Daily Digest

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Measures Introduced: Nine bills and four resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2644–2652, S.J. Res. 58, and S. Res. 457–459.
Page S2075

Measures Reported:

S. 1160, to include Livingston County, the city of Jonesboro in Union County, and the city of Freeport in Stephenson County, Illinois, to the Lincoln National Heritage Area. (S. Rept. No. 115–224)

S. 1181, to direct the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture to expedite access to certain Federal land under the administrative jurisdiction of each Secretary for good Samaritan search-and-recovery missions, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 115–225)

S. 1260, to authorize the exchange of certain Federal land located in Gulf Islands National Seashore for certain non-Federal land in Jackson County, Mississippi. (S. Rept. No. 115–226)

S. 1602, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain land as the Finger Lakes National Heritage Area. (S. Rept. No. 115–227)

H.R. 2615, to authorize the exchange of certain land located in Gulf Islands National Seashore, Jackson County, Mississippi, between the National Park Service and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 115–228)
Pages S2074–75

Measures Passed:

Oswaldo Paya Sardinas: Senate agreed to S. Res. 224, recognizing the 6th anniversary of the death of Oswaldo Paya Sardinas, and commemorating his legacy and commitment to democratic values and principles, after agreeing to the committee amendments.
Pages S2078–79


Authorizing Representation by Senate Legal Counsel: Senate agreed to S. Res. 457, to authorize testimony and representation in Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Co., et al. v. John Doe, et al. (Ct. of Common Pleas, Cumberland County, Pa.)
Page S2079


Sesquicentennial of Connecticut's Navy Installation: Senate agreed to S. Res. 458, designating April 11, 2018, as the ``Sesquicentennial of Connecticut's Navy Installation''.
Page S2079

Pizzella Nomination--Agreement: Senate resumed consideration of the nomination of Patrick Pizzella, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Labor.
Pages S2058–67

During consideration of this nomination today, Senate also took the following action:

By 50 yeas to 48 nays (Vote No. 68), Senate agreed to the motion to close further debate on the nomination.
Pages S2058–59

A unanimous-consent-time agreement was reached providing that notwithstanding the provisions of Rule XXII, all post-cloture time on the nomination expire at 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 12, 2018, and Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination; and that there be two minutes of debate, equally divided, prior to each vote.
Page S2067

A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the nomination, post-cloture, at approximately 9:15 a.m., on Thursday, April 12, 2018.
Page S2081

Nomination Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nomination:

By 50 yeas to 48 nays (Vote No. EX. 67), John F. Ring, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board for the term of five years expiring December 16, 2022.
Pages S2049–58, S2082

Messages from the House:
Pages S2070–71

Measures Referred:
Page S2071

Executive Communications:
Pages S2071–74

Additional Cosponsors:
Pages S2075–76

Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:
Pages S2076–77

Additional Statements:
Pages S2069–70

Authorities for Committees to Meet:
Page S2077

Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. (Total--68)
Pages S2058–59

Adjournment: Senate convened at 10:30 a.m. and adjourned at 6:54 p.m., until 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2018. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S2081.)

BUSINESS MEETING

Committee on Appropriations: Committee announced the following subcommittee assignments:

Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies: Senators Hoeven (Chair), McConnell, Collins, Blunt, Moran, Rubio, Hyde-Smith, Merkley, Feinstein, Tester, Udall, Leahy, and Baldwin.

Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies: Senators Moran (Chair), Alexander, Murkowski, Collins, Graham, Boozman, Capito, Lankford, Kennedy, Shaheen, Leahy, Feinstein, Reed, Coons, Schatz, Manchin, and Van Hollen.

Subcommittee on Department of Defense: Senators Shelby (Chair), McConnell, Alexander, Collins, Murkowski, Graham, Blunt, Daines, Moran, Hoeven, Durbin, Leahy, Feinstein, Murray, Reed, Tester, Udall, Schatz, and Baldwin.

Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development: Senators Alexander (Chair), McConnell, Shelby, Collins, Murkowski, Graham, Hoeven, Kennedy, Lankford, Feinstein, Murray, Tester, Durbin, Udall, Shaheen, Merkley, and Coons.

Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government: Senators Lankford (Chair), Moran, Boozman, Daines, Kennedy, Coons, Durbin, Manchin, and Van Hollen.

Subcommittee on Department of Homeland Security: Senators Capito (Chair), Shelby, Murkowski, Boozman, Hoeven, Lankford, Kennedy, Tester, Shaheen, Leahy, Murray, Baldwin, and Manchin.

Subcommittee on Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: Senators Murkowski (Chair), Alexander, Blunt, McConnell, Daines, Capito, Rubio, Hyde-Smith, Udall, Feinstein, Leahy, Reed, Tester, Merkley, and Van Hollen.

Subcommittee on Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies: Senators Blunt (Chair), Shelby, Alexander, Graham, Moran, Capito, Lankford, Kennedy, Rubio, Hyde-Smith, Murray, Durbin, Reed, Shaheen, Merkley, Schatz, Baldwin, Murphy, and Manchin.

Subcommittee on Legislative Branch: Senators Daines (Chair), Hyde-Smith, Shelby, Murphy, and Van Hollen.

Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies: Senators Boozman (Chair), McConnell, Murkowski, Hoeven, Collins, Capito, Moran, Rubio, Schatz, Tester, Murray, Reed, Udall, Baldwin, and Murphy.

Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: Senators Graham (Chair), McConnell, Blunt, Boozman, Lankford, Daines, Rubio, Hyde-Smith, Leahy, Durbin, Shaheen, Coons, Merkley, Murphy, and Van Hollen.

Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies: Senators Collins (Chair), Shelby, Alexander, Blunt, Boozman, Capito, Daines, Graham, Hoeven, Reed, Murray, Durbin, Feinstein, Coons, Schatz, Murphy, and Manchin.

Senators Shelby and Leahy are ex officio members of each subcommittee.

APPROPRIATIONS: MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Department of Defense concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the Missile Defense Agency, after receiving testimony from Lieutenant General Samuel A. Greaves, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agency, Department of Defense.

APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the Department of Agriculture, after receiving testimony from Sonny Perdue, Secretary, Robert Johansson, Chief Economist, and Diem-Linh Jones, Acting Budget Officer, all of the Department of Agriculture.

APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the Department of Energy, including the National Nuclear Security Administration, after receiving testimony from Rick Perry, Secretary, Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty, Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration, and Paul M. Dabbar, Under Secretary for Science, all of the Department of Energy.

APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the Department of Transportation, after receiving testimony from Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Transportation.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities concluded open and closed hearings to examine Special Operations Command's efforts to transform the force for future security challenges, after receiving testimony from Lieutenant General Scott A. Howell, USAF, Vice Commander, Special Operations Command, Lieutenant General Kenneth E. Tovo, USA, Commanding General, Army Special Operations Command, Lieutenant General Marshall B. Webb, USAF, Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, Rear Admiral Timothy G. Szymanski, USN, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, and Major General Carl E. Mundy III, USMC, Commander, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, all of the Department of Defense.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support concluded a hearing to examine the health of the Department of Defense industrial base and its role in providing readiness to the warfighter, after receiving testimony from Lieutenant General Edward M. Daly, USA, Deputy Commanding General, Army Materiel Command, Vice Admiral Paul A. Grosklags, USN, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Vice Admiral Thomas J. Moore, USN, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Lieutenant General Lee K. Levy II, USAF, Commander, Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command, and Major General Craig C. Crenshaw, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Logistics Command, all of the Department of Defense.

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST AND FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces concluded a hearing to examine United States nuclear weapons policy, programs, and strategy in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2019 and the Future Years Defense Program, after receiving testimony from Guy B. Roberts, Assistant Secretary for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs, Robert M. Soofer, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy, General Robin Rand, USAF, Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Vice Admiral Terry J. Benedict, USN, Director, Strategic Systems Programs, all of the Department of Defense.

CBO BUDGET AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Committee on the Budget: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Congressional Budget Office's budget and economic outlook, focusing on fiscal years 2018–2028, after receiving testimony from Keith Hall, Director, Congressional Budget Office.

NOMINATIONS

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Patrick Fuchs, of Wisconsin, and Michelle A. Schultz, of Pennsylvania, both to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board, Department of Transportation, and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, of Maryland, to be a Federal Trade Commissioner, who was introduced by Senator Schumer, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf.

UTILIZING SIGNIFICANT EMISSIONS WITH INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES ACT

Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 2602, to support carbon dioxide utilization and direct air capture research, to facilitate the permitting and development of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration projects and carbon dioxide pipelines, after receiving testimony from Senator Heitkamp; Mark Northam, University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, Laramie; S. Julio Friedmann, CarbonWrangler LLC, Livermore, California; Noah Deich, Center for Carbon Removal, Oakland, California; and Feng Jiao, University of Delaware Center for Catalytic Science and Technology, Newark.

MARKET ACCESS CHALLENGES IN CHINA

Committee on Finance: Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness concluded a hearing to examine market access challenges in China, after receiving testimony from Dean Garfield, Information Technology Industry Council, Christine Bliss, Coalition of Services Industries, Linda Menghetti Dempsey, National Association of Manufacturers, and Thea Mei Lee, Economic Policy Institute, all of Washington, D.C.

NOMINATIONS

Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Kirsten Dawn Madison, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary (International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs), and Thomas J. Hushek, of Wisconsin, to be Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan, both of the Department of State, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf.

FEMA PREPAREDNESS

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Federal Emergency Management Agency, focusing on prioritizing a culture of preparedness, after receiving testimony from William B. Long, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.

OPIOID CRISIS RESPONSE ACT

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee concluded a hearing to examine an original bill entitled, ``The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018'', after receiving testimony from Jennifer Donahue, Delaware Office of the Child Advocate, Georgetown; and Robert Morrison, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, and Jessica Hulsey Nickel, Addiction Policy Forum, both of Washington, D.C.

BUSINESS MEETING

Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the following business items:

S. 1250, to amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to improve the recruitment and retention of employees in the Indian Health Service, restore accountability in the Indian Health Service, improve health services, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and

S. 2515, to amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide further self-governance by Indian Tribes.

INDIAN PROGRAMS BUDGET

Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2019 for Indian Programs, after receiving testimony from John Tahsuda, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs; Rear Admiral Michael D. Weahkee, Acting Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services; Aaron Payment, National Congress of American Indians, Washington, D.C.; and Robert McGhee, United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund, Nashville, Tennessee.

NOMINATIONS

Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Mark Jeremy Bennett, of Hawaii, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, who was introduced by Senator Schatz, Nancy E. Brasel, and Eric C. Tostrud, both to be a United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota, who were introduced by Senator Smith, and Robert R. Summerhays, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, and Wendy Vitter, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, who were introduced by Senator Cassidy, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf.

DEFEATING FENTANYL

Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism concluded a hearing to examine defeating fentanyl, focusing on addressing the deadliest drugs fueling the opioid crisis, including S. 2635, to amend the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to modify the offenses relating to fentanyl, S. 2481, to increase the penalties for fentanyl trafficking, S. 2456, to reauthorize and expand the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016, and S. 207, to amend the Controlled Substances Act relating to controlled substance analogues, after receiving testimony from Christina E. Nolan, United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, Department of Justice; Kemp Chester, National Heroin Coordination Group, Office of National Drug Control Policy; Kenneth C. Miller, Greenville Police Department, Greenville, South Carolina; Josiah D. Rich, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island; and Brian J. Browne, University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine, Baltimore.

NOMINATIONS

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Paul R. Lawrence, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Benefits, and Joseph L. Falvey, Jr., of Michigan, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf.

Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 14 public bills, H.R. 5466–5479; and 8 resolutions, H. Res. 814–821 were introduced.
Pages H3146–47

Additional Cosponsors:
Pages H3148–49

Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows:

H.R. 401, to designate the mountain at the Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, as Devils Tower, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 115–630);

H.R. 520, to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to more efficiently develop domestic sources of the minerals and mineral materials of strategic and critical importance to the economic and national security and manufacturing competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 115–631); and

H.R. 4895, to establish the Medgar Evers National Monument in the State of Mississippi, and for other purposes, with amendments (H. Rept. 115–632).
Page H3146

Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Bacon to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
Page H3099

Recess: The House recessed at 10:31 a.m. and reconvened at 12 noon.
Page H3103

Guest Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the Guest Chaplain, Chaplain Scott Foust, U.S. Air Force, Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
Page H3103

Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker's approval of the Journal by voice vote.
Pages H3103, H3112

Committee Election: The House agreed to H. Res. 814, electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.
Pages H3104–05

Recess: The House recessed at 12:53 p.m. and reconvened at 1:40 p.m.
Page H3110

Volcker Rule Regulatory Harmonization Act--Rule for Consideration: The House agreed to H. Res. 811, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4790) to amend the Volcker rule to give the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System sole rulemaking authority, to exclude community banks from the requirements of the Volcker rule, by a recorded vote of 230 ayes to 184 noes, Roll No. 134, after the previous question was ordered by a yea-and-nay vote of 231 yeas to 186 nays, Roll No. 133.
Pages H3105–10, H3110–12

Committee Election: The House agreed to H. Res. 816, electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.
Page H3112

Financial Stability Oversight Council Improvement Act: The House passed H.R. 4061, to amend the Financial Stability Act of 2010 to improve the transparency of the Financial Stability Oversight Council, to improve the SIFI designation process, by a yea-and-nay vote of 297 yeas to 121 nays, Roll No. 135.
Pages H3119–28

Pursuant to the Rule, an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 115–64, modified by the amendment printed in part A of H. Rept. 115–600, shall be considered as adopted.
Page H3119

H. Res. 780, the rule providing for consideration of the bills (H.R. 4061) and (H.R. 4293) was agreed to March 15th.

Stress Test Improvement Act: The House passed H.R. 4293, to reform the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review process, the Dodd-Frank Act Stress Test process, by a yea-and-nay vote of 245 yeas to 174 nays, Roll No. 137.
Pages H3112–19, H3128–29

Rejected the Maxine Waters (CA) motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Financial Services with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment, by a yea-and-nay vote of 188 yeas to 231 nays, Roll No. 136.
Pages H3118–19, H3128–29

Pursuant to the Rule, an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 115–63, modified by the amendment printed in part B of H. Rept. 115–600, shall be considered as adopted, in lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill.
Page H3112

H. Res. 780, the rule providing for consideration of the bills (H.R. 4061) and (H.R. 4293) was agreed to March 15th.

Senate Message: Message received from the Senate by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the House today appears on page H3104.

Quorum Calls--Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and one recorded vote developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H3110–11, H3111–12, H3128, H3128–29, and H3129. There were no quorum calls.

Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

RAIL SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE--STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing entitled ``Rail Safety and Infrastructure--Stakeholder Perspectives''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

APPROPRIATIONS--NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing on the National Institutes of Health. Testimony was heard from Francis Collins, Director, National Institutes of Health.

APPROPRIATIONS--INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a budget hearing on the Internal Revenue Service. Testimony was heard from David J. Kautter, Acting Commissioner, Department of Treasury.

APPROPRIATIONS--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing on the Department of the Interior. Testimony was heard from the following Department of the Interior officials: Ryan Zinke, Secretary; Denise Flanagan, Director, Office of Budget; and Olivia Barton Ferriter, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Budget, Finance, Performance and Acquisition.

APPROPRIATIONS--U.S. STRATEGIC COMMAND

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense held a budget hearing on the U.S. Strategic Command. Testimony was heard from General John E. Hyten, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command. This hearing was closed.

APPROPRIATIONS--NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a budget hearing on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Testimony was heard from RDML Tim Gallaudet, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, Department of Commerce.

APPROPRIATIONS--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a budget hearing on the Department of the Treasury International Programs. Testimony was heard from Steven Mnuchin, Secretary, Department of the Treasury.

APPROPRIATIONS--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a budget hearing on the Department of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard from Kirstjen Nielsen, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security.

APPROPRIATIONS--U.S. CAPITOL POLICE

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a budget hearing on the U.S. Capitol Police. Testimony was heard from the following U.S. Capitol Police officials: Matthew R. Verderosa, Chief of Police; Steven A. Sund, Assistant Chief of Police; and Richard L. Braddock, Chief Administrative Officer.

CYBER OPERATIONS TODAY: PREPARING FOR 21ST CENTURY CHALLENGES IN AN INFORMATION-ENABLED SOCIETY

Committee On Armed Services: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Cyber Operations Today: Preparing for 21st Century Challenges in an Information-Enabled Society''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MEMBER DAY

Committee On Armed Services: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Member Day''. Testimony was heard from Chairman Chabot, and Representatives Velázquez, Kihuen, Donovan, Johnson of Louisiana, Rutherford, and Schneider.

A REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BUDGET, STRATEGY, POLICY, AND PROGRAMS FOR CYBER OPERATIONS AND U.S. CYBER COMMAND FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities held a hearing entitled ``A Review and Assessment of the Department of Defense Budget, Strategy, Policy, and Programs for Cyber Operations and U.S. Cyber Command for Fiscal Year 2019''. Testimony was heard from Kenneth P. Rapuano, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security, Department of Defense; and Admiral Michael Rogers, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, Director, National Security Agency.

FACEBOOK: TRANSPARENCY AND USE OF CONSUMER DATA

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Facebook: Transparency and Use of Consumer Data''. Testimony was heard from a public witness.

UPDATE ON THE RESTORATION OF PUERTO RICO'S ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled ``Update on the Restoration of Puerto Rico's Electric Infrastructure''. Testimony was heard from Charles R. Alexander, Director, Contingency Operations and Homeland Security Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Jeffrey Byard, Associate Administrator, Office of Response and Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency; Bruce J. Walker, Assistant Secretary, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.

COMBATING THE OPIOID CRISIS: IMPROVING THE ABILITY OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID TO PROVIDE CARE FOR PATIENTS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health began a hearing entitled ``Combating the Opioid Crisis: Improving the Ability of Medicare and Medicaid to Provide Care for Patients''.

THE 2018 SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION

Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``The 2018 Semi-Annual Report of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection''. Testimony was heard from Mick Mulvaney, Acting Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

FINANCING OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT: THE ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Financing Overseas Development: The Administration's Proposal''. Testimony was heard from Ray W. Washburne, President and Chief Executive Officer, Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

NORTH KOREA'S DIPLOMATIC GAMBIT: WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF?

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific held a hearing entitled ``North Korea's Diplomatic Gambit: Will History Repeat Itself?''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

NO ABDUCTED CHILD LEFT BEHIND: AN UPDATE ON THE GOLDMAN ACT

Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations held a hearing entitled ``No Abducted Child Left Behind: An Update on the Goldman Act''. Testimony was heard from Suzanne Lawrence, Special Advisor for Children's Issues, Office of Children's Issues, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee held a markup on H.R. 5283, to make technical amendments to update statutory references to certain provisions classified to title 7, title 20, and title 43, United States Code; H.R. 5293, to make technical amendments to update statutory references to certain provisions that were formerly classified to title 50, Appendix, United States Code; H.R. 5335, to make technical amendments to update statutory references to provisions reclassified to title 34, United States Code; H.R. 5344, to make technical amendments to update statutory references to certain provisions which were formerly classified to chapters 14 and 19 of title 25, United States Code; and H.R. 5447, the ``Music Modernization Act''. H.R. 5283, H.R. 5293, H.R. 5335, H.R. 5344, and H.R. 5447 were ordered reported, without amendment.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee held a markup on H.R. 3144, to provide for operations of the Federal Columbia River Power System pursuant to a certain operation plan for a specified period of time, and for other purposes; H.R. 3392, the ``Lake Bistineau Land Title Stability Act''; H.R. 3997, the ``Free Veterans from Fees Act''; H.R. 4257, the ``Advancing Conservation and Education Act''; and H.R. 5005, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing the birthplace of James Weldon Johnson in Jacksonville, Florida, as a unit of the National Park System. H.R. 3144 and H.R. 5005 were ordered reported, without amendment. H.R. 3392, H.R. 3997, and H.R. 4257 were ordered reported, as amended.

LEGISLATIVE MEASURES

Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on H.R. 1037, to authorize the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes; H.R. 1791, the ``Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Act''; H.R. 2991, the ``Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act''; and H.R. 3045, the ``Eastern Legacy Extension Act''. Testimony was heard from Representatives Reichert, Smucker, Lynch, and Messer; former Senator Slade Gorton; Joy Beasley, Acting Associate Director, Cultural Resources, Partnerships, and Science, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; Leo S. Lutz, Mayor, Borough of Columbia, Columbia, Pennsylvania; and public witnesses.

LOCAL RESPONSES AND RESOURCES TO CURTAIL THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Healthcare, Benefits and Administrative Rules held a hearing entitled ``Local Responses and Resources to Curtail the Opioid Epidemic''. Testimony was heard from Amy Haskins, Project Director, Jackson County Anti-Drug Coalition, West Virginia; Lisa Roberts, Coordinator, Scioto County Drug Action Team Alliance, Ohio; Derek Siegle, Executive Director, Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program; and Karen Ayala, Lead Staff, DuPage Heroin/Opioid Prevention and Education Task-Force, Illinois.

SCHOLARS OR SPIES: FOREIGN PLOTS TARGETING AMERICA'S RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Subcommittee on Oversight; and Subcommittee on Research and Technology held a joint hearing entitled ``Scholars or Spies: Foreign Plots Targeting America's Research and Development''. Testimony was heard from Michael Wessel, Commissioner, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission; and public witnesses.

THE STATE OF TRADE FOR AMERICA'S SMALL BUSINESSES

Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``The State of Trade for America's Small Businesses''. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a markup on H.R. 1206, to amend title 38, United States Code, to include the cost of applying to an institution of higher learning as part of the benefits provided under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program; H.R. 3023, to amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay reporting fees to educational institutions; H.R. 3940, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for housing stipends and supply fee payments under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for individuals affected by extended school closures due to natural disasters; H.R. 4451, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a five-year extension to the homeless veterans reintegration programs and to provide clarification regarding eligibility for services under such programs; H.R. 4830, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the disapproval of any course of education for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs unless the educational institution providing the course permits individuals to attend or participate in courses pending payment by Department, and for other purposes; H.R. 4835, to extend the pilot program on off-base transition training for veterans and spouses; and H.R. 5044, to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the treatment of certain surviving spouses under the contracting goals and preferences of the Department of Veterans Affairs. H.R. 4830 and H.R. 4451 were ordered reported, as amended. H.R. 1206, H.R. 3023, H.R. 3940, H.R. 4835, and H.R. 5044 were ordered reported, without amendment.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Ways and Means: Full Committee held a markup on H.R. 5446, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict the immediate sale of seized property by the Secretary of the Treasury to perishable goods; H.R. 5444, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modernize and improve the Internal Revenue Service, and for other purposes; H.R. 5445, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to improve cybersecurity and taxpayer identity protection, and modernize the information technology of the Internal Revenue Service, and for other purposes; H.R. 2901, the ``Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Permanence Act of 2017''; H.R. 5440, to require notice from the Secretary of the Treasury in the case of any closure of a Taxpayer Assistance Center; H.R. 5438, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow officers and employees of the Department of the Treasury to provide to taxpayers information regarding low-income taxpayer clinics; legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict the immediate sale of seized property by Secretary of the Treasury to perishable goods; H.R. 5437, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for the issuance of identity protection personal identification numbers; H.R. 5439, to provide for a single point of contact at the Internal Revenue Service for the taxpayers who are victims of tax-related identity theft; legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require electronic filing of the annual returns of exempt organizations and provide for making such returns available for public inspection; H.R. 4403, the ``Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act''; H.R. 1512, the ``Social Security Child Protection Act of 2017''; H.R. 5192, the ``Protecting Children from Identity Theft Act''. H.R. 5444, H.R. 5445, H.R. 2901, H.R. 5440, H.R. 5438, H.R. 5446, H.R. 5437, H.R. 5439, H.R. 5443, H.R. 4403, H.R. 1512, and H.R. 5192 were ordered reported, as amended.

UNLEASHING AMERICA'S ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a hearing to examine unleashing America's economic potential, after receiving testimony from Douglas Holtz-Eakin, American Action Forum, Chad Moutray, National Association of Manufacturers, and Mark J. Mazur, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, all of Washington, D.C.; and Richard Hampton, Circuit Interruption Technology Inc., Rogers, Minnesota.

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the Department of Labor, 10 a.m., SD–124.

Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine the posture of the Department of the Army in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2019 and the Future Years Defense Program, 9:30 a.m., SD–G50.

Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to hold hearings to examine the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's semi-annual report to Congress, 10 a.m., SD–538.

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to hold hearings to examine the 2018 hurricane season, focusing on the status of preparation and response capabilities, 9:45 a.m., SR–253.

Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine the 2018 tax filing season and future Internal Revenue Service challenges, 10 a.m., SD–215.

Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Mike Pompeo, of Kansas, to be Secretary of State, 10:15 a.m., SD–419.

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, to hold hearings to examine the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 10 a.m., SD–342.

Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider S. 994, to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for the protection of community centers with religious affiliation, and the nominations of John B. Nalbandian, of Kentucky, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit, Kari A. Dooley, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut, Dominic W. Lanza, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona, Jill Aiko Otake, to be United States District Judge for the District of Hawaii, Michael Y. Scudder, of Illinois, and Amy J. St. Eve, of Illinois, both to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit, Charles J. Williams, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa, and Joseph H. Hunt, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Attorney General, Timothy A. Garrison, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, Kenji M. Price, to be United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, John Cary Bittick, to be United States Marshal for the Middle District of Georgia, David L. Lyons, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Georgia, and Rodney D. Ostermiller, to be United States Marshal for the District of Montana, all of the Department of Justice, 10 a.m., SD–226.

Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2 p.m., SH–219.

Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, budget hearing on the Smithsonian Institution, 9:30 a.m., 2007 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, budget hearing entitled ``Investments in our Health Workforce and Rural Communities'', 10 a.m., 2358–C Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, budget hearing on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 10 a.m., H–309 Capitol.

Subcommittee on Defense, budget hearing on the U.S. National Guard and Reserve, 10 a.m., H–140 Capitol.

Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, budget hearing on the Government Publishing Office, 10 a.m., HT–2 Capitol.

Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, budget hearing on Energy, Installations, and Environment, 10 a.m., 2362–A Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Homeland Security, budget hearing on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, budget hearing on the Architect of the Capitol, 2 p.m., HT–2 Capitol.

Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, budget hearing on the Department of Transportation, 2 p.m., 2358–A Rayburn.

Committee on Armed Services, Full Committee, hearing entitled ``The Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the Department of Defense'', 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, hearing entitled ``Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request for Combat Aviation Programs'', 2 p.m., 2212 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, hearing entitled ``355 Ship Navy: Delivering the Right Capabilities'', 3:30 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.

Committee on the Budget, Full Committee, hearing entitled ``The Congressional Budget Office's Budget and Economic Outlook'', 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth.

Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, continue hearing entitled ``Combating the Opioid Crisis: Improving the Ability of Medicare and Medicaid to Provide Care for Patients'', 10:15 a.m., 2322 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Energy, hearing entitled ``The Fiscal Year 2019 Department of Energy Budget'', 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.

Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Federal Housing Finance Agency'', 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee, hearing on H.R. 4311, the ``Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2017'', 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn.

Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency, hearing entitled ``Building for the Future: Examining Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security's Consolidated Headquarters Project'', 10 a.m., HVC–210.

Subcommittee on Transportation and Protective Security, hearing entitled ``Examining the President's FY 2019 Budget Request for the Transportation Security Administration'', 2 p.m., HVC–210.

Committee on House Administration, Full Committee, markup on H.R. 4631, the ``Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act''; and H.R. 5305, the ``FDLP Modernization Act of 2018'', 11 a.m., 1310 Longworth.

Full Committee, hearing entitled ``Examining the Role of Shared Employees in the House'', 11 a.m., 1310 Longworth.

Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law, hearing on legislation on the Permitting Litigation Efficiency Act of 2018; and H.R. 4423, the ``North Texas Water Supply Security Act of 2017'', 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.

Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans, hearing entitled ``Examining the Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Spending, Priorities and Missions of the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Four Power Marketing Administrations'', 2 p.m., 1324 Longworth.

Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, hearing entitled ``The Benefits of the Navajo Generation Station on Local Economies'', 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Government Operations; and Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Affairs, joint hearing entitled ``Improper Payments in State-Administered Programs: Medicaid'', 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on National Security, hearing entitled ``A `Caravan' of Illegal Immigrants: A Test of U.S. Borders'', 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.

Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations, hearing entitled ``Community Support: Entrepreneurial Development and Beyond'', 11 a.m., 2360 Rayburn.

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Full Committee, markup on H.R. 5294, the ``Treating Barriers to Prosperity Act of 2018''; H.R. 3288, the ``Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2017''; H. Con. Res. 115, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition; H. Con. Res. 113, authorizing the use of Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; legislation on the General Services Administration Capital Investment and Leasing Program; H.R. 4177, the ``PREPARE Act of 2017''; H.R. 5319, to transfer Coast Guard property in the Town of Jupiter Island, Florida, for inclusion in Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge; H.R. 5326, the ``Maritime Technical Corrections Act of 2018''; and H.R. 4673, the ``Promoting Women in the Aviation Workforce Act'', 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.

Committee on Ways and Means, Full Committee, hearing entitled ``Hearing on the Effects of Tariff Increases on the U.S. Economy and Jobs'', 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth.

Subcommittee on Human Resources, hearing entitled ``Jobs and Opportunity: Local Perspectives on the Jobs Gap'', 2 p.m., 1100 Longworth.

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Department of Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture, hearing entitled ``Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Hearing'', 9 a.m., HVC–304. This hearing will be closed.

Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consideration of the nomination of Patrick Pizzella, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Labor, post-cloture, and vote on confirmation of the nomination at 9:30 a.m.

Following disposition of the nomination of Patrick Pizzella, Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Andrew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Program for Thursday: Consideration of the following measure under suspension of the Rules: H.J. Res. 2--Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

HOUSE

Banks, Jim, Ind., E431

Blum, Rod, Iowa, E429

Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E434

Brady, Robert A., Pa., E434

Brooks, Susan W., Ind., E429

Buck, Ken, Colo., E430, E433

Carter, Earl L. ``Buddy'', Ga., E431

Faso, John J., N.Y., E433

Fitzpatrick, Brian K., Pa., E436

Gutiérrez, Luis V., Ill., E430

Harris, Andy, Md., E433

Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E435

Hoyer, Steny H., Md., E431, E434

Hultgren, Randy, Ill., E434

Jenkins, Evan H., W.Va., E433

Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E430

Luetkemeyer, Blaine, Mo., E431

Lujan Grisham, Michelle, N.M., E434

Moore, Gwen, Wisc., E431

Norton, Eleanor Holmes, The District of Columbia, E435

Rogers, Harold, Ky., E429

Rohrabacher, Dana, Calif., E431

Rooney, Francis, Fla., E429, E430

Rosen, Jacky, Nev., E433

Ryan, Tim, Ohio, E435

Shimkus, John, Ill., E433, E435

Thompson, Bennie G., Miss., E429, E432, E433

Walker, Mark, N.C., E436

Wilson, Frederica S., Fla., E436