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Daily Digest - Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Daily Digest
[Page: D641] GPO's PDF
Senate
Chamber Action
Routine Proceedings, pages S4559-S4707
Measures Introduced:
Three bills and four resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 3045-3047, S.J. Res. 33, S. Res. 572-573, and S. Con. Res. 83.
Page S4621
Measures Passed:
Accountability for Abuses in Somalia:
Committee on Foreign Relations was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 541, supporting humanitarian assistance, protection of civilians, accountability for abuses in Somalia, and urging concrete progress in line with the Transitional Federal Charter of Somalia toward the establishment of a viable government of national unity, and the resolution was then agreed to.
Pages S4705-06
Recognizing Cuba Solidarity Day: Senate agreed to S. Res. 573, recognizing Cuba Solidarity Day and the struggle of the Cuban people as they continue to fight for freedom.
Pages S4706-07
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations--Agreement:
A unanimous-consent-time agreement was reached providing that at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2008, Senate resume consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 2642, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and there be 2 hours of debate equally divided and controlled between the Majority Leader and Republican Leader, or their designees; that upon the use or yielding back of time, the motion to invoke cloture with respect to the Reid Motion to Concur in House Amendment No. 2 with Reid Amendment No. 4803 be withdrawn, Reid Amendment No. 4804 also be withdrawn, and Senate then vote on adoption of the Reid Motion to Concur with an amendment in House Amendment No. 2 with Reid Amendment No. 4803; provided further, that the Reid Motion to Concur be subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold and that if the motion achieves that threshold, it be agreed to and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; provided further, that if the motion fails to achieve the 60-vote threshold, it be withdrawn, and the Majority Leader be recognized to move to concur in House Amendment No. 2 with an amendment which is the text of the Webb GI bill, the motion be subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold, and that if it achieves that threshold, the motion to concur with an amendment be agreed to and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; provided further, that if the motion fails to achieve 60 affirmative votes, it be withdrawn, and Senate disagree to House Amendment No. 2; that upon disposition of House Amendment No. 2, the Majority Leader be recognized to move to concur in House Amendment No. 1 with an amendment which is the text of the Committee-reported Amendment Nos. 2 and 3 on Iraq policy and funding; that the Senator Sanders then be recognized to make a Rule XVI point of order against Section 11312 of the motion to concur in House Amendment No. 1 with an amendment and that if the point of order is sustained, the Majority Leader be recognized to move to concur in House Amendment No. 1 with an amendment which is the text of Committee-reported Amendment Nos. 2 and 3 without section 11312, that the motion be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold, and that if it achieves that threshold, it be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; provided further, that if the motion fails to achieve the 60-vote threshold, it be withdrawn, and the Majority Leader be recognized to move to concur in House Amendment No. 1 with an amendment which is the text of Committee Amendment No. 2 without section 11312, that the motion be subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold, and that if the motion achieves that threshold, it be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; provided further, that if the motion fails to achieve that threshold, it then be withdrawn, and the Senate disagree to House Amendment No. 1; further, that no further points of order be in order, with no intervening action or debate.
Page S4705
Messages from the House:
Pages S4616-17 D642
Measures Referred:
Page S4617
Measures Placed on the Calendar:
Pages S4559-60, S4617
Executive Communications:
Pages S4617-18
Petitions and Memorials:
Pages S4618-21
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages S4621-23
Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:
Pages S4623-27
Additional Statements:
Pages S4615-16
Amendments Submitted:
Pages S4627-S4704
Authorities for Committees to Meet:
Pages S4704-05
Privileges of the Floor:
Page S4705
Adjournment:
Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 9:39 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2008. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on page S4707.)
[Page: D642] GPO's PDF
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
LOW-CARBON ECONOMY
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry:
Subcommittee on Rural Revitalization, Conservation, Forestry, and Credit concluded a hearing 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, after receiving testimony from Dick Wittman, Agricultural Carbon Market Working Group, and Derik Broekhoff, World Resources Institute, both of Washington, DC; Laurie A. Wayburn, Pacific Forest Trust, San Francisco, California; Ruben N. Lubowski, Environmental Defense Fund, New York, New York; and Steven Corneli, NRG Energy, Inc., Princeton, New Jersey.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Environment and Public Works:
Committee ordered favorably reported the following:
S. 2766, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to address certain discharges incidental to the normal operation of a recreational vessel;
S. 1499, to amend the Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution from marine vessels;
S. 2555, to permit California and other States to effectively control greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles;
S. 2844, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to modify provisions relating to beach monitoring, with amendments;
S. 2707, to amend the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 to provide for the continuing authorization of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network;
H.R. 3891, to amend the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act to increase the number of Directors on the Board of Directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation;
S. 1566, to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to improve that Act;
S. 2700, to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to double liability limits for single-hull tankers and tank barges for 2009, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
S. 2728, to establish the Twenty-First Century Water Commission to study and develop recommendations for a comprehensive water strategy to address future water needs, with an amendment;
H.R. 3248, to amend the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to make technical corrections, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
H.R. 3986, to amend the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize appropriations for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
S. 2403, to designate the new Federal Courthouse, located in the 700 block of East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, as the ``Spottswood W. Robinson, III and Robert R. Merhige, Jr. Federal Courthouse'';
S. 2837, to designate the United States courthouse located at 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY as the ``Theodore Roosevelt United States Courthouse'';
S. 3009, to designate the Federal Bureau of Investigation building under construction in Omaha, NE as the ``J. James Exon Federal Bureau of Investigation Building'';
H.R. 1019, to designate the United States customhouse building located at 31 Gonzalez Clemente Avenue in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, as the ``Rafael Martinez Nadal United States Customhouse Building'';
H.R. 4140, to designate the Port Angeles Federal Building in Port Angeles, Washington, as the ``Richard B. Anderson Federal Building'';
H.R. 781, to redesignate Lock and Dam No. 5 of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System near Redfield, Arkansas, authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Act approved July 24, 1946, as the ``Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam''.
TREATIES
Committee on Foreign Relations:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Treaty Between the Government of the United States of America and the D643Government 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 the 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), after receiving testimony from John C. Rood, Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.
[Page: D643] GPO's PDF
PRICE OF OIL
Committee on the Judiciary:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine the escalating price of crude oil, including S. 879, to amend the Sherman Act to make oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal, after receiving testimony from Robert A. Malone, BP America, John Hofmeister, Shell Oil Company, and John E. Lowe, ConocoPhillips, all of Houston, Texas; Peter J. Robertson, Chevron Corporation, San Ramon, California; and J. Stephen Simon, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Irving, Texas.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Rules and Administration:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Cynthia L. Bauerly, of Minnesota, who was introduced by Senators Schumer and Klobuchar, and Caroline C. Hunter, of Florida, and Donald F. McGahn, of the District of Columbia, who were introduced by Senator Feinstein, each to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission, after each nominee testified and answered questions in their own behalf.
VETERANS HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine pending veterans health care legislation, after receiving testimony from Senator Durbin; Gerald M. Cross, Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health; Carl Blake, Paralyzed Veterans of America, J. David Cox, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, Cecelia McVey, Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs, and Sally Satel, American Enterprise Institute, all of Washington, D.C.; Joseph L. Wilson, American Legion, Indianapolis, Indiana; Joy J. Ilem, Disabled American Veterans, Cold Spring, Kentucky; Christopher Needham, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Kansas City, Missouri; Stanley Luke, Helping Hands Hawaii, Honolulu; Donna McCartney, National Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations, Chevy Chase, Maryland; and Thomas J. Berger, Vietnam Veterans of America, Silver Spring, Maryland.
House of Representatives
Chamber Action
Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced:
19 public bills, H.R. 6104-6122; and 5 resolutions, H.J. Res. 86-87; H. Con. Res. 320; and H. Res. 1217, 1219 were introduced.
Pages H4452-53
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages H4453-54
Reports Filed:
Reports were filed today as follows:
H.R. 4106, to improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every 2 administrative workweeks, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-663);
H.R. 4791, to amend title 44, United States Code, to strengthen requirements for ensuring the effectiveness of information security controls over information resources that support Federal operations and assets, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-664);
H.R. 5959, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-665); and
H. Res. 1218, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5658) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense and to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2009 (H. Rept. 110-666).
Pages H4433, H4452
Chaplain:
The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rev. Fred Lucci, Director, All Saints Catholic Newman Center, Arizona State University.
Page H4326
Budget Resolution for 2009--Rule for Consideration:
The House agreed to the rule that is providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany S. Con. Res. 70, setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 and 2010 through 2013, by a yea-and-nay vote of 220 yeas to D644199 nays, Roll No. 342, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 229 yeas to 186 nays, Roll No. 341.
Pages H4341-46, H4348-49
Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008:
The House passed H.R. 6049, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, and to provide individual income tax relief, by a recorded vote of 263 ayes to 160 noes, Roll No. 344.
Pages H4349-H4401
[Page: D644] GPO's PDF
Rejected the McCrery motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Ways and Means with instructions to report the same back to the House promptly with an amendment, by a yea-and-nay vote of 201 yeas to 220 nays, Roll No. 343.
Pages H4395-H4400
H. Res. 1212, the rule providing for consideration of the measure, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 223 yeas to 194 nays, Roll No. 339, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 223 yeas to 190 nays, Roll No. 338.
Pages H4330-37, H4346-47
Order of Procedure:
The House agreed by unanimous consent that the motions to suspend the rules relating to the following measures be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Monday, May 19, 2008:
Recognizing the necessity for the United States to maintain its significant leadership role in improving the health and promoting the resiliency of coral reef ecosystems:
H. Con. Res. 300, to recognize the necessity for the United States to maintain its significant leadership role in improving the health and promoting the resiliency of coral reef ecosystems;
Page H4402
Directing the United States to initiate international discussions and take necessary steps with other Nations to negotiate an agreement for managing migratory and transboundary fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean: S. J. Res. 17, to direct the United States to initiate international discussions and take necessary steps with other Nations to negotiate an agreement for managing migratory and transboundary fish stocks in the Arctic Ocean--clearing the measure for the President;
Page H4402
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program, which began on June 15, 1958: H. Con. Res. 325, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission's Historical Preservation and Museum Program, which began on June 15, 1958;
Page H4402
Honoring the 60th anniversary of the commencement of the carving of the Crazy Horse Memorial: H. Res. 1074, to honor the 60th anniversary of the commencement of the carving of the Crazy Horse Memorial;
Page H4402
Goleta Water Distribution System Conveyance Act of 2008: H.R. 3323, amended, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey a water distribution system to the Goleta Water District;
Page H4402
Supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month: H. Con. Res. 334, amended, to support the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month;
Page H4402
Honoring Arnold Palmer for his distinguished career in the sport of golf and his commitment to excellence and sportsmanship: H. Res. 1152, amended, to honor Arnold Palmer for his distinguished career in the sport of golf and his commitment to excellence and sportsmanship;
Page H4402
Supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day: H. Res. 1132, to support the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day;
Page H4402
Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: H. Res. 1153, amended, to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month;
Page H4402
Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Congressional Club: H. Res. 1026, to recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Congressional Club;
Page H4402
Federal Electronic Equipment Donation Act of 2008: H.R. 752, amended, to direct Federal agencies to donate excess and surplus Federal electronic equipment, including computers, computer components, printers, and fax machines, to qualifying small towns, counties, schools, nonprofit organizations, and libraries; and
Page H4402
Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To direct Federal agencies to transfer excess Federal electronic equipment, including computers, computer components, printers, and fax machines, to educational recipients.''.
Federal Real Property Disposal Enhancement Act of 2008: H.R. 5787, amended, to amend title 40, United States Code, to enhance authorities with regard to real property that has yet to be reported excess.
Page H4402
Presidential Veto Message--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008:
Read a message from the President wherein he announced his veto of H.R. 2419, to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and explained his D645reasons therefor--ordered printed (H. Doc. 110-115).
Pages H4402-11
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Subsequently, the House voted to override the President's veto of H.R. 2419, to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, by a yea-and-nay vote of 316 yeas to 108 nays, Roll No. 346 (two-thirds of those present voting to override).
Pages H4411-12
Suspensions--Proceedings Resumed:
The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures which were debated on Tuesday, May 20th:
Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2008:
H.R. 3819, amended, 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, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 412 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 347;
Page H4412
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008: 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, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 417 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 348; and
Pages H4412-13
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act of 2008: H.R. 5856, to authorize major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2009, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 416 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 349.
Pages H4415-16
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009:
The House began consideration of H.R. 5658, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for military activities of the Department of Defense and to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2009. Further proceedings were postponed.
Pages H4416-32
H. Res. 1213, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by voice vote after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 235 yeas to 186 nays, Roll No. 340.
Pages H4337-41, H4447-48
Suspensions--Proceedings Resumed:
The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures which were debated on Monday, May 19th:
Crane Conservation Act of 2008:
H.R. 1771, amended, to assist in the conservation of cranes by supporting and providing, through projects of persons and organizations with expertise in crane conservation, financial resources for the conservation programs of countries the activities of which directly or indirectly affect cranes and the ecosystems of cranes, by a \2/3\ recorded vote of 304 ayes to 118 noes, Roll No. 345;
Page H4401
Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Settlement Act: H.R. 4841, amended, 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;
Page H4401
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week: H. Res. 1137, to support the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week;
Page H4432
Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run: H. Con. Res. 309, to authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run;
Page H4432
Supporting the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month: H. Res. 339, amended, to support the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month;
Page H4432
Recognizing the importance of bicycling in transportation and recreation: H. Con. Res. 305, to recognize the importance of bicycling in transportation and recreation;
Pages H4432-33
Let Our Veterans Rest in Peace Act of 2008: H.R. 3480, amended, 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;
Page H4433
Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To direct the United States Sentencing Commission to assure appropriate punishment enhancements for those involved in receiving stolen property where that property consists of grave markers of veterans, and for other purposes.''.
Page H4433
Making technical corrections to section 1244 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which provides special immigrant status for certain Iraqis: S. 2829, to make technical corrections to section 1244 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which provides special immigrant status for certain Iraqis--clearing the measure for the President;
Page H4433D646
Extending for 5 years the program relating to waiver of the foreign country residence requirement with respect to international medical graduates: H.R. 5571, amended, to extend for 5 years the program relating to waiver of the foreign country residence requirement with respect to international medical graduates;
Page H4433
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Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To extend for 5 years the program relating to waiver of the foreign country residence requirement with respect to international medical graduates, and for other purposes.''.
Page H4433
Expressing support for designation of April 2008 as ``National Autism Awareness Month'' and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism: H. Res. 1106, to express support for designation of April 2008 as ``National Autism Awareness Month'' and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism;
Page H4433
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Brain Tumor Awareness Month: H. Res. 1124, amended, to express the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Brain Tumor Awareness Month;
Page H4433
Reducing maternal mortality both at home and abroad: H. Res. 1022, amended, to reduce maternal mortality both at home and abroad;
Page H4433
Expressing the sense of the Congress that there should be established a Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental illness, especially within minority communities: H. Con. Res. 134, amended, to express the sense of the Congress that there should be established a Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental illness, especially within minority communities; and
Page H4433
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month: H. Res. 369, amended, to support the goals and ideals of National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month.
Pages H4433-34
Senate Message:
Message received from the Senate today appears on page H4326.
Senate Referrals:
S. 431 was held at the desk and S. Con. Res. 79 was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Pages H4325, H4459
Quorum Calls--Votes:
Ten yea-and-nay votes and two recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H4346-47, H4347, H4347-48, H4348-49, H4349, H4399-H4400, H4400-01, H4401, H4411, H4412, H4412-13, and H4415-16. There were no quorum calls.
Adjournment:
The House met at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned at 11:56 p.m.
Committee Meetings
NATIONAL ADVISORY PANEL REPORT
Committee on Education and Labor:
Held a hearing on the National Mathematics Advisory Panel Report: Foundations for Success. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH/CARE
Committee on Energy and Commerce:
Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1157, Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2007; and H.R. 758, Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Deborah Winn, Associate Director, Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
CREDIT-BASED INSURANCE SCORING
Committee on Financial Services:
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled `` The Impact of Credit-Based Insurance Scoring on the Availability and Affordability of Insurance.'' Testimony was heard from Lydia B. Parnes, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC; Kevin McCarty, Commissioner of Insurance, State of Florida; George J. Keiser, Representative, State of North Dakota; and public witnesses.
SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUNDS
Committee on Foreign Affairs:
Held a hearing on the Rise of Sovereign Wealth Funds: Impacts on U.S. Foreign Policy and Economic Interests. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
U.S.-ISRAEL-EGYPT RELATIONSHIP
Committee on Foreign Affairs:
Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on the U.S.-Israel-Egypt Trilateral Relationship: Shoring Up the Foundation of Regional Peace. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
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HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT DIVERSITY
Committee on Homeland Security:
Held a hearing entitled ``Diversity at DHS: Keeping Pace or Missing the Mark? Testimony was heard from Elaine Duke, Under Secretary, Management, Department of Homeland Security; George Stalcup, Director, Strategic Issues, GAO; and a public witness.
CYBER VULNERABILITIES' ELECTRIC GRID
Committee on Homeland Security:
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology held a hearing entitled ``Implications of Cyber Vulnerabilities on the Resiliency and Security of the Electric Grid.'' Testimony was heard from Joseph T. Kelliher, Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy; Greg Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues, GAO; William R. McCollum, Jr., Chief Operating Office, TVA; and a public witness.
OFFICES ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNAL CONTROLS
Committee on House Administration:
Held a hearing on Assessment of Administrative Compliance with Internal Controls. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the House of Representatives:
James Cornell, Inspector General; and Daniel P. Beard, Chief Administrative Officer.
FBI WHISTLEBLOWERS
Committee on the Judiciary:
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held an oversight hearing on FBI Whistleblowers. Testimony was heard from Senator Grassley; Bassem Youssef, Unit Chief, Communications Analyst Division, Counterterrorism Division, FBI, Department of Justice; and a public witness.
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Committee on Natural Resources:
Held an oversight hearing entitled ``The Danger of Deception: Do Endangered Species Have a Chance?'' Testimony was heard from Robin Nazarro, Director, Natural Resources and Environment Program, GAO; R. Lyle Laverly, Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior; Jane Luxton, General Counsel, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and public witnesses.
SUBLIME MORTGAGE CRISIS
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform:
Subcommittee on Domestic Policy held a hearing on Neighborhoods: the blameless victims of the subprime mortgage crisis. Testimony was heard from Daniel T. Kildee, Treasurer, Genesee County, Michigan; Nancy Floreen, Councilmember, Montgomery County, Maryland; and public witnesses.
U.S. TERRITORIES CENSUS DATA ISSUES
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform:
Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives and the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs of the Committee on Natural Resources held a joint hearing on Census Data: Special Issues Related to the U.S. Territories. Testimony was heard from Thomas Mesenbourg, Acting Deputy Director, Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce; Nikalao Pula, Director, Office of Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
DUNCAN HUNTER NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION FISCAL YEAR 2009--PART II
Committee on Rules:
Granted, by a record vote of 8 to 4, a rule providing for further consideration of H.R. 5658, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, under a structured rule without further general debate.
The rule considers as an original bill for the purpose of amendment the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Armed Services. The committee amendment shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the committee amendment except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI.
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the report of the Committee on Rules and waives all points of order against such amendments except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The amendments made in order shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the Rules Committee report equally divided by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question.
The rule permits the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services or his designee to offer amendments en bloc if those amendments have been printed in the Rules Committee report and not earlier disposed of. The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may recognize for consideration any amendment printed in the Committee report out of the order it was printed but not sooner than 30 minutes after the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services announces from the floor a request to that effect. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the chair may postpone further consideration until a time designated by the Speaker. The rule provides that in the engrossment of H.R. 5658, the text of H.R. 6048, as passed the House, shall be added at D648the end of H.R. 5658. The rule authorizes the Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules at any time through the legislative day of Thursday, May 22, 2008, relating to any measure pertaining to agricultural programs. Testimony was heard from Representatives Abercrombie, Smith of Washington, Boren, Sestak, Cummings, Waxman, Waters, Maloney of New York, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Boswell, Lee of California, Schiff, Bean, Akin, Gingrey, Franks of Arizona, Sessions, Shays, Rohrabacher, Buyer, Terry, Kirk, and Boustany.
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NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2008
Committee on Science and Technology:
Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on H.R. 5618, National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Craig McLean, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Programs and Administration, Oceanic Atmospheric Research, NOAA, Department of Commerce: and public witnesses.
EPA'S POLLUTION HEALTH
RISKS SYSTEM
Committee on Science and Technology:
Subcommittee on Investigation and Oversight held a hearing on EPA's Restructured IRIS System: Have Polluters and Politics Overwhelmed Science. Testimony was heard from John Stephenson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; George Gray, Assistant Administrator, Research and Development, EPA; and Susan Dudley, Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB.
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT COMPETITIVE BIDDING
Committee on Small Business:
Subcommittee on Urban and Rural Entrepreneurship held a hearing entitled ``Competitive Bidding for Durable Medical Equipment.'' Testimony was heard from Laurence D. Wilson, Director, Chronic Care Policy Group, Center for Medicare Management, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
GREAT LAKES LEGACY ACT REAUTHORIZATION
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure:
Subcommittee on Water and Environment held a hearing on Reauthorization of the Great Lakes Legacy Act. Testimony was heard from Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry, State of Michigan; Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Water, EPA; and public witnesses.
Committee on Armed Services:
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:
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 Finance:
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:
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), 9:15 a.m., SD-419.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs:
business meeting to consider the nomination of Paul A. Schneider, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Time to be announced, Room to be announced.
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:
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:
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'', S. Res. 567, designating June 2008 as ``National Internet Safety Month'', 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, and William Walter Wilkins, III, to be United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina, 10 a.m., SD-226.
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.
[Page: D649] GPO's PDF
Special Committee on Aging:
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,
Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, on Capitol Visitor Center, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn.
Committee on Energy and Commerce,
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,
hearing entitled ``Impact on Homebuyers and Housing Market of Conforming Loan Limit Increase,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
Committee on Foreign Affairs,
hearing on Rising Oil Prices:
Declining National Security? 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn.
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,
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; H.R. 4008, SAVE Act of 2007 and H.R. 3531, Accountability in Enforcing Immigration Laws Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 311 Cannon.
Committee on the Judiciary,
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,
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.
Subcommittee on Water and Power, to mark up the following bills:
H.R. 5511, Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel Remediation Act of 2008; and H.R. 5710, Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System Authorization Act, II a.m., Longworth.
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,
hearing on Accountability Lapses in Multiple Funds for Iraq, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, and the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity of the Committee on Financial Services, joint hearing on Neighborhoods: Targeting Federal aid to neighborhoods distressed by the subprime mortgage crisis, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
Committee on Science and Technology,
Subcommittee on Investigation and Oversight, hearing on American Decline or Renewal?--Globalization Jobs and Technology, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
Committee on Small Business,
hearing entitled ``RESPA and Its Impact on Small Business,'' 10 a.m., 1539 Rayburn.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
to mark up the following: H.R. 6003, Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008; measure to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to reauthorize the predisaster hazard mitigation program, and for other purposes; and H.R 5001, Old Post Office Building Redevelopment Act of 2008, 10:30 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
K, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, hearing on Examining the Effectiveness of VBA Outreach Efforts, 1 p.m., 334 Cannon.
Subcommittee on Health, hearing on Human Resources Challenges within the Veterans Health Administration, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon.
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,
Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence Analysis and Counterintelligence, executive briefing, on Counternarcotics, 11 a.m., H-405 Capitol.
Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming,
to consider a Resolution and Committee Report to commence proceedings to find Stephen Johnson, Administrator of EPA, in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with the subpoena issued by the Select Committee, 9:45 a.m., followed by a hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Bush Administration's Energy Policy,'' 10 a.m. 2175 Rayburn.
[Page: D650] GPO's PDF
Program for Thursday:
Senate will resume consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 2642, Military Construction And Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act and vote on certain motions.
Program for Thursday:
Resume consideration of H.R. 5658--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.
HOUSE
Akin, W. Todd, Mo., E993
Arcuri, Michael A., N.Y., E987
Butterfield, G.K., N.C., E987
Buyer, Steve, Ind., E996
Calvert, Ken, Calif., E1010
Christensen, Donna M., The Virgin Islands, E1006
Cole, Tom, Okla., E1000
Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E985, E992, E1002
Cuellar, Henry, Tex., E988, E997
Davis, Geoff, Ky., E1008
DeLauro, Rosa L., Conn., E1006
Doolittle, John T., Calif., E990, E997
Ehlers, Vernon J., Mich., E992
Etheridge, Bob, N.C., E988
Filner, Bob, Calif., E989
Fossella, Vito, N.Y., E982
Foster, Bill, Ill., E984
Gallegly, Elton, Calif., E983
Gingrey, Phil, Ga., E997
Goode, Virgil H., Jr., Va., E994
Granger, Kay, Tex., E995
Green, Al, Tex., E981
Hayes, Robin, N.C., E1004
Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E1001
Hobson, David L., Ohio, E990
Jackson-Lee, Sheila, Tex., E1002, E1003
Jones, Stephanie Tubbs, Ohio, E981
Kingston, Jack, Ga., E992
Knollenberg, Joe, Mich., E1008
Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E987
LaHood, Ray, Ill., E999
Lewis, John, Ga., E1007
McCaul, Michael T., Tex., E997
McCollum, Betty, Minn., E988, E999
McKeon, Howard P. ``Buck'', Calif., E990
Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E989
Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E981
Miller, Jeff, Fla., E994
Myrick, Sue Wilkins, N.C., E982
Pascrell, Bill, Jr., N.J., E1010
Paul, Ron, Tex., E985
Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E986, E1007
Reynolds, Thomas M., N.Y., E1008
Rogers, Mike, Ala., E992
Rush, Bobby L., Ill., E1001
Scott, Robert C. ``Bobby'', Va., E989
Smith, Lamar, Tex., E985, E989, E993, E1001
Souder, Mark E., Ind., E1005
Space, Zachary T., Ohio, E981, E982, E985
Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E981
Tiahrt, Todd, Kans., E986, E990, E994, E1001
Velazquez, Nydia M., N.Y., E983, E987
Walberg, Timothy, Mich., E1005
Welch, Peter, Vt., E984
Wilson, Joe, S.C., E985, E1007
Wolf, Frank R., Va., E983, E1009
Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E1007
Young, C.W. Bill, Fla., E992
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