April 4, 2008

Committee on House Administration

This week, I was named Chairman of the Committee on House Administration's Subcommittee on Capitol Security. The responsibilities of this subcommittee include providing oversight for the United States Capitol Police Force and the House Sergeant at Arms as they work to ensure the safety of all those who enter United States Capitol Complex. I am honored by this new appointment and I look forward to working with our safety and security professionals to ensure that every reasonable resource is made available to them. I am also strongly committed to ensuring that the Capitol Complex remains open and accessible to visitors who are interested in experiencing their government at work.

FAA Oversight

On Thursday the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing probing concerns about a perceived lack of oversight at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the "cozy" relationship between some in the FAA and the airlines. You may recall that Southwest Airlines was recently fined millions of dollars for keeping planes in service that had not been properly inspected. The planes remained in use, in violation of federal law, despite the fact that FAA inspectors knew they had not been thoroughly examined.

Our committee heard from the Department of Transportation's Inspector General, who was critical of the FAA's oversight of airlines and from FAA employees who witnessed firsthand the sometimes troubling relationship between the FAA as the airlines' regulator and the airlines they were responsible for overseeing. It is clear that changes in the FAA's inspection program are needed to restore the public's confidence in our aviation system. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will continue to monitor the FAA's response to these incidents and implement changes where necessary.

Global HIV/AIDS

On Wednesday the House considered H.R. 5501: Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act. This bill reauthorizes and improves the Global AIDS program at $50 billion over the next five years. It supports research for new vaccines and prevention efforts, as well as support for nutrition, education and health care programs. H.R. 5501 also strengthens the hospitals, clinics and laboratories of developing countries. I voted YES. H.R. 5501 passed with bipartisan support and the entire vote is recorded below:

Fire Administration

On Thursday the House considered H.R. 4847: U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization. This bill authorizes $293 billion over five years to support fire service training as well as research and development in fire fighting. It also expands the National Fire Incident Reporting system. I voted YES. H.R. 4847 passed and the entire vote is recorded below:

What's Up Next

Next week the House is expected to consider the National Landscape Conservation System Act and the Beach Protection Act of 2007.