Thursday, March 15, 2007 [[Page D338]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS: Senate agreed to S. Res. 107, Iraq Resolution. Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 20, Iraq Resolution. Senate rejected S. J. Res. 9, Iraq Resolution. House committees ordered reported 15 sundry measures, including the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S3149-S3237 Measures Introduced: Twenty-three bills and five resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 888-910, S. Res. 107-110, and S. Con. Res. 20. Pages S3199-S3200 Measures Reported: S. Res. 95, designating March 25, 2007, as ``Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy''. S. Res. 96, expressing the sense of the Senate that Harriett Woods will be remembered as a pioneer in women's politics. S. J. Res. 5, proclaiming Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the United States posthumously. S. Con. Res. 14, commemorating the 85th anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, a leading association for the 1,300,000 United States citizens of Greek ancestry and Philhellenes in the United States. Pages S3198-99 Measures Passed: Iraq Resolution: By 96 yeas to 2 nays (Vote No. 76), Senate agreed to S. Res. 107, expressing the sense of the Senate that no action should be taken to undermine the safety of the Armed Forces of the United States or impact their ability to complete their assigned or future missions. Pages S3187-88 Iraq Resolution: By 82 yeas to 16 nays (Vote No. 77), Senate began consideration of S. Con. Res. 20, a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that no funds should be cut off or reduced for American Troops in the field which would result in undermining their safety or their ability to complete their assigned mission. Page S3188 Greek Independence Day: Senate agreed to S. Res. 95, designating March 25, 2007, as ``Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy''. Pages S3228-29 Congratulating the University of Alaska Fairbanks Rifle Team: Senate agreed to S. Res. 109, congratulating the University of Alaska Fairbanks rifle team for winning the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Rifle Championship. Page S3229 American National Red Cross Governance Modernization Act: Senate passed S. 655, to amend the Congressional Charter of The American National Red Cross to modernize its governance structure, to enhance the ability of the board of governors of The American National Red Cross to support the critical mission of The American National Red Cross in the 21st century, after agreeing to the committee amendment. Pages S3229-34 United States-Poland Parliamentary Youth Exchange Program Act: Senate passed S. 377, to establish a United States-Poland parliamentary youth exchange program. Page S3234 NATO Freedom Consolidation Act: Senate passed S. 494, to endorse further enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and to facilitate the timely admission of new members to NATO, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Reid (for Biden) Amendment No. 462, to clarify references to Macedonia. Pages S3234-36 Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation: Senate passed S. 676, to provide that the Executive Director of the Inter-American Development [[Page D339]] Bank or the Alternate Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank may serve on the Board of Directors of the Inter- American Foundation. Page S3236 Calling on the Government of the United Kingdom: Committee on Foreign Relations was discharged from further consideration of H. Con. Res. 20, calling on the Government of the United Kingdom to immediately establish a full, independent, and public judicial inquiry into the murder of Northern Ireland defense attorney Patrick Finucane, as recommended by Judge Peter Cory as part of the Weston Park Agreement, in order to move forward on the Northern Ireland peace process, and the resolution was then agreed to, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S3236-37 Reid (for Biden) Amendment No. 463, of a technical nature. Page S3237 Measures Rejected: Iraq Resolution: By 48 yeas to 50 nays (Vote No. 75), Senate rejected S.J. Res. 9, to revise United States policy on Iraq, after agreeing to the motion to proceed. Pursuant to the unanimous-consent agreement of Thursday, March 15, 2007, requiring 60 votes for the adoption of the joint resolution, the vote was vitiated and the joint resolution was returned to the calendar. Pages S3162-88 Committee on the Budget--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that on Friday, March 16, 2007, notwithstanding the adjournment of the Senate, that Committee on the Budget be permitted to report the concurrent budget resolution during the hours of 10 until 12 noon. Page S3237 Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2007, Senate begin consideration of S. 214, to amend chapter 35 of title 28, United States Code, to preserve the independence of United States attorneys; that the bill be considered under certain limitations and that certain amendments be in order; that there be 6 hours of debate equally divided and controlled by the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on the Judiciary; that on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, Senate vote on, or in relation to, certain amendments; that upon disposition of all amendments, Senate vote on final passage of the bill; provided further, that the motion to invoke cloture on the bill be withdrawn. Pages S3161-62 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations: By unanimous vote of 95 yeas (Vote No. EX. 78), Thomas M. Hardiman, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit. Pages S3188-92, S3237 John Preston Bailey, of West Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia. Pages S3188, S3191, S3237 Otis D. Wright, II, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California. Pages S3188, S3190-91, S3237 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: Dell L. Dailey, of South Dakota, to be Coordinator for Counterterrorism, with the rank and status of Ambassador at Large. Mark P. Lagon, of Virginia, to be Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, with the rank of Ambassador at Large. Henry Bonilla, of Texas, to be Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the Organization of American States, with the rank of Ambassador. William R. Brownfield, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia. Phillip Carter, III, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea. Hans G. Klemm, of Michigan, to be Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. Stephen W. Porter, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts for a term expiring September 3, 2012. Page S3237 Messages From the House: Page S3198 Measures Referred: Page S3198 Executive Reports of Committees: Pages S3198-99 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S3200-01 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S3201-27 Additional Statements: Pages S3195-98 Amendments Submitted: Page S3227 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S3227 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S3227-28 Privileges of the Floor: Page S3228 Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. (Total--78) Pages S3187, S3188, S3192 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned at 6:31 p.m., until 2 p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2007. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on page S3237.) [[Page D340]] Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) FHA Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine solvency and reform proposals for the Federal Housing Administration, after receiving testimony from Brian D. Montgomery, Assistant Secretary for Housing, Federal Housing Commissioner, and Kenneth M. Donohue, Inspector General, both of the Department of Housing and Urban Development; William B. Shear, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, Government Accountability Office; and JoAnne Poole, National Association of Realtors, and John M. Robbins, Mortgage Bankers Association, both of Washington, D.C. INTERNATIONAL FOOD ASSISTANCE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine international food assistance, after receiving testimony from Mark Keenum, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; James Kunder, Deputy Administrator, United States Agency for International Development; James Morris, United Nations World Food Programme, Rome, Italy; Walter Middleton, World Vision International, Federal Way, Washington; Cindy Brown, Chippewa Valley Bean Company, Inc., Menomonie, Wisconsin; Daniel Kuot, Chicago, Illinois; and Abass Mohamed, Princeton, New Jersey. APPROPRIATIONS: NASA Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, after receiving testimony from Michael D. Griffin, Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. APPROPRIATIONS: ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEER/DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008, after receiving testimony in behalf of funds for their respective activities from John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and Lieutenant General Carl Strock, Chief of Engineers, both of the Army Corps of Engineers; Robert Johnson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, and Mark Limbaugh, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, both of the Department of the Interior. APPROPRIATIONS: INTELLIGENCE SUPPLEMENTAL Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded a closed hearing to examine the fiscal year 2007 Intelligence community supplemental request, after receiving testimony from Patrick Kennedy, Deputy Director for Management, Mary Margaret Graham, Deputy Director for Collection, and Tom Fingar, Deputy Director for Analysis, all of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BUDGET Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the posture of the United States Army in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2008 and the future years Defense Program, after receiving testimony from Preston M. Geren, III, Acting Secretary, General Peter J. Schoomaker, USA, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General James J. Lovelace, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Lieutenant General Jack C. Stultz, Commanding General, United States Army Reserve Command, all of the United States Army; and Lieutenant Colonel Coll S. Haddon, Deputy Director, Operations Program Manager, Future Combat Systems, Brigade Combat Team. NOMINATIONS Committee on Armed Services: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Lieutenant General Robert L. Van Antwerp, USA, for reappointment to the grade of lieutenant general and to be Chief of Engineers/Commanding General, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Admiral Timothy J. Keating, USN, for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Commander, United States Pacific Command, Lieutenant General Victor E. Renuart, Jr., USAF, for appointment to be general and to be Commander, United States Northern Command/Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command, and Lieutenant General Peter W. Chiarelli, USA, for appointment to be lieutenant general and Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. 2008: BUDGET Committee on the Budget: Committee ordered favorably reported an original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012. [[Page D341]] ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS BUDGET Committee on Environment and Public Works: Subcommittee on Transportation Safety, Infrastructure Security, and Water Quality concluded a hearing to examine water resources needs and the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2008 for the Army Corps of Engineers, after receiving testimony from Senator Feingold; John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works; Pamela Mayer Pogue, Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, Cranston, on behalf of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, Inc.; James Williams, Nature Conservancy of Montana, Helena; and Doug J. Marchand, Georgia Ports Authority, Savannah, on behalf of the American Association of Port Authorities. NOMINATIONS Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Nominations of Zalmay Khalilzad to be a Representative to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador, and the Representative in the Security Council of the United Nations, and to be a Representative to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations during his tenure of service as Representative to the United Nations, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senators Lieberman and Hagel, testified and answered questions in his own behalf. NOMINATION Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Gregory B. Cade, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, Department of Homeland Security, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senator Warner, testified and answered questions in his own behalf. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee ordered favorably reported: S. 624, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide waivers relating to grants for preventive health measures with respect to breast and cervical cancers, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 657, to amend the Public Health Service Act to add requirements regarding trauma care, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 845, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand and intensify programs with respect to research and related activities concerning elder falls, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and The nomination of W. Craig Vanderwagen, of Maryland, to be Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Department of Health and Human Services. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on the Judiciary: Committee ordered favorably reported the following business items: S. 261, to amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting, with an amendment; S. 231, to authorize the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012; S. 368, to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to enhance the COPS ON THE BEAT grant program; S. 627, to amend the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to improve the health and well-being of maltreated infants and toddlers through the creation of a National Court Teams Resource Center, to assist local Court Teams; S. 863, to amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency funds; S. Con. Res. 14, commemorating the 85th anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, a leading association for the 1,300,000 United States citizens of Greek ancestry and Philhellenes in the United States; S.J. Res. 5, proclaiming Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the United States posthumously; S. Res. 95, designating March 25, 2007, as ``Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy''; S. Res. 96, expressing the sense of the Senate that Harriett Woods will be remembered as a pioneer in women's politics; and The nomination of John Wood, of Missouri, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. Also, committee began consideration of S. 236, to require reports to Congress on Federal agency use of data mining, and S. 376, to amend title 18, United States Code, to improve the provisions relating to the carrying of concealed weapons by law enforcement officers, but did not complete action thereon, and recessed subject to the call of the Chair. INTELLIGENCE Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony from officials of the intelligence community. Committee recessed subject to the call. [[Page D342]] House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 27 public bills, H.R. 1530- 1556; 1 private bill, H.R. 1557; and 8 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 92-93; and H. Res. 247-252 were introduced. Pages H2619-21 Additional Cosponsors: Page H2621 Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: H.R. 835, to reauthorize the programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing assistance for Native Hawaiians (H. Rept. 110-50). Page H2619 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Solis to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Page H2573 Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rabbi Shea Harlig, Chabad of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada. Page H2573 Accountability in Contracting Act: The House passed H.R. 1362, to reform acquisition practices of the Federal Government, by a recorded vote of 347 ayes to 73 noes, Roll No. 156. Pages H2575-97 Agreed to the Representative Tom Davis (VA) motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment, by a yea-and-nay vote of 309 yeas to 114 nays, Roll No. 155. Subsequently, Representative Waxman reported the bill back to the House with an amendment and the amendment was agreed to. Pages H2595-97 Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of H. Rept. 110-49 shall be considered as the original bill for the purpose of further amendment. Page H2575 Agreed to: Matheson amendment (No. 1 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-49) that provides Congress with prior notice of any sole source contract expected to be awarded to a foreign-owned company that is based in or has majority operations in a country known to sponsor terrorist activity, with the intent of allowing Congress to review and comment on the proposed contract and Pages H2592-93 Castle amendment (No. 2 printed in part B of H. Rept. 110-49) that requires the Office of Government Ethics to submit recommendations on requiring government contractors and federally funded research and development centers that advise the government to comply with personal financial interest restrictions. Pages H2593-95 H. Res. 242, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 223 yeas to 190 nays, Roll No. 154, after agreeing to order the previous question. Pages H2575-78 Meeting Hour: Agreed that when the House adjourns today, it adjourns to meet at noon on Friday, March 16th; when the House adjourns on that day, it adjourns to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 19th for Morning Hour debate; and further, when the House adjourns on Thursday, March 22nd, it adjourns to meet at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 23rd. Pages H2598-99 Calendar Wednesday: Agreed to dispense with the Calendar Wednesday business of Wednesday, March 21st. Page H2599 Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe--Appointment: The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of the following Members of the House of Representatives, in addition to Representative Hastings (FL), Chairman, to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Representatives Slaughter, McIntyre, Solis, Butterfield, Smith (NJ), Aderholt, Pence, and Pitts. Page H2599 Quorum Calls--Votes: Two yea-and-nay votes and one recorded vote developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H2578, H2596, H2597. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned at 5:20 p.m. Committee Meetings EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2007 Committee on Appropriations: Ordered reported, as amended, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007. The Committee also approved the Report on the Revised Suballocation of Budget Allocations for Fiscal Year 2007. EUROPEAN COMMAND; JOINT FORCES COMMAND BUDGET Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the U.S. European Command and Joint Forces Command. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: GEN Bantz J. Craddock, USA, Commander, U.S. European Command, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe; and GEN Lance Smith, USAF, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command, [[Page D343]] NATO Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation. MILITARY ADVOCACY/BENEFICARY GROUPS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel continued hearings on views of military advocacy and beneficiary groups. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. SHIP CONSTRUCTION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces held a hearing on the Federal ship construction loan guarantee program. Testimony was heard from Sean Connaughton, Administrator, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation; and public witnesses. EMPLOYER-PROVIDED HEALTH BENEFITS Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on Examining Innovative Approaches to Covering the Uninsured Through Employer-Provided Health Benefits. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 251, amended, Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007; H.R. 477, amended, Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act; H.R. 727, Trauma Care Systems Planning and Development Act of 2007; H.R. 545, Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act of 2007; and H.R. 1132, amended, National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act of 2007. COMBATING SPYWARE Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled ``Combating Spyware: The Spy Act.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CLIMATE CHANGE: STATE AND LOCAL PERSPECTIVES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled ``Climate Change: State and Local Perspectives.'' Testimony was heard from Lisa P. Jackson, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection, State of New Jersey; Linda Adams, Secretary, Environmental Protection Agency, State of California; Julie Caruthers Parsley, Commissioner, Public Utility Commission, State of Texas; Ron Curry, Secretary, Environment Department, State of New Mexico; and Patrick McCrory, Mayor, City of Charlotte, North Carolina. LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS--GSE REFORM Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing entitled ``Legislative Proposals on GSE Reform.'' Testimony was heard from Robert Steel, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance, Department of the Treasury; the following officials of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: James B. Lockhart, III, Director, Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight; and L. Carter Carnick, General Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and public witnesses. U.S. POLICY TOWARD SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment held a hearing on U.S. Policy Toward South Pacific Island Nations, Including Australia and New Zealand. Testimony was heard from Glyn Davies, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State. U.S.-TURKISH RELATIONS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on U.S.-Turkish Relations and the Challenges Ahead. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: Daniel Fried, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs; and GEN Joseph W. Ralston USAF (Ret.), Special Envoy, Countering the Kurdistan Worker's Party; and Dan Fata, Deputy Assistant Secretary, European and NATO Affairs, Department of Defense. IRANIAN NUCLEAR CRISIS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held a joint hearing on Iranian Nuclear Crisis: Latest Developments and Next Steps. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. FEMA DISASTER RESPONSE Committee on Homeland Security: Held a hearing entitled ``Disaster Declarations: Where Is FEMA in a Time of Need?'' Testimony was heard from VADM Harvey Johnson, USCG, Deputy Director, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; Mike Beebe, Governor, State of Arkansas; and Bruce Baughman, Director, Emergency Management Agency, State of Alabama. [[Page D344]] BORDER CROSSINGS; IMMIGRANTS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism held a hearing entitled ``Crossing the Border: Immigrants in Detention and Victims of Trafficking.'' Testimony was heard from John P. Torres, Director, Office of Detention and Removal Operations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. ELECTION REFORM Committee on House Administration: Subcommittee on Elections held a hearing on Election Reform ``Machines and Software.'' Testimony was heard from Eric Clark, Secretary of State, Mississippi; and a public witnesses. Hearings continue March 20. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 580, amended, To amend chapter 35 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for a 120-day limit to the term of a United States attorney appointed on an interim basis by the Attorney General; H.R. 1433, District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007; and pending Committee business. The Committee also approved pending Committee business. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 713, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 754, To designate the National Museum of Wildlife Art, located at 2820 Rungius Road, Jackson, Wyoming, as the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States; and H.R. 929, Land Between the Rivers Southern Illinois National Heritage Area Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representatives Slaughter and Cubin; Janet Snyder Matthews, Associate Director, Cultural Resources, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; and public witnesses. NASA's FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET REQUEST Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on NASA's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request. Testimony was heard from Michael Griffin, Administrator, NASA. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Small Business: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 1361, RECOVER Act; H.R. 1332, amended, Small Business Lending Improvements Act of 2007; and H.R. 1468, Disadvantages Business Disaster Eligibility Act. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1495, Water Resources Development Act of 2007. The Committee also approved pending Committee business. VETERANS MEASURES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 327, Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act; H.R. 797, amended, Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act; and H.R. 1284, Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007. TRAUMATIC BRAIN AND POLY-TRAUMA CENTERS Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on Traumatic Brain and Poly-trauma Centers. Testimony was heard from Barbara Sigford, National Program Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; representatives of veterans organizations; and public witnesses. AMERICAN WORKERS--ECONOMIC SECURITY Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on Increasing Economic Security for American Workers. Testimony was heard from former Secretary of Labor Robert B. Reich; and public witnesses. NONMARKET ECONOMY TRADE REMEDY ACT Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on H.R. 1229, Nonmarket Economy Trade Remedy Act of 2007. Testimony was heard from Representative Visclosky; David M. Spooner, Assistant Secretary, Import Administration, International Trade Administration; and public witnesses. CIA BRIEFING; GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a CIA briefing. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. The Committee also met in executive session to hold a hearing on Geospatial Intelligence. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. [[Page D345]] NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D 297) H.R. 521, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2633 11th Street in Rock Island, Illinois, as the ``Lane Evans Post Office Building''. Signed on March 15, 2007 (Public Law 110-12) COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2007 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for the fiscal year 2008 for the Government Accountability Office, Government Printing Office, Congressional Budget Office, and the Office of Compliance, 10 a.m., SD-138. House Committee on Oversight and Reform, hearing on White House Procedures for Safeguarding Classified Information, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. CONGRESSIONAL PROGRAM AHEAD Week of March 19 through March 24, 2007 Senate Chamber On Monday, at 2 p.m., S. 214, Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act and consider certain amendments. On Tuesday, Senate will vote on final passage of S. 214, Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act, upon disposition of all amendments. During the balance of the week, Senate may consider any cleared legislative and executive business. Senate Committees (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: March 21, to hold hearings to examine the performance of the United States trade and food aid programs for the 2007 Farm Bill, 9:30 a.m., SR-328A. Committee on Appropriations: March 19, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for the National Institutes of Health, 1 p.m., SH-216. March 20, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for the Department of the Interior, 10 a.m., SD- 124. March 21, Subcommittee on Defense, to hold hearings to examine the proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2007 for the United States Air Force, 10:30 a.m., SD-192. March 21, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for the Department of Energy, 2 p.m., SD-138. March 21, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for the Federal Judiciary, 3 p.m., SD-192. March 22, Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2008 for Military Construction, 10 a.m., SD-124. March 22, Full Committee, business meeting to mark up the Supplemental Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2007, 1 p.m., SD- 106. Committee on Armed Services: March 20, to receive testimony on the the United States Air Force in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2008 and the future years Defense Program, 9:30 a.m., SR-325. March 21, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, to receive testimony on nuclear and strategic policy options, 10:30 a.m., SR-222. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: March 21, to hold hearings to examine assessing the effectiveness of the current United States sanctions on Iran relating to minimizing potential threats from Iran, 9 a.m., SD-538. March 22, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine causes and consequences relating to mortgage market turmoil, 10 a.m., SD-538. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: March 20, Subcommittee on Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism, to continue hearings to examine economic and safety concerns relating to promoting travel to America (Part II), 10 a.m., SR-253. March 20, Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Innovation, to hold hearings to examine energy innovation, 2:30 p.m., SR-253. March 21, Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Automotive Safety, to hold an oversight hearing to examine the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 10:30 a.m., SR-253. March 22, Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, to hold hearings to examine the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) modernization, 9:30 a.m., SR-253. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: March 20, to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Stephen Jeffrey Isakowitz, of Virginia, to be Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Energy, 10 a.m., SD-366. March 20, Subcommittee on National Parks, to hold hearings to examine S. 126, to modify the boundary of Mesa Verde National Park, S. 257, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing the Columbia-Pacific National Heritage Area in the States of Washington and Oregon, S. 289, to establish the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, S. 443, to establish the Sangre [[Page D346]] de Cristo National Heritage Area in the State of Colorado, S. 444, to establish the South Park National Heritage Area in the State of Colorado, S. 500, to establish the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino to develop a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of a National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, DC, H.R. 512, to establish the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of the American Latino to develop a plan of action for the establishment and maintenance of a National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, DC, S. 637, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Chattahoochee Trace National Heritage Corridor in Alabama and Georgia, S. 817, to amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to provide additional authorizations for certain National Heritage Areas, and for other proposes; and S. Con. Res. 6, expressing the sense of Congress that the National Museum of Wildlife Art, located in Jackson, Wyoming, should be designated as the ``National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States'', 2:30 p.m., SD-366. March 22, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the ``Future of Coal'' report recently published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2:30 p.m., SD-366. Committee on Environment and Public Works: March 21, to hold hearings to examine Vice President Al Gore's perspective on global warming, 2:30 p.m., SD-106. Committee on Finance: March 20, to receive testimony on identifying needs, partnerships, and resources relating to a competitive education, 10 a.m., SD-215. Committee on Foreign Relations: March 20, to hold hearings to examine Chad and the Central African Republic, focusing on the regional impact of the Darfur crisis, 10 a.m., SD-419. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: March 20, Subcommittee on Retirement and Aging, to hold hearings to examine the state of Alzheimer's disease research 100 years later, 10 a.m., SH-216. March 21, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine a review of treatment, diagnosis, and monitoring efforts, focusing on the long- term health impacts from September 11, 10 a.m., SH-216. March 22, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine ensuring safe medicines and medical devices for children, 10 a.m., SD-430. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: March 20, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, to continue hearings to examine Medicare doctors who cheat on their taxes and efforts to address the problem, 2:30 p.m., SD-342. March 21, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine an overview of the Government Accountability Office Assistance to Congressional Oversight, focusing on past work and future challenges and opportunities, 9:30 a.m., SD-342. March 22, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine deconstructing reconstruction, focusing on problems, challenges, and the way forward in Iraq and Afghanistan, 10 a.m., SD-342. March 22, Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to hold hearings to examine a review of the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of the Special Counsel, focusing on the safeguarding of the merit systems principles in preparation for the consideration of the reauthorization of the two agencies, 2:30 p.m., SD-342. Committee on Indian Affairs: March 22, to hold an oversight hearing to examine Indian housing, 9:45 a.m., SR-485. Committee on the Judiciary: March 20, to hold hearings to examine combating war profiteering, focusing on investigating and prosecuting contracting fraud and abuse in Iraq, 10 a.m., SD-226. March 20, Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, to hold hearings to examine monopoly or competition from new technologies relating to the XM-Sirius merger, 2:15 p.m., SD-226. March 21, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the Inspector General's findings of the improper use of the National Security Letters by the Federal Bureau of Investigation relating to the misuse of the Patriot Act powers, 10 a.m., SD-226. March 21, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security, to hold hearings to examine recent developments involving the security of sensitive consumer information relating to identity theft and solutions for an evolving problem, 2:30 p.m., SD-226. Select Committee on Intelligence: March 20, to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. March 22, Full Committee, to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. House Committees Committee on Agriculture, March 21, Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture, hearing to review the USDA rural development programs and the agency's rural development proposal for the 2007 Farm Bill, 10 a.m., 1302 Longworth. Committee on Appropriations, March 19, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, on OMB, 2 p.m., 2220 Rayburn. March 19, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, on Employment and Training Administration/Office of Job Corps/Veterans' Training/Vocational and Adult Education, 2 p.m., 2359 Rayburn. March 19, Subcommittee on Select Intelligence Oversight, executive, on National Reconnaissance Office Budget, 5 p.m., H-140 Capitol. March 20, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, on Research and Economics, 1 p.m., 2362A Rayburn. March 20, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, on Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, 10 a.m., and on International [[Page D347]] Trade Administration/Bureau of Industry and Security, 2 p.m., H-310 Capital. March 20, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies, on Department of Energy: Energy Supply and Conservation/Fossil Energy/Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, 10 a.m., 2362B Rayburn. March 20, Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Determining Critical Infrastructure and How To Protect It, 10 a.m., 2358 Rayburn. March 20, Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, and Related Agencies, on National Endowment for the Humanities/National Endowment for the Arts, 9:30 a.m., B-308 Rayburn. March 20, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, on Worker Protection Agencies, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. March 20, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, on Library of Congress: Future of Digital Libraries, 1:30 p.m., H-144 Capitol. March 20, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies, on Base Realignment and Closure, 9:30 a.m., and on VA Long-Term Health/Nursing Home Care, 1:30 p.m., H-143 Capitol. March 21, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, on NOAA, 10 a.m., 2237 Rayburn, and on Department of Justice Overview, 2 p.m., H-310 Capitol. March 21, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, on Federal Judiciary, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Enhancing Privacy and Civil Rights While Meeting Homeland Security Needs, 10 a.m., 2362A Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, on Holocaust Museum/National Gallery of Art/Commission on Fine Arts/National Capital Planning Commission/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, 9:30 a.m., B-308 Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies, on Public Witnesses, 2 p.m., H-143 Capitol. March 21, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, on International Affairs Budget, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies, on Project-Based and Tenant-Based Section 8, 10 a.m., 2358 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, on Conditions and Trends in Rural Communities, 10 a.m., and on Rural Development, 1 p.m., 2362A Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, on Attorney General, 10 a.m., 2216 Rayburn, and on DEA/ Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 2 p.m., H-310 Capitol. March 22, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies, on Department of Energy: Nuclear Nonproliferation, 10 a.m, 2362B Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, on Small Business Administration, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, on Minerals Management Service/Office of Surface Mining, 9:30 a..m., B-308 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, on Library of Congress and Open World: Budget, 10 a.m, H-144 Capitol. March 22, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies, on Army Budget, 2 p.m., H-143 Capitol. March 22, Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies, on FAA, 10 a.m., 2358 Rayburn. March 23, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, on Kennedy Center/Woodrow Wilson Center/Presidio Trust/ White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance, 9:30 a.m., B-308 Rayburn. March 23, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, on Secretary of Labor, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. Committee on Armed Services, March 20, to mark up the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007, 4:30 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. March 20, Subcommittee on Readiness, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Requests for military construction, family housing, base closures and facilities' operations and maintenance, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. March 20, Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces, hearing on U.S. shipyard modernization initiatives and ship cost reduction, 2 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. March 20, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for the Department of Energy's atomic energy defense activities, 10 a.m., 2212 Rayburn. March 21, full Committee, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the U.S. Strategic Command, Northern Command, Transportation Command, and Southern Command, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities, hearing on Department of Defense counterproliferation, counterterrorism, and science and technology priorities, 2 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces and the Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces, hearing on Department of Defense Aircraft Programs, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. March 23, full Committee, hearing on the Second Report to Congress by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, 11 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. March 23, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, hearing on Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Budget Request and the status of space activities, 9 a.m., 2212 Rayburn. [[Page D348]] Committee on Education and Labor, March 21, hearing on ESEA Reauthorization: Options for Improving NCLB's Measures of Progress, 10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. March 22, hearing on the BP-Texas City Disaster and Worker Safety, 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness, hearing on The Higher Education Act: Approaches to College Preparation, 1:30 p.m., 2175 Rayburn. March 23, Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, hearing on Impact of NCLB on English Language Learners, 9:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, March 20, Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, hearing on Climate Change: Perspectives of Utility CEOs, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality and the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the Committee on Science and Technology, joint hearing entitled ``Perspectives on Climate Change,'' 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, to continue hearings on The Adequacy of FDA Efforts To Assure the Safety of the Drug Supply, Part II, 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, March 20, Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology, hearing on H.R. 180, Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007, 1 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. March 23, full Committee, hearing on the Role of Public Investment in Promoting Economic Growth, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, March 20, hearing on Proposed Legislation on Iraq, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. March 20, Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, hearing on Welcome to America?, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, hearing on the Global Threat of Drug-Resistant TB: A Call to Action for World TB Day, 3 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia, hearing on U.S. Policy Toward Pakistan, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. March 22, full Committee, hearing on Foreign Policy and National Security Implications of Oil Dependence, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, hearing on Prospects for Peace in Guinea, 2 p.m., 2200 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight, hearing on Polling Data on European Opinion of American Policies, Values and People, 3 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, March 20, hearing entitled ``Organizational and Policy Proposals for the Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Homeland Security Authorization: Positioning US-VISIT for Success and Establishing a Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Process,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. March 20, Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, to continue hearings entitled ``Crossing the Border: Immigrants in Detention and Victims of Trafficking,'' 3 p.m., 311 Cannon. March 21, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, hearing entitled ``Countering the Nuclear Threat to the Homeland: Evaluating the Deployment of Radiation Detection Technologies,'' 2 p.m., 1539 Longworth. March 21, full Committee, hearing entitled ``Securing LNG Tankers To Protect the Homeland,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. March 22, Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment, hearing entitled ``Over-classification and Pseudo-classification: The Impact on Information Sharing,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. March 23, Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection and the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, Science and Technology, joint hearing entitled ``Foreign Ownership: Impact on Data Controls and Critical Infrastructure,'' 10 a.m., room to be announced. Committee on House Administration, March 20, Subcommittee on Elections, to continue hearings on Election Reform: Auditing Federal Elections, 2 p.m., 1310 Longworth. Committee on the Judiciary, March 20, hearing on the Inspector General's Independent Report on the FBI's Use of National Security Letters, 9:30 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. March 20, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, hearing on the Second Chance Act of 2007, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, hearing on Changing Tides: Exploring the Current State of Civil Rights Enforcement Within the Department of Justice and an oversight hearing on the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, 10 a.m., 2237 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, hearing on Reforming Section 115 of the Copyright Act for the Digital Age, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, March 20, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, oversight hearing on the effect of global climate change on public lands and resources as a result of federal energy policies and actions, 2 p.m., 1334 Longworth. March 22, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 900, Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007; and H.R. 1230, Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act of 2007, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. March 20, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Lands, oversight hearing on Yellowstone National Park Bison, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, March 19, hearing on Allegations of Political Interference with Government Climate Change Science, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. [[Page D349]] March 20, full Committee, Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, hearing on Federal Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2006: Fiscal Outlook, Management Weaknesses and Consequences, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, hearing on Foreclosure, Predatory Mortgage and Payday Lending in America's Cities, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Policy, Postal Service and the District of Columbia, hearing on H.R. 1124, To extend the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999, 2 p.m., 2247 Rayburn. Committee on Rules, March 19, to consider H.R. 1227, Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery Act of 2007, 5 p.m., H-313 Capitol. Committee on Science and Technology, March 20, Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, hearing on National Science Foundation Reauthorization, Part I, 10:30 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, hearing on FAA's Research and Development Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2008, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, hearing on NOAA Fiscal Year 2008 Budget, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, March 21, Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology, hearing on Federal Government Efforts in Contracting with Women-Owned Businesses, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, March 20, Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, hearing on Motorcoach Safety, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Aviation, hearing on the Federal Aviation Administration's Financing Proposal, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. March 21, Subcommittee on Aviation, hearing on A Review of Federal Aviation Administration Operational and Safety Programs, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, March 22, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, hearing on Education Benefits for National Guard and Reserve members, 2 p.m., 349 Cannon. Committee on Ways and Means, March 20, Subcommittee on Oversight, hearing on IRS operations, the 2007 tax return filing season, and the tax gap, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth. March 20, Subcommittee on Trade, hearing on negotiations to complete a free trade agreement between South Korea and the U.S., 2 p.m., 1100 Longworth. March 21, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on the Medicare Advantage Program, 2 p.m., 1100 Longworth. March 22, Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, hearing on the Alternative Minimum Tax, 10 a.m., B-318 Rayburn. March 22, Subcommittee Income Security and Family Support, hearing on assistance for elderly and disabled refugees, 12:30 p.m., B-318 Rayburn. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. The public proceedings of each House of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are printed pursuant to directions of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed one time. Public access to the Congressional Record is available online through GPO Access, a service of the Government Printing Office, free of charge to the user. The online database is updated each day the Congressional Record is published. 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Following each session of Congress, the daily Congressional Record is revised, printed, permanently bound and sold by the Superintendent of Documents in individual parts or by sets. With the exception of copyrighted articles, there are no restrictions on the republication of material from the Congressional Record. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received. [[Page D350]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 19 Senate Chamber Program for Monday: Senate will begin consideration of S. 214, Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act, and consider certain amendments during 6 hours of controlled debate. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 12 noon, Friday, March 16 House Chamber Program for Friday: To be announced. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Bilirakis, Gus M., Fla., E557 Boyda, Nancy E., Kans., E560 Cummings, Elijah E., Md., E564 Davis, Tom, Va., E553, E558, E561 DeLauro, Rosa L., Conn., E554 Diaz-Balart, Lincoln, Fla., E554 Dingell, John D., Mich., E561 Emerson, Jo Ann, Mo., E563 Gillibrand, Kirsten E., N.Y., E561 Hall, John J., N.Y., E554 Harman, Jane, Calif., E558, E563, E566 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E565 Hoyer, Steny H., Md., E557 Hulshof, Kenny C., Mo., E568 Kanjorski, Paul E., Pa., E563 Lantos, Tom, Calif., E560 Larson, John B., Conn., E556 Lewis, Ron, Ky., E560 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E555 Mahoney, Tim, Fla., E568 Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E559 Miller, George, Calif., E561 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E555 Ortiz, Solomon P., Tex., E565 Pastor, Ed, Ariz., E566 Rahall, Nick J., II, W.Va., E564 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E553, E558, E561, E566 Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E559 Simpson, Michael K., Idaho, E559 Sires, Albio, N.J., E558 Tauscher, Ellen O., Calif., E565 Terry, Lee, Nebr., E555 Whitfield, Ed, Ky., E556 Wolf, Frank R., Va., E560