Dayna K. Shah, Managing Associate General Counsel, GAO; Pete R. Orszag, Director, CBO; Morton Rosenberg, Specialist in American Public Law, American Law Division, CRS, Library of D613Congress; Gary D. Alexander, Department of Human Services, State of Rhode Island; and a public witness.
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NURSING HOME SAFEGUARDS
Committee on Energy and Commerce:
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled ``In the Hands of Strangers: Are Nursing Home Safeguards Working?'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Health and Human Services: Lewis Morris, Chief Counsel to the Inspector General; and Kerry Weems, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Richard Blumenethal, Attorney General, State of Connecticut; Luis Navas-Migueloa, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Commission on Aging and Retirement Education, City of Baltimore, Maryland; and public witnesses.
HELPING AGENT ORANGE VICTIMS
Committee on Foreign Affairs:
Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on Our Forgotten Responsibility: What Can We Do To Help Victims of Agent Orange? Testimony was heard from Scot Marciel, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and public witnesses.
WOMEN'S PEACE/SECURITY ROLE
Committee on Foreign Affairs:
Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on UN Security Resolution 1325: Recognizing Women's Vital Roles in Achieving Peace and Security. Testimony was heard from Swanee Hunt, former U.S. Ambassador to Austria; Donald K. Steinberg, former Ambassador to the Republic of Angola; and public witnesses.
HOMELAND'S SECURITY INTELLIGENCE
Committee on Homeland Security:
Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment held a hearing on the Resilient Homeland: How DHS Intellligence Should Empower America To Prepare for, Prevent, and Withstand Terrorist Attacks. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
CREDIT CARD FAIR FEE ACT
Committee on the Judiciary:
, Task Force on Competition Policy and Antitrust Laws held a hearing on H.R. 5546, Credit Card Fair Fee Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
WEST COAST SALMON FISHERIES
Committee on Natural Resources:
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight hearing on the management of West Coast Salmon Fisheries. Testimony was heard from Rodney McInnis, Southwest Regional Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Michael Rode, Staff Environmental Scientist (Ret.), Department of Fish and Game, State of California; and public witnesses.
OVERSEAS GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR INSURANCE
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform:
Ordered reported, as amended, the following measures: H. Res. 1144, Expressing support for designation of a ``Frank Sinatra Day'' on May 13, 2008, in honor of the dedication of the Frank Sinatra commemorative stamp; H. Con. Res. 1152, Honoring Arnold Palmer for his distinguished career in the sport of golf and his commitment to excellence and sportsmanship; H. Res. 1153, Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month; H. Con. Res. 138, Supporting National Men's Health Week; and H. Con. Res. 334, Supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month,
The Committee also held a hearing on Defense Base Act Insurance: Are Taxpayers Paying Too Much? Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Joseph P. Mizzoni, Deputy Auditor General, Acquisition and Logistics, U.S. Army Audit Agency; James Ginman, Deputy Director, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy; and James Dalton, Chief, Engineering and Construction, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; John K. Needham, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management Issues, GAO; Shelby Hallmark, Director Workers' Compensation Program, Department of Labor; and William H. Moser, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Administrations Logistics Management, Department of State.
FOOD PRICES AND SMALL BUSINESSES
Committee on Small Business:
Held a hearing entitled ``Food Prices and Small Businesses.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure:
Ordered reported the following measure H.R. 5052, Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act of 2008; H.R. 2452, Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act; H.R. 1333, amended, Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support Act of 2007; H.R. 135, Twenty-First Century Water Commission Act of 2007; H.R. 5770, To provide for a study by the National Academy of Sciences of potential impacts of climate change on water resources and water quality; H.R. 5599, To designate the Federal building located at 4600 Silver Hill Road in Suitland, Maryland, as the ``Thomas Jefferson Census Bureau Headquarters Building''; H. Res. 1137, Supporting D614the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week; H. Con. Res. 305, Recognizing the importance of bicycling in transportation and recreation; H. Con. Res. 309, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run; H. Con. Res. 311, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; H. Con. Res. 335, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; H. Res. 339, amended, Supporting the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month; and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Survey Resolutions.
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ENERGY AND TAX EXTENDERS ACT OF 2008
Committee on Ways and Means:
Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 6049, Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008.
No meetings/hearings scheduled.
No committee meetings are scheduled.
On
Monday
, Senate will be in a period of morning business.
During the balance of the week, Senate may consider any cleared legislative and executive business.
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: May 21, to hold hearings to examine efforts to create jobs with climate solutions, focusing on the ways agriculture and forestry can help lower costs in a low-carbon economy, 2:30 p.m., SR-328A.
Committee on Appropriations: May 20, Subcommittee on Defense, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Defense, 11 a.m., SD-192.
Committee on Armed Services: May 22, to hold hearings to examine the nominations of General David H. Petraeus, USA, for reappointment to the grade of general and to be Commander, United States Central Command, and Lieutenant General Raymond T. Odierno, USA, for appointment to the grade of general and to be Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq, 9:30 a.m., SD-106.
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: May 20, to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Steven C. Preston, of Illinois, to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, 10 a.m., SD-538.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: May 20, to hold hearings to examine energy and related economic effects of global climate change legislation, 10 a.m., SD-366.
Committee on Finance: May 22, to hold hearings to examine S. 1919, to establish trade enforcement priorities for the United States, to strengthen the provisions relating to trade remedies, 10 a.m., SD-215.
Committee on Foreign Relations: May 20, to hold hearings to examine agreement on Extradition between the United States of America and the European Union (EU), signed on June 25, 2003 at Washington, together with twenty-two bilateral instruments which subsequently were signed between the United States and each European Union Member State in order to implement the Agreement with the EU. The Agreement includes an explanatory note which is an integral part of the Agreement (Treaty Doc. 109-14), extradition Treaty between the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Latvia, signed on December 7, 2005, at Riga (Treaty Doc. 109-15), extradition Treaty between the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Estonia, signed on February 8, 2006, at Tallinn (Treaty Doc. 109-16), extradition Treaty between the United States of America and the Government of Malta, signed on May 18, 2006, at Valletta, that includes an exchange of letters that is an integral part of the treaty (Treaty Doc. 109-17), extradition Treaty between the United States of America and Romania (the ``Extradition Treaty'' or the ``Treaty'') and the Protocol to the Treaty between the United States of America and Romania on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (the ``Protocol''), both signed at Bucharest on September 10, 2007 (Treaty Doc. 110-11), extradition Treaty between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria (the ``Extradition Treaty'' or the ``Treaty'') and the Agreement on Certain Aspects of Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria (the ``MLA Agreement''), both signed at Sofia on September 19, 2007 (Treaty Doc. 110-12), treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, signed at Stockholm on December 17, 2001 (Treaty Doc. 107-12), mutual Legal Assistance between the United States of America and the European Union (EU), signed on June 25, 2003, at Washington, together with 25 bilateral instruments that subsequently were signed between the United States and each European Union Member State in order to implement the Agreement with the EU, and an explanatory note that is an integral part of the Agreement (Treaty D615Doc. 109-13), and treaty between the United States of America and Malaysia on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, signed on July 28, 2006, at Kuala Lumpur (Treaty Doc. 109-22), 10:30 a.m., SD-419.
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May 20, Full Committee, business meeting to consider pending calendar business, 2:15 p.m., S-116, Capitol.
May 20, Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, to hold hearings to examine Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) challenge, focusing on securing one of the worlds most dangerous areas, 2:45 p.m., SD-419.
May 21, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Concerning Defense Trade Cooperation, done at Washington and London on June 21 and 26, 2007 (Treaty Doc. 110-07), and treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia Concerning Defense Trade Cooperation, done at Sydney, September 5, 2007 (Treaty Doc. 110-10), 9:15 a.m., SD-419.
May 22, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization on October 19, 2005 (Treaty Doc. 110-14), 9:30 a.m., SD-419.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:
May 20, to hold hearings to examine plant closings, focusing on workers rights and the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN)(Public Law 100-379) Act's 20th anniversary, 10 a.m., SD-430.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs:
May 20, to hold hearings to examine financial speculation in commodity markets, focusing on institutional investors and hedge funds contributing to food and energy price inflation, 10:30 a.m., SD-342.
May 21, Full Committee, business meeting to consider the nomination of Paul A. Schneider, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Time to be announced, S-216, Capitol.
May 22, Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to continue hearings to examine improving the security clearance process, focusing on reform efforts to streamline, standardize, and update the process, 2:30 p.m., SD-342.
Committee on Indian Affairs:
May 22, to hold oversight hearings to examine the status of backlogs at the Department of the Interior, 9:30 a.m., SD-562.
Committee on the Judiciary:
May 20, to hold hearings to examine global internet freedom, focusing on corporate responsibility and the rule of law, 10 a.m., SD-226.
May 20, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine protecting the constitutional right to vote for all Americans, 2:30 p.m., SD-226.
May 21, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the skyrocketing price of oil, 10 a.m., SD-226.
May 22, Full Committee, business meeting to consider S. 2756, to amend the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to establish a permanent background check system, S. 2982, to amend the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to authorize appropriations, S. 1210, to extend the grant program for drug-endangered children, S. Res. 563, designating September 13, 2008, as ``National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day'', and the nominations of Elisebeth C. Cook, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy, Department of Justice, William T. Lawrence, of Indiana, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana, and G. Murray Snow, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona, 10 a.m., SD-226.
May 22, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine closing the justice gap, focusing on providing civil legal assistance to low-income Americans, 2 p.m., SD-226.
Committee on Rules and Administration:
May 21, to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Cynthia L. Bauerly, of Minnesota, Caroline C. Hunter, of Florida, and Donald F. McGahn, of the District of Columbia, each to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission, 2 p.m., SR-301.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs:
May 21, to hold hearings to examine pending health care legislation, 9:30 a.m., SR-418.
Select Committee on Intelligence:
May 20, to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219.
Special Committee on Aging:
May 22, to hold hearings to examine improving Medicare for the most vulnerable, focusing on senior citizens at risk, 10:30 a.m., SH-216.
Committee on Appropriations,
May 22, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, on Capitol Visitor Center, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn.
Committee on Education and Labor,
May 20, Subcommittee Workforce Protections, hearing on ICE Workplace Raids: Their Impact of U.S. Children, Families, and Communities, 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
May 21, full Committee, hearing on the National Mathematics Advisory Panel Report: Foundations for Success, 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
Committee on Energy and Commerce,
May 20, Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, hearing on H.R. 5632, To prohibit the importation of certain lo-level radioactive waste into the United States, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
May 21, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on the following bills:
H.R. 1157, Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2007; and H.R. 758, Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
May 22, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ``Germs, Viruses, and Secrets: Government Plans to Move Exotic Disease Research to the Mainland United States,'' 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
Committee on Financial Services,
May 20, hearing on examining the need for H.R. 2885, Credit Monitoring Clarification Act, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
May 21, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled `` The Impact of Credit--Based Insurance Scoring on the Availability and Affordability of Insurance,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
[Page: D616] GPO's PDF
May 22, full Committee, hearing entitled ``Impact on Homebuyers and Housing Market of Conformng Loan Limit Increase,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
May 22, Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity and the Subcommittee On Domestic Policy of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, joint hearing entitled ``Targeting Federal Aid to Neighborhoods Distressed by the Subprime Mortgage Crisis, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
Committee on Foreign Affairs,
May 20, Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, hearing on Burma in the Aftermath of Cyclone Nargis: Death, Displacement, and Humanitarian Aid, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn.
May 20, Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, hearing on City on the Hill or Prison on the Bay? The Mistakes of Guantanamo and the Decline of America's Image, Part II, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn.
May 20, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, hearing on Export Compliance: Ensuring Safety, Increasing Efficiency, 10 a.m., 2200 Rayburn.
May 21, full Committee, hearing on the Rise of Sovereign Wealth Funds:
Impacts on U.S. Foreign Policy and Economic Interests, 9:30 a.m., 2172 Rayburn.
May 21, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, hearing on the U.S.-Israel-Egypt Trilateral Relationship: Shoring Up the Foundation of Regional Peace, 1 p.m., 2172 Rayburn.
May 22, full Committee, hearing on Rising Oil Prices:
Declining National Security? 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn.
May 22, Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, hearing on City on the Hill or Just Another Country? The United States and the Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn.
Committee on Homeland Security,
May 21, hearing entitled ``Diversity at DHS: Keeping Pace or Missing the Mark?'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon.
May 21, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, hearing entitled ``Implications of Cyber Vulnerabilities on the Resiliency and Security of the Electric Grid,'' 2 p.m., 311 Cannon.
May 22, Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, hearing on The Border Security Challenge: Recent Developments and Legislative Proposals, focusing on the following bills: H.R. 5662, Putting Our Resources Towards Security (PORTS) Act; H.R. 5552, Border Accountability Act of 2008; and H.R. 4008, SAVE Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 311 Cannon.
Committee on the Judiciary,
May 20, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, hearing on the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, 10 a.m., 2237 Rayburn.
May 20, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, hearing on H.R. 3546, To authorize the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012, 11 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
May 20, Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law, hearing on Immigration Needs of America's Fighting Men and Women, 2:30 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
May 21, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, oversight hearing of FBI Whistleblowers: Exposing Corruption and Retaliation Inside the Bureau-FBI Counterterrorism Agent, 1:30 p.m., 2141 Rayburn.
May 22, Task Force on Competition Policy and Antitrust Laws, hearing on Retail Gas Prices, Part 2, Competition in the Oil Industry, 11 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
Committee on Natural Resources,
May 20, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, oversight hearing on The Future of the National Mall, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth.
May 21, full Committee, oversight hearing entitled ``The Danger of Deception:
Do Endangered Species Have a Chance?'' 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
May 21, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, to markup the following bills: H.R. 2964, Captive Primate Safety Act; H.R. 5350, To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to sell or exchange certain National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration property located in Norfolk, Virginia; H.R. 5451, Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act of 2008; and H.R. 5741, Shark Conservation Act of 2008, 2 p.m., 1334 Longworth.
May 22, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, oversight hearing on The United States Geological Survey's Earthquake Hazards Program-Science, Preparation, and Response, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
May 20, hearing on EPA's New Ozone Standards, 1 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
May 20, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia, hearing on Part-Time Reemployment of Federal Annuitants, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
May 21, Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, hearing on Neighborhoods:
the blameless victims of the subprime mortgage crisis, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
May 21, Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives and the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs of the Committee on Natural Resources, joint hearing on Census Data: Special Issues Related to the U.S. Territories, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
May 22, full Committee, hearing on Accountability Lapses in Multiple Funds for Iraq, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
May 22, Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, hearing on Neighborhoods:
Targeting Federal aid to neighborhoods distressed by the subprime mortgage crisis, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
Committee on Science and Technology,
May 20, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, to consider H.R. 6063, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
May 21, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, hearing on H.R. 5618, National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 2325 Rayburn.
[Page: D617] GPO's PDF
May 21, Subcommittee on Investigation and Oversight, hearing on EPA's Restructured IRIS System: Have Polluters and Politics Overwhelmed Science, 11 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
May 22, Subcommittee on Investigation and Oversight, hearing on American Decline or Renewal?--Globalization Jobs and Technology, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
Committee on Small Business,
May 21, Subcommittee on Urban and Rural Entrepreneurship, hearing entitled ``Competitive Bidding for Durable Medical Equipment,'' 10 a.m., 1539 Rayburn.
May 22, full Committee, hearing entitled ``RESPA and its Impact on Small Business, 10 a.m., 1539 Rayburn.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
May 20, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, hearing on Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board Casualty Investigation Program, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
May 21, Subcommittee on Water and Environment, hearing on Reauthorization of the Greats Lakes Legacy Act, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
May 22, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, hearing on Examining the Effectiveness of VBA Outreach Efforts, 1 p.m., 334 Cannon.
May 22, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on Human Resources Challenges within the Veterans Health Administration, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon.
Committee on Ways and Means,
May 20, Subcommittee on Oversight, hearing on the Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 10:30 a.m., 1100 Longworth.
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming,
May 22, hearing entitled `` Oversight of the Bush Administration's Energy Policy,'' 9:30 a.m. room to be announced.
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Program for Monday:
Senate will be in a period of morning business.
Program for Friday:
The House will meet in pro forma session at 10 a.m.
HOUSE
Berman, Howard L., Calif., E943, E946
Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., Ga., E941
Bonner, Jo, Ala., E929, E932, E934, E937
Boozman, John, Ark., E930
Boyda, Nancy E., Kans., E939
Brady, Robert A., Pa., E937
Brown-Waite, Ginny, Fla., E945
Costa, Jim, Calif., E941
Crenshaw, Ander, Fla., E949, E950
Crowley, Joseph, N.Y., E947
Davis, Danny K., Ill., E929, E931
DeFazio, Peter A., Ore., E938
Dingell, John D., Mich., E936, E938
Donnelly, Joe, Ind., E943
Emanuel, Rahm, Ill., E941
Etheridge, Bob, N.C., E935
Gerlach, Jim, Pa., E948, E949
Hare, Phil, Ill., E945
Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E936
Hinchey, Maurice D., N.Y., E940
Holt, Rush D., N.J., E930
Issa, Darrell E., Calif., E938
Jordan, Jim, Ohio, E931, E933, E948
Kind, Ron, Wisc., E945
King, Peter T., N.Y., E941
Kirk, Mark Steven, Ill., E933
Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E948, E949, E950, E950
Lampson, Nick, Tex., E930, E932, E948
McCarthy, Carolyn, N.Y., E947
McNerney, Jerry, Calif., E929
Manzullo, Donald A., Ill., E944
Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E938
Mica, John L., Fla., E951
Moore, Dennis, Kans., E939
Norton, Eleanor Holmes, D.C., E936, E941
Paul, Ron, Tex., E935
Pence, Mike, Ind., E945
Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E943
Reichert, David G., Wash., E932
Rogers, Mike, Ala., E947
Roskam, Peter J., Ill., E933
Rush, Bobby L., Ill., E950
Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr., Wisc., E934
Stearns, Cliff, Fla., E940, E943
Thompson, Mike, Calif., E932, E934, E937
Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E931
Udall, Mark, Colo., E942
Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E933
Walberg, Timothy, Mich., E944
Walden, Greg, Ore., E935
Weller, Jerry, Ill., E931
Wexler, Robert, Fla., E946
Wilson, Heather, N.M., E950
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