Tuesday, March 28, 2006 [[Page D277]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S2429-S2482 Measures Introduced: Seven bills and six resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2461-2467, S. Res. 407-411, and S. Con. Res. 84. Page S2467 Measures Passed: Higher Education Extension Act: Senate passed H.R. 4911, to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, clearing the measure for the President. Page S2480 Financial Literacy Month: Senate agreed to S. Res. 410, designating April 2006 as ``Financial Literacy Month''. Pages S2480-81 Recognizing Gallaudet University: Senate agreed to S. Res. 411, recognizing a milestone in the history of Gallaudet University. Page S2481 Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act: Senate resumed consideration of S. 2349, to provide greater transparency in the legislative process, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S2439-60 Adopted: By 84 yeas to 13 nays (Vote No. 78), Wyden/Grassley Amendment No. 2944, to establish as a standing order of the Senate a requirement that a Senator publicly disclose a notice of intent to object to proceeding to any measure or matter. Pages S2454-59 Rejected: By 30 yeas to 67 nays (Vote No. 77), Collins/McCain/Lieberman Amendment No. 3176 (to Amendment 2944), to establish the Senate Office of Public Integrity. Pages S2440-54, S2459 Withdrawn: Schumer Amendment No. 2959 (to Amendment No. 2944), to prohibit any foreign government-owned or -controlled company that recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan during the Taliban's rule between 1996-2001 may own, lease, operate, or manage real property or facility at a United States port. Pages S2439-40 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: By unanimous consent, Frist motion to reconsider the vote (Vote No. 36), by which the motion to invoke cloture on the bill failed on Thursday, March 9, 2006, was agreed to. Page S2460 By 81 yeas to 16 nays (Vote No. 79), upon reconsideration, two-thirds of those Senators voting, a quorum being present, having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to close further debate on the bill. Page S2460 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the bill at approximately 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 29, 2006, where Senator Feingold will be recognized to offer Amendment No. 2962 relating to the definition of lobbyist for purposes of gifts; provided further, that there be 40 minutes equally divided for debate prior to a vote in relation to the amendment, with no second-degree amendments in order to the amendment. Page S2482 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that notwithstanding the adjournment of the Senate, all time until the Senate resumes consideration of the bill on Wednesday, March 29, 2006, count against the time limit under the provisions of rule 22; provided further, that all first-degree amendments that qualify under rule 22 be offered no later than 11 a.m., on Wednesday, March 29, 2006, other than a managers' amendment to be cleared by the managers and the 2 leaders. Page S2482 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that at 10:50 a.m., on Wednesday, March 29, 2006, Senator Dodd or his designee be recognized to call up amendments on behalf of himself or others, and that at 10:55 a.m., Senator Lott or his designee be recognized to call up amendments on behalf of himself or others. Page S2482 Securing America's Borders Act--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that at a time determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Democratic Leader, Senate begin consideration of S. 2454, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for comprehensive reform. Pages S2460-61 [[Page D278]] A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that the previously scheduled vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill be vitiated. Page S2461 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nomination: 1 Coast Guard nomination in the rank of admiral. Page S2482 Measures Read First Time: Pages S2465, S2481-82 Executive Communications: Pages S2465-67 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S2467-69 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S2469-76 Additional Statements: Pages S2463-65 Amendments Submitted: Pages S2476-79 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Pages S2479-80 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S2480 Record Votes: Three record votes were taken today. (Total--79) Pages S2459, S2460 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:44 a.m., and adjourned at 7:08 p.m., until 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 29, 2006. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S2482.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) APPROPRIATIONS: BUREAU OF RECLAMATION Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2007 for the Bureau of Reclamation, after receiving testimony from John W. Keys III, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, and Mark Limbaugh, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, both of the Department of the Interior. APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF STATE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2007 for the Department of State and foreign operations, after receiving testimony from Condoleeza Rice, Secretary of State. APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (ARMY) Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2007 for the Army, after receiving testimony from Francis Harvey, Secretary, and General Peter Schoomaker, Chief of Staff, both of the United States Army, Department of Defense. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Airland concluded a hearing to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2007 and the future years defense program, focusing on Air Force and Navy tactical aviation programs, after receiving testimony from Michael J. Sullivan, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, Government Accountability Office; Donald B. Marron, Acting Director, Congressional Budget Office; Christopher Bolkcom, Specialist in National Defense, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; Lieutenant General Donald J. Hoffman, USAF, Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition; and Rear Admiral Thomas J. Kilcline, Jr., USN, Director, Air Warfare Division, and Rear Admiral Steven L. Enewold, USN, Program Executive Officer, Joint Strike Fighter Program, both of the United States Navy. FAA BUDGET Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Aviation concluded a hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2007 for the Federal Aviation Administration and the long-term viability of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF), after receiving testimony from Marion C. Blakey, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration, and Todd J. Zinser, Acting Inspector General, both of the Department of Transportation; and Gerald L. Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, Government Accountability Office. MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine U.S. efforts to promote anti-corruption strategies of multilateral development banks, after receiving testimony from Clay Lowery, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs; Cynthia S. Perry, African Development Bank, and Ruth E. Levine, Center for Global Development, both of Washington, D.C.; William Easterly, New York University, New York, New York; and Adam Lerrick, Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. NOMINATIONS Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Warren W. Tichenor, of Texas, to be U.S. Representative to the [[Page D279]] Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, with the rank of Ambassador, who was introduced by Senator Cornyn, Patricia P. Brister, of Louisiana, for the rank of Ambassador during her tenure of service as the U.S. Representative on the Commission on the Status of Women of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, who was introduced by Senator Vitter, Rajkumar Chellaraj, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Administration, and George McDade Staples, of Kentucky, to be Director General of the Foreign Service, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. NUCLEAR AND RADIOLOGICAL THREAT Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations held a hearing to examine securing the global supply chain relating to neutralizing the nuclear and radiological threat, focusing on the domestic and international deployment of radiation detection equipment, U.S. government efforts to prevent radiological or nuclear terrorism, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM) Program to install RPMs at U.S. ports of entry, the Department of Energy Second Line of Defense program to install RPMs at key international border crossings and ports, and the importation of radiological sources across the Northern and Southern border, receiving testimony from former New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean, Trenton, on behalf of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States; Eugene E. Aloise, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, and Keith A. Rhodes, Chief Technologist, Center for Technology and Engineering, all of the Government Accountability Office; David G. Huizenga, Assistant Deputy Administrator, Office of International Material Protection and Cooperation, Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, National Nuclear Security Administration; Vayl S. Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, and Jayson P. Ahern, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, both of the Department of Homeland Security; and Stephen E. Flynn, Council on Foreign Relations, New York, New York. Hearings continue on Thursday, March 30. MEDICAID FRAUD Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, and International Security concluded a hearing to examine eliminating Medicaid fraud, focusing on the current infrastructure for Medicaid program integrity at the state and Federal level, including a review of the current system for tracking improper spending and fraud at the state and Federal levels, after receiving testimony from Daniel R. Levinson, Inspector General, and Dennis Smith, Director, Center for Medicaid Services, both of the Department of Health and Human Services; Leslie G. Aronovitz, Director, Health Care, Government Accountability Office; and Brian G. Flood, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Austin. PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Subcommittee on Bioterrorism and Public Health Preparedness held a hearing to examine public health preparedness in the 21st century, focusing on a national public health infrastructure with real-time situational awareness, and responding to threats by terrorism or natural disasters, receiving testimony from Richard Besser, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services; Michael C. Caldwell, Dutchess County Department of Health, Poughkeepsie, New York; Peggy A. Honore, Mississippi Department of Health, Jackson; Lisa G. Kaplowitz, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond; Nicole Lurie, The RAND Corporation, and Elin A. Gursky, ANSER, Analytic Services, Inc., both of Arlington, Virginia; and Tara O'Toole, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Center for Biosecurity, Baltimore, Maryland. Hearing recessed subject to the call. SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Subcommittee on Retirement Security and Aging held a hearing to examine reauthorization of the Older Americans Act Title V, focusing on senior community service employment, receiving testimony from Mason M. Bishop, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training; Ignacio Salazar, SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc., Irving, Texas; Kent Kahn, Experience Works, Inc., Lima, Ohio; and Anthony R. Sarmiento, Senior Service America, Inc., Silver Spring, Maryland. Hearing recessed subject to the call. INDIAN TRUST REFORM ACT Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 1439, to provide for Indian trust asset management reform and resolution of historical accounting claims, after receiving testimony from James Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary, and Ross Swimmer, Special Trustee for American Indians, both of the Department of the Interior; Tex G. Hall, the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, [[Page D280]] New Town, North Dakota, on behalf of sundry organizations; Jim Gray, Intertribal Monitoring Association on Indian Trust Funds, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Clifford Lyle Marshall, Sr., Hoopa Valley Tribal Council, Hoopa, California; Austin Nunez, Indian Land Working Group, Tucson, Arizona; and Majel M. Russell, Crow Tribe of Indians, Billings, Montana. WARTIME POWERS AND FISA COURT Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a hearing to examine wartime executive powers and the FISA Court, focusing on National Security Agency standards and procedures for electronic surveillance of international terrorist activity, after receiving testimony from Judge Harold A. Baker, U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois; Judge Stanley S. Brotman, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey; Judge John F. Keenan, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York; Judge William Stafford, Jr., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida; Magistrate Judge Allan Kornblum, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida; Morton H. Halperin, Open Society Policy Center, Washington, D.C.; and David S. Kris, Time Warner, Inc., New York, New York. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 23 public bills, H.R. 5013- 5035; and 7 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 365; and H. Res. 736-741 were introduced. Pages H1195-96 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H1196-98 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H. Res. 741, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 609) to amend and extend the Higher Education Access Act of 1965 (H. Rept. 109- 399) H.R. 4882, to ensure the proper remembrance of Vietnam veterans and the Vietnam War by providing a deadline for the designation of a visitor center for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (H. Rept. 109-400) Page H1195 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Schwarz of Michigan to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. Page H1133 Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Deadline Enforcement Act: H.R. 4882, amended, to ensure the proper remembrance of Vietnam veterans and the Vietnam War by providing a deadline for the designation of a visitor center for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, by a yea-and-nay vote of 404 yeas to 4 nays, Roll No. 68; Pages H1137-39, H1162-63 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To ensure the proper remembrance of Vietnam veterans and the Vietnam War by designating a site for a visitor center for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.''. Page H1163 H. Gordon Payrow Post Office Building Designation Act: H.R. 4786, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 535 Wood Street in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, as the ``H. Gordon Payrow Post Office Building''; Pages H1139-40 Dr. Jose Celso Barbosa Post Office Building Designation Act: H.R. 3440, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Avenida RL Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, as the ``Dr. Jose Celso Barbosa Post Office Building''; Page H1140 Gene Vance Post Office Building Designation Act: H.R. 4805, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 105 North Quincy Street in Clinton, Illinois, as the ``Gene Vance Post Office Building''; Pages H1140-41 Supporting the goals and ideals of ``National MPS Day'': H. Res. 85, to support the goals and ideals of ``National MPS Day''; Pages H1141-42 Recognizing the life of Wellington Timothy Mara and his outstanding contributions to the New York Giants Football Club, the National Football League, and the United States: H. Res. 517, to recognize the life of Wellington Timothy Mara and his outstanding contributions to the New York Giants Football Club, the National Football League, and the United States; Pages H1142-44 Providing that attorneys employed by the Department of Justice shall be eligible for compensatory time off for travel under section 5550b of title 5, United States Code: H.R. 4057, amended, to provide that attorneys employed by the Department of Justice shall be eligible for compensatory [[Page D281]] time off for travel under section 5550b of title 5, United States Code; Pages H1144-45 Recognizing Dr. I. King Jordan for his contributions to Gallaudet University and the deaf and hard of hearing community: H. Res. 680, to recognize Dr. I. King Jordan for his contributions to Gallaudet University and the deaf and hard of hearing community; Pages H1145-48 Supreme Court Grounds Transfer Act of 2005: S. 2116, to transfer jurisdiction of certain real property to the Supreme Court--clearing the measure for the President; Pages H1148-49 Milk Regulatory Equity Act of 2005: S. 2120, to ensure regulatory equity between and among all dairy farmers and handlers for sales of packaged fluid milk in federally regulated milk marketing areas and into certain non-federally regulated milk marketing areas from federally regulated areas, by a yea-and-nay vote of 285 yeas to 128; nays, Roll No. 69--clearing the measure for the President; Pages H1149-54, H1163 Local Community Recovery Act of 2006: H.R. 4979, as amended, to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to clarify the preference for local firms in the award of certain contracts for disaster relief activities; and Pages H1154-56 Commending the people of the Republic of Haiti for holding democratic elections on February 7, 2006, and congratulating President-elect Rene Garcia Preval on his victory in these elections: H. Con. Res. 353, to commend the people of the Republic of Haiti for holding democratic elections on February 7, 2006, and congratulating President-elect Rene Garcia Preval on his victory in these elections. Pages H1157-62 Recess: The House recessed at 5:36 p.m. and reconvened at 6:33 p.m. Page H1162 Senate Message: Messages received from the Senate by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the House today appear on page H1133. Senate Referrals: S. Con. Res. 83 was held at the desk; S. 1608 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce; and S. 166 and S. 2447 were referred to the Committee on Resources. Pages H1136, H1193-94 Quorum Calls--Votes: Two yea-and-nay votes developed during the proceedings today and appear on pages H1162-63 and H1163. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 2 p.m. and adjourned at 11:54 p.m. Committee Meetings AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Food and Nutrition Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: Eric M. Bost, Under Secretary; Kate Coler, Deputy Under Secretary, and Roberto Salazar, Administrator, all with Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services; Eric Hentges, Executive Director, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion; and W. Scott Steele, Budget Officer. MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE, AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on VA/DHP Joint Incentives Programs. Testimony was heard from Gordon H. Mansfield, Deputy Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs; and David S. C. Chu, Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness, Department of Defense. SCIENCE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Science, the Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies held a hearing on the FBI. Testimony was heard from Robert S. Mueller III, Director, FBI, Department of Justice. U.S. NAVY'S FUTURE SUBMARINE FORCE STRUCTURE Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Projection Forces held a hearing on U.S. Navy's future submarine force structure. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Navy: Allison Stiller, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ships; ADM Charles L. Munns, USN, Commander, Naval Submarine Forces; RADM Joseph A. Walsh, USN, Director, Submarine Warfare Division (N87); and RADM William H. Hilarides, USN, Program Executive Officer for Submarines, Naval Sea Systems Command; Ronald O'Rourke, Specialist in National Defense, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress; and public witnesses. OPM'S 2007 BUDGET Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency Organization held a [[Page D282]] hearing entitled ``OPM's 2007 Budget and New Strategic and Operational Plan: A Discussion With the OPM Director.'' Testimony was heard from Linda Springer, Director, OPM. BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT--INVESTIGATIVE PRIORITIES Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations held a hearing entitled ``Setting Post-9/11 Investigative Priorities at the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.'' Testimony was heard from Richard M. Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Richard L. Skinner, Inspector General; and Robert Schoch, Deputy Assistant Director, National Security Division, ICE Office of Investigations; Joseph Webber, former Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--SECURITY RESTRAINTS ON BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack met in executive session to receive a briefing on Security Restraints on Biological Research: Where Are the Boundaries? The Subcommittee was briefed by public witnesses. ETHIOPIA'S TROUBLED INTERNAL SITUATION Committee on International Relations, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations held a hearing on Ethiopia's Troubled Internal Situation. Testimony was heard from Donald Y. Yamamoto, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Department of State; and public witnesses. OVERSIGHT--BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS, AND EXPLOSIVES-- REFORMING LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held an oversight hearing on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE): Reforming Licensing and Enforcement Authorities. Testimony was heard from Audrey Stucko, Deputy Assistant Director, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. FIREARMS CORRECTIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on H.R. 5005, Firearms Corrections and Improvements Act. Testimony was heard from Audrey Stucko, Deputy Assistant Director, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice; Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, City of New York; and a public witness. COLLEGE ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY ACT Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on H.R. 609, College Access and Opportunity Act, providing one hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that in lieu of the amendment recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce now printed in the bill, the amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of the Rules Committee Print dated March 22, 2006 shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against that amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments printed in the report may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report. The rule provides that, after disposition of the amendments printed in the report, the Committee of the Whole shall rise without motion and no further consideration of the bill shall be in order except by a subsequent order of the House. Testimony was heard from Chairman McKeon, and Representatives Petri, Castle, Biggert, Keller, McMorris, Boustany, Burton, Lewis (KY), King (IA), Gohmert, George Miller (CA), Holt, McCarthy, Tierney, Kind, McCollum, Davis (IL), Grijalva, Bishop (NY), Blumenauer, Jefferson, Jackson-Lee, Kennedy (RI) and Emanuel. [[Page D283]] COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2006 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimate for fiscal year 2007 for the Air Force, 10 a.m., SD-192. Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2007 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, 2:30 p.m., SD-124. Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, to hold hearings to examine U.S. nonproliferation strategy and the roles and missions of the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy in nonproliferation in review of the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2007 and the future years defense program, 9:30 a.m., SR-222. Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, to hold hearings to examine Global Strike Plans and programs in review of the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2007, 2:30 p.m., SR-222. Subcommittee on SeaPower, to hold hearings to examine Navy/Marine Corps force structure and future capabilities in review of the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2007 and the future years defense program, 3:30 p.m., SR-232A. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Subcommittee on International Trade and Finance, to resume hearings to examine the reauthorization of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, focusing on ways to improve the Bank's economic impact procedures, 10 a.m., SD-538. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Technology, Innovation, and Competitiveness, to hold hearings to examine the importance of basic research to United States' competitiveness, 10 a.m., SD-562. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests, to hold hearings to examine S. 2150, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Bureau of Land Management Land to the City of Eugene, Oregon, H.R. 3507, to transfer certain land in Riverside County, California, and San Diego County, California, from the Bureau of Land Management to the United States to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, S. 1832, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease oil and gas resources underlying Fort Reno, Oklahoma, to establish the Fort Reno Management Fund, S. 1056, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the City of Henderson, Nevada, certain Federal land located in the city, and S. 2373, to provide for the sale of approximately 132 acres of public land to the City of Green River, Wyoming, at fair market value, 2:30 p.m., SD-366. Committee on Environment and Public Works: to hold an oversight hearing to examine the impact of the elimination of MTBE, 9:30 a.m., SD-628. Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine U.S.-China economic relations revisited, 10 a.m., SD-215. Committee on Foreign Relations: to receive a closed briefing regarding U.S.-India atomic energy cooperation, focusing on the Indian separation plan and the Administration's related legislative proposal, 9:30 a.m., S-407, Capitol. Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to hold hearings to examine U.S.-Burma relations, 2:30 p.m., SD-419. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to resume hearings to examine how prepared is the nation's capital for terrorism, focusing on efforts to improve and refine coordination efforts and the NCR strategic plan and implementation, 2:30 p.m., SD-342. Committee on Indian Affairs: business meeting to consider pending calendar business, 9:30 a.m., SR-485. Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Brian M. Cogan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, Michael Ryan Barrett, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio, and Thomas M. Golden, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 9:30 a.m., SD-226. Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights, to hold hearings to examine state regulation of violent video games and the first amendment, 2 p.m., SD-226. Select Committee on Intelligence: to receive a closed briefing regarding certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. Special Committee on Aging: to hold hearings to examine how seniors can stop investment fraud, 10 a.m., SD-106. House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, on Natural Resources and Environment, 9:30 a.m., 2362A Rayburn. Subcommittee on Defense, executive, on National Foreign Intelligence Program, 10 a.m., H-140 Capitol. Subcommittee on the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies, on IRS, 10 a.m., and on DC, Courts and Criminal Justice, 3 p.m., 2358 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies, on DOE, Science Research, 10 a.m., 2362B Rayburn. Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs, on Millennium Challenge Corporation, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on FEMA, 2 p.m., 2359 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, on Smithsonian, 10 a.m., on National Endowment for the Humanities, 2 p.m., and on National Endowment for the Arts, 3 p.m., B-308 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, on public witnesses, 10:15 a.m., and 2 p.m., 2358 Rayburn. [[Page D284]] Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, on Army Budget, 10 a.m., and on VA/DHP Information Technology, 1 p.m., H-143 Capitol. Subcommittee on Science, the Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies, on Marshals/Prisons, 2 p.m., H-309 Capitol. Committee on Armed Services, full Committee, hearing on issues relating to defense acquisition reform, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Military Personnel, hearing on the Defense Health Program--Department of Defense Initiatives to Control Costs, 3 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities, hearing on Defense Science and Technology: Investments to Shape the Evolving Terrorist Threat, 4 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. Committee on the Budget, to mark up the Budget Resolution Fiscal Year 2007, 10:30 a.m., 210 Cannon. Committee on Energy and Commerce, to mark up the following measures: H.R. 4127, Data Accountability and Trust Act (DATA); and H. Con. Res. 357, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection, hearing entitled ``Digital Content and Enabling Technology: Satisfying the 21st Century Consumer,'' 1 p.m., 2123 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ``Public Reporting of Hospital-Acquired Infection Rates: Empowering Consumers, Saving Lives,'' 2 p.m., 2322 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises, hearing entitled ``Fostering Accuracy and Transparency in Financial Reporting,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on Government Management, Finance and Accountability and the Subcommittee on Management, Integration, and Oversight of the Committee on Homeland Security, joint hearing entitled ``Department of Homeland Security Information Technology Challenges and the Future of eMerge,'' 3 p.m., 2247 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment, to mark up a measure To reorganize the Directorate for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection of the Department of Homeland Security, to facilitate homeland security information-sharing, 10 a.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on International Relations, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations and the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, joint hearing on The Human Rights Dialogue With Vietnam: Is Vietnam Making Significant Progress? 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing on Offshore Banking, Corruption, and the War on Terrorism, 2 p.m., 2200 Rayburn. Committee on the Judiciary, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 3509, Workplace Goods Job Growth and Competitiveness Act of 2005; and H.R. 3049, Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, oversight hearing on Remedies for Small Copyright Claims, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Resources, to continue markup of H.R. 4200, Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act and to mark up the following measures: H.R. 122, Eastern Municipal Water District Recycled Water System Pressurization and Expansion Project; H.R. 413, Bleeding Kansas National Heritage Area Act; H.R. 518, Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Improvement Act of 2005; H.R. 2563, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct feasibility studies to address certain water shortages with the Snake, Boise, and Payette River systems in Idaho; H.R. 3418, Central Texas Water Recycling Act of 2005; H.R. 3418, Central Texas Waste Recycling Act of 2005; H.R. 3462, To provide for the conveyance of the Bureau of Land Management parcels known as the White Acre and Gambel Oak properties and related real property to Park City, Utah; H.R. 3682, To redesignate the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia as the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge; H.R. 3967, Pactola Reservoir Reallocation Authorization Act of 2005; H.R. 4013, To amend the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 to provide for conjunctive use of surface and groundwater in Juab County, Utah; H.R. 4080, Glendo Unit of the Missouri River Basin Project Contract Extension Act of 2005; H.R. 4084, To amend the Forest Service use and occupancy permit program to restore the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize the special use permit fees collected by the Secretary in connection with the establishment and operation of marinas in units of the National Forest System derived from the public domain; H.R. 4204, American River Pump Station Project Transfer Act of 2005; H.R. 4686, Multi- State and International Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 2006; S. 584, Betty Dick Residence Protection Act; S. 1165, James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act of 2005; S. 1869, Coastal Barrier Resources Reauthorization Act of 2005; H.J. Res. 78, Approving the location of the commemorative work in the District of Columbia honoring former President Dwight D. Eisenhower; H.R. 374, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to take certain tribally- owned reservation land into trust for the Puyallup Tribe; H.R. 1307, Musconetcong Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; and H.R. 2978, To allow the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation to enter into a lease or other temporary conveyance of water rights recognized under the Fort Peck-Montana Compact for the purpose of meeting the water needs of the Dry Prairie Water Association, Incorporated, 10 a.m., and to hold a hearing on H.R. 3350, Tribal Development Corporation Feasibility Study Act of 2005, 1 p.m., 1324 Longworth. Committee on Science, to mark up H. Res. 717, Directing the Secretary of Commerce to transmit to the House of Representatives a copy of a workforce globalization final draft report produced by the Technology Administration, 10:30 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. [[Page D285]] Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, hearing on the Future of Air Traffic Control: The R&D Agenda, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Aviation, oversight hearing on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the National Airspace System, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines, oversight hearing on Transit & Over-The-Road Bus Security, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, oversight hearing on improving and enhancing access to quality care for our nation's veterans through VISN-wide care coordination demonstrations (Project HERO), 10:30 a.m., 334 Cannon. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087ÿ09390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. 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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 D286]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 29 Senate Chamber Program for Wednesday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 1 hour), Senate will continue consideration of S. 2349, Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act, with certain Senators to be recognized to offer their amendments. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 29 House Chamber Program for Wednesday: Consideration of suspension, H. Res.--Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that legal action in Afghanistan against citizens who have already converted or plan to convert to other religions is deplorable and unjust. Began consideration of H.R. 609--College Access and Opportunity Act of 2005 (Subject to a Rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Andrews, Robert E., N.J., E416 Baca, Joe, Calif., E417 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E422 Boustany, Charles W., Jr., La., E419 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E411, E412, E414, E415, E415 Burton, Dan, Ind., E425 Chabot, Steve, Ohio, E423 Cooper, Jim, Tenn., E427 Crowley, Joseph, N.Y., E417 Culberson, John Abney, Tex., E419 Davis, Susan A., Calif., E411, E412, E412, E413, E414, E415, E415, E416 Davis, Tom, Va., E412, E413 Drake, Thelma D., Va., E419 Emanuel, Rahm, Ill., E423, E424 Eshoo, Anna G., Calif., E412, E413, E437 Farr, Sam, Calif., E418 Filner, Bob, Calif., E431 Fitzpatrick, Michael G., Pa., E420, E421 Fortenberry, Jeff, Nebr., E434 Garrett, Scott, N.J., E434 Gerlach, Jim, Pa., E422, E437 Green, Gene, Tex., E421 Hinchey, Maurice D., N.Y., E421 Holt, Rush D., N.J., E437 Israel, Steve, N.Y., E416 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E435 Johnson, Timothy V., Ill., E415 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E411, E413, E414 Langevin, James R., R.I., E436 Lewis, Jerry, Calif., E425 Lewis, Ron, Ky., E431 McCotter, Thaddeus G., Mich., E430 McNulty, Michael R., N.Y., E421 Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E426 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E424, E425 Neugebauer, Randy, Tex., E419 Norwood, Charlie, Ga., E414, E418 Owens, Major R., N.Y., E433 Pascrell, Bill, Jr., N.J., E423, E424 Pelosi, Nancy, Calif., E428 Pombo, Richard W., Calif., E432 Rahall, Nick J., II, W.Va., E437 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E427, E428, E430, E432, E434, E436 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E416 Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana, Fla., E418 Ruppersberger, C.A. Dutch, Md., E423, E424 Rush, Bobby L., Ill., E418 Sabo, Martin Olav, Minn., E425 Sanchez, Loretta, Calif., E426 Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E417, E420 Sessions, Pete, Tex., E422 Shuster, Bill, Pa., E412, E413 Solis, Hilda L., Calif., E421, E435 Taylor, Charles H., N.C., E415 Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E427, E429 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E435 Walsh, James T., N.Y., E419 Westmoreland, Lynn A., Mac, Ga., E427 Wilson, Joe, S.C., E420 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif.,E416