Congressional Record
108th Congress (2003-2004)
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Daily Digest - Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Daily Digest
[Page: D276] GPO's PDF
Senate
Chamber Action
Routine Proceedings, pages S3049-S3117
Measures Introduced:
Two bills were introduced, as follows: S. 2229-2230.
Page S3096
Measures Passed:
Oceans and Human Health Act:
Senate passed S. 1218, to provide for Presidential support and coordination of interagency ocean science programs and development and coordination of a comprehensive and integrated United States research and monitoring program, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute, and the following amendment proposed thereto:
Pages S3110-15
Frist (for Hollings) Amendment No. 2933, to revise the interagency oceans and human health research program provisions of the reported bill.
Page S3115
International Fisheries Reauthorization Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation was discharged from further consideration of H.R. 2584, to provide for the conveyance to the Utrok Atoll local government of a decommissioned National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ship, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendments proposed thereto:
Pages S3115-16
Frist (for Collins) Amendment No. 2934, to repeal section 105 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004.
Page S3115
Frist (for McCain) Amendment No. 2935, to provide for implementation of the Pacific Albacore Tuna Treaty.
Page S3116
Jumpstart Our Business Strength (JOBS) Act:
Senate continued consideration of S. 1637, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to comply with the World Trade Organization rulings on the FSC/ETI benefit in a manner that preserves jobs and production activities in the United States, to reform and simplify the international taxation rules of the United States, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto:
Pages S3060-92
Pending:
Harkin Amendment No. 2881, to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to clarify provisions relating to overtime pay.
Page S3060
McConnell Motion to Recommit the bill to the Committee on Finance, with instructions to report back forthwith the following amendment:
Page S3060
McConnell (for Frist) Amendment No. 2886, in the nature of a substitute.
Page S3060
Grassley Amendment No. 2898 (to the instructions (Amendment No. 2886) of the motion to recommit (listed above)), relative to the effective date following enactment of the Act.
Page S3060
Grassley Amendment No. 2926 (to Amendment No. 2898), relative to the effective date following enactment of the Act.
Page S3061
Frist motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion to invoke cloture on McConnell Motion to Recommit the bill to the Committee on Finance (listed above) failed.
Page S3066
Withdrawn:
Grassley Amendment No. 2899 (to Amendment No. 2898), relative to the effective date following enactment of the Act.
Page S3060
Grassley (for Hutchison) Amendment No. 2888 (to Amendment No. 2898), to allow a deduction for State and local sales taxes in lieu of State and local income taxes.
Pages S3060-61
During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action:
By 51 yeas to 47 nays (Vote No. 60), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion to close further debate on McConnell Motion to Recommit the bill to the Committee on Finance (listed above).
Page S3066
A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that when the Senate resumes consideration of the bill, no second degree amendments be in order to the pending Harkin Amendment No. 2881 (listed above), prior to a vote in relation to the amendment.
Unborn Victims of Violence Act--Agreement:
Pursuant to the order of March 12, 2004, Senate will begin consideration of H.R. 1997, to amend title 18, United States Code, and the Uniform Code D277of Military Justice to protect unborn children from assault and murder, at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 25, 2004.
Page S3116
Messages From the House:
Pages S3094-95
Measures Referred:
Page S3095
Executive Communications:
Pages S3095-96
Executive Reports of Committees:
Page S3096
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages S3096-97
Amendments Submitted:
Pages S3097-S3100
Authority for Committees to Meet:
Pages S3100-01
Privilege of the Floor:
Page S3101
Text of S. Con. Res. 95, as Previously Agreed To:
Pages S3101-10
Record Votes:
One record vote was taken today. (Total--60)
Page S3066
Adjournment:
Senate convened at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned at 6:20 p.m., until 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 25, 2004. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on pages S3116-17.)
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Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
ANIMAS-LA PLATA PROJECT
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development concluded a hearing to examine the cost estimate to complete the Bureau of Reclamation's Animas-La Plata Project designed to divert, pump, store, and convey water from the Animas River at Durango, Colorado to provide water for both Indian and non-Indian municipal and industrial uses in Colorado and New Mexico, after receiving testimony from Bennett W. Raley, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, and William E. Rinne, Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, both of the Department of the Interior; Howard Richards, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ignacio, Colorado; Selwyn Whiteskunk, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Towaoc, Colorado; Richard K. (Mike) Griswold, Animas-La Plata Water Conservancy District, Durango, Colorado; and L. Randy Kirkpatrick, San Juan Water Commission, Farmington, New Mexico.
APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Defense concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the Department of the Air Force, after receiving testimony from James G. Roche, Secretary of the Air Force; and General John P. Jumper, USAF, Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services:
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces concluded a hearing to examine the proposed Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2005, focusing on strategic forces and capabilities, after receiving testimony from Linton F. Brooks, Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; and Admiral James O. Ellis, Jr., USN, Commander, United States Strategic Command.
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
Committee on Armed Services:
Subcommittee on Airland concluded a hearing to examine the Defense Authorization request for fiscal year 2005 and future years defense program, focusing on Navy and Air Force aviation programs, after receiving testimony from John J. Young, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition; Marvin R. Sambur, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition; Vice Admiral John B. Nathman, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Requirements and Programs; Lieutenant General Michael A. Hough, USMC, Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and Lieutenant General Ronald E. Keys, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff for Air and Space Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force.
REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL REGULATION
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs:
Subcommittee on Housing and Transportation concluded a hearing to examine the current status of the real estate appraisal industry, and its Federal and State oversight and regulation, focusing on certain private entities as outlined in Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, that establish uniform rules for real estate appraisals and set minimum criteria for certifying appraisers, after receiving testimony from David G. Wood, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, General Accounting Office; Steven D. Fritts, Associate Director Risk Management/Examination Support, Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, on behalf of Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council; David S. Bunton, The Appraisal Foundation, Washington, D.C.; Charles Clark, Georgia Real Estate Commission, Atlanta, on behalf of Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board; Alan E. Hummel, Iowa Residential Appraisal Company, Des Moines, on behalf of Appraisal Institute; and D278Eugene G. Kaczkowski, American Appraisal Associates, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on behalf of American Society of Appraisers.
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MARITIME SECURITY
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine the state of maritime security, focusing on the impact of security efforts on maritime commerce, and the additional measures that may be needed to further enhance maritime transportation security, after receiving testimony from Admiral Thomas H. Collins, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Robert C. Bonner, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Admiral David M. Stone, USN (Ret), Acting Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, all of the Department of Homeland Security; Christopher Koch, World Shipping Council, and James J. Carafano, Heritage Foundation, both of Washington, D.C.; Gary P. LaGrange, Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana; and Mike Mitre, International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Wilmington, California.
BUSINESS MEETING
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:
Committee ordered favorably reported the following business items:
S. 1910, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out an inventory and management program for forests derived from public domain land;
H.R. 620, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide supplemental funding and other services that are necessary to assist the State of California or local educational agencies in California in providing educational services for students attending schools located within the Park, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and
The nomination of Sue Ellen Wooldridge, of Virginia, to be Solicitor of the Department of the Interior.
PUBLIC LANDS
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:
Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests concluded a hearing to examine S. 433, to provide for enhanced collaborative forest stewardship management within the Clearwater and Nez Perce National Forests in Idaho, S. 2180, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange certain lands in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in the State of Colorado, and H.R. 1964, to assist the States of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in conserving priority lands and natural resources in the Highlands region, after receiving testimony from Senator Corzine; Representative Frelinghuysen; David Tenny, Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment; Robert W. McIntosh, Associate Regional Director for Planning and Partnerships, Northeast Region, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; Thomas A. Gilbert, Highlands Coalition, Titusville, New Jersey; Bonner R. Cohen, National Center for Public Policy Research, Washington, D.C.; Rick Johnson, Idaho Conservation League, Boise; and Susie Borowicz, Elk City, Idaho.
NATURAL GAS SUPPLY
Committee on Environment and Public Works:
Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine the environmental impacts of the United States natural gas supply, focusing on the price outlook, and pipeline projects, after receiving testimony from Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri, Providence; Marjorie West, Sheridan, Wyoming, on behalf of the Powder River Basin Resource Council and the Western Organization of Resource Councils; Joel Bluestein, Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc., Arlington, Virginia; Dennis M. Bailey, PPG Industries, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Michael C. Caskey, Fidelity Exploration and Production Company, and George Handley, Eclipse Exploration Corporation, both of Denver, Colorado; Stephen H.M. Bloch, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Salt Lake City; and Bob Drake, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on behalf of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
CREDIT COUNSELING INDUSTRY
Committee on Governmental Affairs:
Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations concluded a hearing to examine the role and tax-exempt status of not-for-profit credit counseling agencies, focusing on cases of misconduct among credit card counseling agencies and their not-for-profit service providers and what solutions may be available to repair the industry, after receiving testimony from Mark W. Everson, Commissioner, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury; Thomas B. Leary, Commissioner, Federal Trade Commission; Chris Viale, Cambridge Credit Counseling Corporation, Agawam, Massachusetts; Matthew Case, AmeriDebt, Inc., and Andris Pukke, Debtworks, Inc., both of Germantown, Maryland; Cuba M. Craig, American Financial Solutions, Seattle, Washington; James Kroening, FamilyMeans Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Stillwater, Minnesota; Michael Malesardi, Ballenger Group, LLC, Frederick, Maryland; Bernaldo Dancel, Ascend One Corporation/Amerix Corporation, Columbia, Maryland; Raymond Schuck, Lima, Ohio; John Pohlman, East Granby, Connecticut; Jolanta Troy, Carlisle, Pennsylvania; and Johnpaul Allen, New Market, Maryland.
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INDIAN GAMING REGULATORY ACT AMENDMENTS
Committee on Indian Affairs:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 1529, to amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to include provisions relating to the payment and administration of gaming fees, after receiving testimony from George T. Skibine, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Policy and Economic Development; and Philip N. Hogen, National Indian Gaming Commission, and Ernest L. Stevens, Jr. and Mark Van Norman, both of the National Indian Gaming Association, all of Washington, D.C.
NOMINATION
Committee on the Judiciary:
Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Paul S. Diamond, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senators Specter and Santorum, testified and answered questions in his own behalf.
House of Representatives
Chamber Action
Measures Introduced:
11 public bills, H.R. 4019-4029; and 4 resolutions, H. Res. 573-576, were introduced.
Pages H1483-84
Additional Cosponsors:
Page H1484
Reports Filed:
Reports were filed today as follows:
H. Res. 574, providing for further consideration of H. Con. Res. 393, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2005 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2004 and 2006 through 2009 (H. Rept. 108-446).
Page H1483
Speaker:
Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative LaHood to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today.
Page H1373
Chaplain:
The prayer was offered today by Don Aldo Brunacci of Casa Papa Giovanni in Assisi, Italy.
Page H1373
Journal:
Agreed to the Speaker's approval of the Journal of Monday, March 22, by a yea-and-nay vote of 377 yeas to 35 nays with one voting ``present'', Roll No. 78.
Pages H1373, H1394-95
Suspensions:
The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures:
Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act:
Debated on March 23, H.R. 3926, to amend the Public Health Service Act to promote organ donation, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 414 yeas to 2 nays, Roll No. 76;
Page H1393
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a need to increase awareness and education about heart disease and its risk factors among women: Debated on March 23, H. Res. 522, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there is a critical need to increase awareness and education about heart disease and the risk factors of heart disease among women, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 420 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 77;
Pages H1393-94
Multidistrict Litigation Restoration Act of 2004: H.R. 1768, amended, to amend title 28, United States Code, to allow a judge to whom a case is transferred to retain jurisdiction over certain multidistrict litigation cases for trial, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 418 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 79;
Pages H1377-79, H1395
Recognizing and honoring the United States Armed Forces and supporting the designation of a National Military Appreciation Month: H. Con. Res. 328, amended, recognizing and honoring the United States Armed Forces and supporting the designation of a National Military Appreciation Month, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 424 yeas with none voting ``nay'' and one voting ``present'', Roll No. 80;
Pages H1380-81, H1440-41
Lloyd L. Burke Post Office Building Designation Act: H.R. 3059, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 304 West Michigan Street in Stuttgart, Arkansas, as the ``Lloyd L. Burke Post Office'', by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 425 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No. 81;
Pages H1381-82, H1441-42
Child Nutrition Improvement and Integrity Act: H.R. 3873, amended, to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to provide children with access to food and nutrition assistance, to simplify program operations, to improve children's nutritional health, and to restore the integrity of child nutrition programs, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 419 yeas to 5 nays, Roll No. 82; and
Pages H1395-H1413, H1442D280
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) and supporting an International Geophysical Year-2 (IGY-2) in 2007-08: H. Con. Res. 189, amended, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) and supporting an International Geophysical Year-2 (IGY-2) in 2007-08, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 420 yeas to 3 nays, Roll No. 83.
Pages H1413-14, H1442-43
Suspensions--Proceedings Postponed:
The House completed debate on the following measures under suspension of the rules. Further proceedings were postponed until Thursday, March 25.
Community Recognition Act of 2003:
H.R. 3095, amended, to amend title 4, United States Code, to make sure the rules of etiquette for flying the flag of the United States do not preclude the flying of flags at half mast when ordered by city and local officials;
Pages H1379-80
Bureau of Engraving and Printing Security Printing Act of 2004: H.R. 3786, to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to produce currency, postage stamps, and other security documents at the request of foreign governments on a reimbursable basis;
Pages H1382-84
District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program Act: H.R. 2993, to provide for a circulating quarter dollar coin program to honor the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
Pages H1384-88
Authorizing the President of the United States to agree to certain amendments to the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Mexican States concerning the establishment of a Border Environment Cooperation Commission and a North American Development Bank: Agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 254, to authorize the President of the United States to agree to certain amendments to the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Mexican States concerning the establishment of a Border Environment Cooperation Commission and a North American Development Bank--clearing the measure for the President;
Pages H1388-93
Budget Resolution for FY 2005:
The House began consideration of H. Con. Res. 393, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2005 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2004 and 2006 through 2009. Further consideration will continue on Thursday, March 25.
Pages H1415-40, H1443-51, H1451-66
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The concurrent resolution was considered under a unanimous consent agreement reached on Tuesday, March 23.
Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission--Appointment:
The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of Mr. Nick B. Bacon of Rosebud, Arkansas and Mr. Donald M. Cassiday of Aurora, Indiana to the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission.
Page H1443
Select Committee on Homeland Security--Appointment:
The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of Representative Chandler to the Select Committee on Homeland Security.
Page H1451
Quorum Calls--Votes:
Eight yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings today and appear on pages H1393, H1393-94, H1394-95, H1395, H1440-41, H1441-42, H1442, and H1442-43. There were no quorum calls.
Adjournment:
The House met at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned at 12 midnight.
Committee Meetings
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food and Nutrition Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Eric M. Bost, Under Secretary, Kate Coler, Deputy Under Secretary, both with the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services; Robert Salazar, Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service; Eric Hentges, Executive Director, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion; and Stephen B. Dewhurst, Budget Officer.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE, JUDICIARY AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary and Related Agencies held a hearing on Legal Activities; DEA; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: James Comey, Deputy Attorney General; Karen Tandy, Administrator, DEA; and Edgar Domenech, Acting Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
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The Subcommittee also held a hearing on U.S. Marshals Service and Federal Prison System. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Justice: Benigno G. Rayna, Director, U.S. Marshals Service; and Harley G. Lappin, Director, Bureau of Prisons.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held a hearing on Nuclear Waste Disposal and Environmental Management. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Margaret Chu, Director, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management; and Jessie Roberson, Assistant Secretary, Environmental Management.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Emergency Preparedness and Response. Testimony was heard from Michael Brown, Under Secretary, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security.
LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Health Resources and Services Administration. Testimony was heard from Elizabeth James Duke, M.D., Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services.
The Subcommittee held a hearing on the Administration for Children and Families. Testimony was heard from Wade F. Horn, Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the Secretary of Education. Testimony was heard from Roderick R. Paige, Secretary of Education.
TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies held a hearing on OMB. Testimony was heard from Joshua Bolton, Director, OMB.
VA, HUD AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies held a hearing on Chemical Safety Hazard Investigation Board. Testimony was heard from Carolyn W. Merritt, Chair, U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Corporation for National and Community Service. Testimony was heard from David Eisner, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Committee on Armed Services:
Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request from the Department of Defense. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN James L. Jones, USMC, Commander, U.S. European Command; and GEN James T. Hill, USA, Commander, U.S. Southern Command.
PRE-POSITIONED EQUIPMENT PROGRAMS--USA AND USMC
Committee on Armed Services:
Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing on the Pre-positioned Equipment Programs of the United States Army and United States Marine Corps. Testimony was heard from BG Jerome Johnson, USA, Director, Plans, Operations and Readiness, and BG Kevin T. Ryan, Director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, both with the Department of the Army; BG Robert B. Neller, USMC, Director, Operations Division (PO), Plans, Policy and Operations, U.S. Marine Corps; William M. Solis, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, GAO; and a public witness.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET REQUEST--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY
Committee on Armed Services:
Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request--Military Personnel Policy, Benefits and Compensation Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Charles S. Abell, Principal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; LTG Franklin L. Hagenbeck, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G1, Headquarters, Department of the Army; VADM Gerald Hoewing, USN, Chief, Naval Personnel and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Manpower and Personnel; and LTG Garry L. Parks, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, U.S. Marine Corps, both with the Department of the Navy; LTG Richard Brown, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force; Derek B. Stewart, Director, Defense, Capabilities and Management, GAO; and public witnesses.
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``THE STATE OF U.S. INDUSTRY''
Committee on Energy and Commerce:
Held a hearing on ``The State of U.S. Industry.'' Testimony was heard from Donald L. Evans, Secretary of Commerce.
ZERO DOWNPAYMENT ACT
Committee on Financial Services:
Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing on H.R. 3755, Zero Downpayment Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from John Weicher, Assistant Secretary, Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM AND FEDERAL LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM
Committee on Government Reform:
Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization held an oversight hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and the Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program.'' Testimony was heard from Dan G. Blair, Deputy Director, OPM; and public witnesses.
HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT'S PLAN--CONSOLIDATE AND CO-LOCATE REGIONAL AND FIELD OFFICES TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION
Committee on Government Reform:
Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs and the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations held a joint hearing entitled ``The Homeland Security Department's Plan to Consolidate and Co-locate Regional and Field Offices: Improving Communication and Coordination.'' Testimony was heard from Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary, Boarder and Transportation Security, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS STATUS
Committee on Government Reform:
Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness held a hearing entitled ``10 Years after the Implementation of DSHEA: The Status of Dietary Supplements in the United States.'' Testimony was heard from Senator Durbin; Robert Brackett, Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA, Department of Health and Human Services; and public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT
Committee on Government Reform:
Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census held an oversight hearing entitled ``Electronic Government: A Progress Report on the Successes and Challenges of Government-wide Information Technology Solutions.'' Testimony was heard from Karen S. Evans, Administrator, E-Government and Information Technology, OMB; Linda Koontz, Director, Information Management, GAO; the following officials of the GSA: Martin Wagner, Associate Administrator, Office of Government-wide Policy; and M. J. Jameson, Associate Administrator (USA Services), Office of Citizen Services and Communication; Norman Enger, Director, E-Government (E-Payroll), OPM; Kim Nelson, Chief Information Officer (E-Rulemaking Initiative), EPA; and George Strawn, Chief Information Officer (E-Grants), Division of Grants and Agreements, NSF.
PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS--SAFETY AND SECURITY
Committee on International Relations:
Held a hearing on Safety and Security of Peace Corps Volunteers. Testimony was heard from Jess Ford, Director, International Affairs and Trade, GAO; the following officials of the Peace Corps: Gaddi H. Vasquez, Director; and Charles D. Smith, Inspector General; and public witnesses.
SAUDI ARABIA AND THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM FINANCING
Committee on International Relations:
Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia held a hearing on Saudi Arabia and the Fight Against Terrorism Financing. Testimony was heard from J. Cofer Black, Coordinator, Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Department of State; Gary M. Bald, Assistant Director, Counterterrorism Unit, FBI, Department of Justice; Juan C. Zarate, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Executive Office Terrorist Financing and Financial Crime, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.
GUEST WORKERS IMPACT ON WORKING AMERICANS
Committee on the Judiciary:
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims held an oversight hearing entitled ``How Would Millions of Guestworkers Impact Working Americans and Americans Seeking Employment?'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
OVERSIGHT--FACILITY TITLE TRANSFERS; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE
Committee on Resources:
Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight hearing on the Bureau of Reclamation's Facility Title Transfers: Lessons Learned and Future Opportunities. Testimony was heard from John Keys III, Commissioner, Bureau of D283Reclamation, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses.
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The Subcommittee also held a hearing on H.R. 3747, Wallowa Lake Dam Rehabilitation and Water Management Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from John Keys III, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005
Committee on Rules:
Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for further consideration of H. Con. Res. 393, concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2005 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2004 and 2006 through 2009. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution which may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to amendment. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report, except that the adoption of an amendment in the nature of a substitute shall constitute the conclusion of consideration of the concurrent resolution for amendment. The rule provides, upon the conclusion of consideration of the concurrent resolution for amendment, for a final period of general debate not to exceed 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget. The rule permits the chairman of the Budget Committee to offer amendments in the House to achieve mathematical consistency. Finally, the rule provides that the concurrent resolution shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question of its adoption. Testimony was heard from Chairman Nussle and Representatives Hensarling, Jones (NC), Goode, Spratt, Hooley, Edwards, Scott (VA), Thompson (CA), Obey, Stenholm, Brown (OH), Waters, Gutierrez, Stupak, Woolsey, Jackson-Lee (TX), Turner (TX), Reyes, Schiff, Bishop (NY) and Miller (NC).
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY BUDGET PRIORITIES
Committee on Science:
Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on the Priorities in the Department of Energy Budget for Fiscal Year 2005. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: James Decker, Principal Deputy Director, Office of Science; David Garman, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Mark R. Maddox, Acting Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy; William D. Magwood, IV, Director, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology; and James W. Glotfelty, Director, Office of Electric Transmission and Distribution.
NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION ACT
Committee on Science:
Subcommittee on Research and the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology and Standards held a joint hearing on H.R. 3980, National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from Anthony Lowe, Administrator, Federal Insurance Mitigation Administration, Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.
TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT; MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure:
Ordered reported the following measures: H. Con. Res. 376, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; H. Con. Res. 388, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service; H. Con. Res. 389, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the D.C. Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run; H.R. 3550, amended, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users; and H.R. 3994, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users.
EMPLOYING VETERANS OF OUR ARMED FORCES
Committee on Veterans' Affairs:
Held a hearing entitled ``Employing Veterans of Our Armed Forces.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2004 ANNUAL REPORTS
Committee on Ways and Means:
Held a hearing on Board of Trustees 2004 Annual Reports. Testimony was heard from John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury; Rick Foster, Chief Actuary, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Stephen C. Goss, Chief Actuary, SSA; and Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director, CBO.
CIA PROGRAM BUDGET
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence:
Met in executive session to hold a hearing on Central Intelligence Agency Program Budget. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.
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HOMELAND SECURITY JURISDICTION
Select Committee on Homeland Security:
Subcommittee on Rules held a hearing entitled ``Homeland Security Jurisdiction: The Perspective of Committee Leaders.'' Testimony was heard from members of the following House Committees: Intelligence, Chairman Goss and Representative Harman; Agriculture, Chairman Goodlatte and Representative Stenholm; Energy and Commerce, Chairman Barton and Representative Dingell; Government Reform, Chairman Davis and Representative Waxman; Transportation and Infrastructure, Representatives Mica and Oberstar; Judiciary: Chairman Sensenbrenner; and Ways and Means, Chairman Thomas.
Committee on Appropriations:
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the Department of Health and Human Services, 9:30 a.m., SD-192.
Subcommittee on Interior, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the Department of the Interior, 9:30 a.m., SD-124.
Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the Environmental Protection Agency, 10 a.m., SD-628.
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for the Department of State, 10 a.m., S-146, Capitol.
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2005 for programs under its jurisdiction, 1:30 p.m., SD-192.
Committee on Armed Services:
to hold hearings to examine the role of the U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Special Operations Command in defending the homeland and in the global war on terrorism, in review of the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2005; to be followed by a closed session in SH-219, 9:30 a.m., SH-216.
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, to hold hearings to examine national security space programs and management in review of the Defense Authorization request for fiscal year 2005, 2:30 p.m., SR-232A.
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs:
Subcommittee on Economic Policy, to hold an oversight hearing to examine national flood insurance repetitive losses, 10 a.m., SD-538.
Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for the Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation, 2 p.m., SD-538.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
to hold hearings to examine cable rates, 9:30 a.m., SR-253.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:
Subcommittee on Water and Power,
to hold hearings to examine S. 1085, to provide for a Bureau of Reclamation program to assist states and local communities in evaluating and developing rural and small community water supply systems, S. 1732, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a rural water supply program in the Reclamation States to provide a clean, safe, affordable, and reliable water supply to rural residents, S. 1727, to authorize additional appropriations for the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978, and S. 1791, to amend the Lease Lot Conveyance Act of 2002 to provide that the amounts received by the United States under that Act shall be deposited in the reclamation fund, 2:30 p.m., SD-366.
Committee on Foreign Relations:
to hold hearings to examine proposed legislation to amend the African Growth and Opportunity Act to expand certain trade benefits to eligible sub-Saharan African countries, 9:30 a.m., SD-419.
Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Miles T. Bivins, of Texas, to be Ambassador to Sweden, Michael Christian Polt, of Tennessee, to be Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro, Thomas Bolling Robertson, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to Slovenia, John M. Ordway, of California, to be Ambassador to Kazakhstan, and Earle I. Mack, of New York, to be Ambassador to Finland, 2:30 p.m., SD-419.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:
Subcommittee on Employment, Safety, and Training, to hold hearings to examine hazard communication in the workplace, 10 a.m., SD-430.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs:
to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine the legislative presentations of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, AMVETS, American Ex-Prisoners of War, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Military Officers Association of America, 10 a.m., 345 CHOB.
Select Committee on Intelligence:
to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219.
Committee on Appropriations,
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, on Rural Development, 9:30 a.m., 2362A Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary and Related Agencies, on SBA, 10 a.m., and on U.S. Trade Representative, 2 p.m., and on EEOC, 4 p.m., H-309 Capitol.
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, executive, on National Nuclear Security Administration, 10 a.m., 2362B Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, 10 a.m., and on United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2 p.m., 2359 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Interior, on National Park Service, 10 a.m., B-308 Rayburn.
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Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, on Child Development Research and Programs, 10 a.m., 2358 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Military Construction, on European Command, 9:30 a.m., B-300 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies, on Highway Safety Programs, 10 a.m., 2358 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies, to continue appropriation hearings, 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., H-143 Capitol.
Committee on Armed Services,
Subcommittee on Readiness, hearing on the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Process, 1 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request--Missile Defense Programs, 10 a.m., 2212 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request--Department of the Navy and Department of the Air Force Tactical Weapon Acquisition Programs, 9 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization budget request--Department of Defense Science and Technology Policy and Programs, 2 p.m., 2212 Rayburn.
Committee on Energy and Commerce,
Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, hearing entitled ``A Review of the Department of Energy's Yucca Mountain Project,'' and Proposed Legislation to Alter the Nuclear Waste Trust Fund (H.R. 3429 and H.R. 3981),'' 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Health, hearing entitled ``NIH: Re-engineering Clinical Research,'' 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn.
Committee on Financial Services,
hearing on the state of the international financial system, 10 a.m., 2138 Rayburn.
Committee on Government Reform,
hearing entitled ``Maintaining a Level Playing Field for D.C. Graduates: Legislation to Reauthorize the D.C. College Access Act,'' 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
Committee on International Relations,
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, hearing on Developments in Burma, 1 p.m., 2172 Rayburn.
Committee on the Judiciary,
Subcommittee on the Constitution hearing on H. Res. 568, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Judicial determinations regarding the meaning of the laws of the United States should not be based on judgments, laws, or pronouncements of foreign institutions unless such foreign judgments, laws, or pronouncements inform an understanding of the original meaning of the laws of the United States, and the Appropriate Role of Foreign Judgments in the Interpretation of American Law, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security and the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterrorism of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, joint oversight hearing entitled ``Progress in Consolidating Terrorism Watchlists--The Terrorist Screening Center (TSC),'' 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn.
Committee on Resources,
Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, hearing on H.R. 3378, Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2003, 2 p.m., 1324 Longworth.
Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1517, Land Reinvestment Act; H.R. 2663, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating Castle Nugent Farms located on St. Croix, Virgin Islands, as a unit of the National Park System; and H.R. 3874, To convey for public purposes certain Federal lands in Riverside County, California, that have been identified for disposal, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
Committee on Science,
Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards, to mark up H.R. 3598, Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2003, 1 p.m., 2318 Rayburn.
Committee on Small Business,
to continue hearings entitled ``Spike in Metal Prices--Part II,'' 9:30 a.m., 2360 Rayburn.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, joint hearing on Ballast Water Management: New International Standards and National Invasive Species Act Reauthorization, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,
executive, hearing on Joint Military Intelligence Program and Tactical Intelligence and Related Activities, 10 a.m., H-405 Capitol.
Subcommittee on Intelligence Policy and National Security, executive, briefing on Global Intelligence Updated, 9 a.m., H-405 Capitol.
Joint Meetings:
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine the legislative presentations of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans' Affairs, AMVETS, American Ex-Prisoners of War, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Military Officers Association of America, 10 a.m., 345 CHOB.
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Program for Thursday:
After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 10:30 a.m.), Senate will begin consideration of H.R. 1997, Unborn Victims of Violence Act.
Program for Thursday:
Rolled votes on suspensions:
(1) H.R. 3095, Community Recognition Act of 2003;
(2) H.R. 3786, Bureau of Engraving and Printing Security Printing Act of 2004;
(3) H.R. 2993, District of Columbia and United States Territories Circulating Quarter Dollar Program Act; and
(4) H.R. 254, to authorize the President of the United States to agree to certain amendments to the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Mexican States concerning the establishment of a Border Environment Cooperation Commission and a North American Development Bank.
Continued consideration of H. Con. Res. 393, Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for FY 2005.
HOUSE
Bilirakis, Michael, Fla., E439
Buyer, Steve, Ind., E437
Cantor, Eric, Va., E447
Case, Ed, Hawaii, E447
Chandler, Ben, Ky., E447
Chocola, Chris, Ind., E440, E443
Crowley, Joseph, N.Y., E440
Davis, Tom, Va., E438
Dingell, John D., Mich., E446
Gibbons, Jim, Nev., E446
Hoyer, Steny H., Md., E437
Kanjorski, Paul E., Pa., E441, E443
Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E435, E435, E436
Langevin, James R., R.I., E441, E444
Lee, Barbara, Calif., E439
Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E440
McDermott, Jim, Wash., E439
McInnis, Scott, Colo., E440, E441, E442, E443, E444, E445, E446, E446
Nethercutt, George R., Jr., Wash., E445
Ney, Robert W., Ohio, E435, E436
Norwood, Charlie, Ga., E446
Paul, Ron, Tex., E442, E444
Payne, Donald M., N.J., E437
Reynolds, Thomas M., N.Y., E435, E436
Rogers, Mike, Ala., E437
Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E438
Shuster, Bill, Pa., E438
Smith, Christopher H., N.J., E442, E444
Tierney, John F., Mass., E445
Udall, Mark, Colo., E435, E436
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