Wednesday, April 2, 2008 [[Page D358]] Daily Digest Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S2313-S2365 Measures Introduced: Seventeen bills and three resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2795-2811, and S. Res. 496-498. Pages S2345-46 Measures Passed: National Cushing's Syndrome Awareness Day: Senate agreed to S. Res. 498, designating April 8, 2008, as ``National Cushing's Syndrome Awareness Day''. Page S2364 Measures Considered: New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act and the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act: Senate continued consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 3221, moving the United States toward greater energy independence and security, developing innovative new technologies, reducing carbon emissions, creating green jobs, protecting consumers, increasing clean renewable energy production, and modernizing our energy infrastructure, and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation. Pages S2314-37 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that at approximately 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 3, 2008, Senate adopt the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill, and after reporting of the bill, Senator Dodd or his designee, be recognized to offer a substitute amendment to the bill; provided further, that following opening statements by Senators Dodd and Shelby, Senator Durbin be recognized to an amendment relating to bankruptcy. Page S2365 Message from the President: Senate received the following message from the President of the United States: Transmitting, pursuant to law, the 2008 National Drug Control Strategy; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (PM-42) Page S2342 Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations: John P. Hewko, of Michigan, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation. Jeffrey F. Kupfer, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy. Richard E. Hoagland, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan. Marie L. Yovanovitch, of Connecticut, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia. William J. Burns, of the District of Columbia, to be an Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs). Janice L. Jacobs, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Bureau of Consular Affairs). Alexa E. Posny, of Kansas, to be a Member of the National Institute for Literacy Advisory Board for a term expiring November 25, 2011. Elaine C. Duke, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary for Management, Department of Homeland Security. Brandon Chad Bungard, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority for a term of five years. Page S2365 Messages from the House: Page S2342 Measures Referred: Page S2342 Measures Read the First Time: Pages S2342-43 Executive Communications: Pages S2343-45 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S2346-48 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S2348-63 Additional Statements: Pages S2340-42 Amendments Submitted: Pages S2363-64 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S2364 Privileges of the Floor: Page S2364 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 7:26 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2008. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on page S2365.) [[Page D359]] Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) SAFEGUARDING WORKERS' RIGHTS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine National Labor Relations Board representation elections and initial collective bargaining agreements, focusing on safeguarding workers' rights, after receiving testimony from Peter C. Schaumber, Chairman, and Wilma B. Liebman, Member, both of the National Labor Relations Board; Gordon Lafer, University of Oregon Labor Education and Research Center, Eugene; and John N. Raudabaugh, Baker and McKenzie LLP, Chicago, Illinois. APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Energy, after receiving testimony from Raymond L. Orbach, Under Secretary for Science, Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and David G. Frantz, Director, Loan Guarantee Program Office, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, all of the Department of Energy. DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities concluded a hearing to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 for the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program and the Proliferation Security Initiative at the Department of Defense, and nuclear nonproliferation programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the future years defense program, after receiving testimony from William H. Tobey, Deputy Administrator, Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy; and Joseph A. Benkert, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Security Affairs. DOD CONTRACTING Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support concluded a hearing to examine Department of Defense (DOD) contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan, after receiving testimony from James I. Finley, Deputy Under Secretary for Acquisition and Technology, Jack Bell, Deputy Under Secretary for Logistics and Materiel Readiness, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Lieutenant General N. Ross Thompson III, USA, Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, and Jeffery P. Parsons, Executive Director, Army Contracting Command (Provisional), United States Army Materiel Command, all of the Department of Defense. POLAR BEARS Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine the listing decision for the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act, focusing on the issues of climate change and conservation of polar bears, after receiving testimony from Douglas B. Inkley, National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Reston, Virginia; William P. Horn, Birch, Horton, Bittner and Cherot, Washington, D.C., on behalf of sundry organizations; and Kassie Siegel, Center for Biological Diversity, Joshua Tree, California. IRAQ Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine Iraq after the troop surge, focusing on military prospects, after receiving testimony from General Barry R. McCaffrey, USA (Ret.), BR McCaffrey Associates LLC, Arlington, Virginia; and Lieutenant General William E. Odom, USA (Ret.), Center for Strategic and International Studies, Major General Robert H. Scales, Jr., USA (Ret.), Colgen, Inc., and Michele Flournoy, Center for New American Security, all of Washington, D.C. IRAQ Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine Iraq after the troop surge, focusing on political prospects, after receiving testimony from Yahia Khairi Said, Revenue Watch Institute, and Nir Rosen, New York University Center on Law and Security, both of New York, New York; and Stephen Biddle, Council on Foreign Relations, Washington, D.C. ASSESSING THE THREAT OF NUCLEAR TERRORISM Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine nuclear terrorism, focusing on assessing the threat to the United States, after receiving testimony from Charles E. Allen, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Intelligence and Analysis; Rolf Mowatt-Larssen, Director, Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Department of Energy; Matthew Bunn, Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Gary Anthony Ackerman, University of Maryland National [[Page D360]] Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), College Park. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OVERSIGHT Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on the Department's progress in securing the United States and protecting the American people, after receiving testimony from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 10 public bills, H.R. 5677- 5686; and 4 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 321; and H. Res. 1072-1074, were introduced. Pages H1972-73 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H1973-74 Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: H. Res. 1071, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4847) to reauthorize the United States Fire Administration (H. Rept. 110-563). Page H1972 Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rev. Elliott L. Foss, National Chaplain, American Legion. Page H1891 Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker's approval of the Journal by a yea-and-nay vote of 232 yeas to 177 nays, with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 153. Pages H1891, H1902-03 Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008: The House passed H.R. 5501, to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 to provide assistance to foreign countries to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, by a recorded vote of 308 ayes to 116 noes, Roll No. 158. Pages H1904-42 Rejected the Ryan (WI) motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Foreign Affairs with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with amendments, by a yea-and-nay vote of 175 yeas to 248 nays, Roll No. 157. Page H1939-41 Accepted: Blumenauer amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 110-562) that adds safe drinking water to nutrition and income security on the list of programs for which direct linkages are encouraged; Pages H1934-35 Fortenberry amendment (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 110-562) that ensures that audits by the Inspector General include information on subcontractors; Pages H1935-36 McCollum amendment (No. 3 printed in H. Rept. 110-562) that adds Malawi, Swaziland and Lesotho to the list of new ``focus'' countries proposed to be added in the bill; and Pages H1936-37 Carson amendment (No. 4 printed in H. Rept. 110-562) that directs the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to expand their plan for strengthening health systems of host countries by allowing for postsecondary educational institutions, particularly in Africa, to collaborate with United States postsecondary educational institutions and specifically historically black colleges and universities (by a recorded vote of 415 ayes to 10 noes, Roll No. 156). Pages H1937-39 Agreed that the Clerk be authorized to make technical and conforming changes to reflect the actions of the House. Page H1942 H. Res. 1065, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 221 yeas to 192 nays, Roll No. 155, after agreeing to order the previous question by a yea-and-nay vote of 215 yeas to 199 nays, Roll No. 154. Pages H1894-H1902, H1903-04 Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H1891. Senate Referral: S. 980 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on the Judiciary. Page H1971 Quorum Calls--Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and two recorded votes developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H1902-03, H1903, H1903-04, H1938-39, H1941, and H1941-42. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 8:31 p.m. [[Page D361]] Committee Meetings FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION CENTER FOR BIOLOGICS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Food and Drug Administration Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Testimony was heard from Jesse L. Goodman, Director, Center for Biologics, Evaluation and Research, Department of Health and Human Services. LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Legal Services Corporation. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Legal Services Corporation: Helaine Barnett, President; and Frank B. Strickland, Chairman. The Subcommittee also continued appropriation hearings. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. DOE WEAPONS ACTIVITIES/NAVAL REACTORS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Energy--Weapons Activities and Naval Reactors. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Thomas P. D'Agostino, Under Secretary, Nuclear Security and Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration; Robert L. Smolen, Deputy Administrator, Defense Programs; and Kirkland Donald, Deputy Administrator, Naval Reactors. OPM Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on OPM. Testimony was heard from Linda Springer, Director, OPM. CARGO/SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on Cargo, Container and Supply Chain Security. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: Jayson Ahern, Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Vayl Oxford, Director, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office; and public witnesses. INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies held a hearing on the Indian Health Service. Testimony was heard from Bob McSwain, Acting Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. DOD--BUDGET OVERVIEW Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing on Department of Defense--Budget Overview. Testimony was herd from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Tina W. Jonas, Comptroller; and Wayne Arny, Deputy Under Secretary, Installations and Environment. CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a hearing on Contributions to International Peacekeeping Activities (CIPA) and the Contributions to International Organizations (CID) accounts. Testimony was heard from Kristen Silverberg, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Department of State. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION POLICY/REVENUE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Highways and Transit Programs: The DOT Perspective on the Urgent Funding Needs for Today and Tomorrow. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Transportation: Phyllis Scheinberg, Assistant Secretary, Budget and Programs and Chief Financial Officer; James Simpson, Administrator, Federal Transit Administration; and James Ray, Acting Administrator, Federal Highway Administration. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Thoughts and Recommendations from the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. Testimony was heard from Frank Busalacchi, Commissioner, Department of Transportation, Wisconsin; and public witnesses. FAMILY SMOKING PREVENTION AND TOBACCO CONTROL ACT Committee on Energy and Commerce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 1108, Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. INTERNET GAMBLING ENFORCEMENT REGULATIONS Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology held a hearing entitled ``Proposed [[Page D362]] UIGEA Regulations: Burden without Benefit?'' Testimony was heard from Louise L. Roseman, Director, Division of Reserve Bank Operations and Payment Systems, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Valerie Abend, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Critical Infrastructure Protection and Compliance Policy, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses. U.N. PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: An Underfunded International Mandate-- the Role of the United States Testimony was heard from Kristen Silverberg, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Department of State. The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was briefed by Jane Holl Lute, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and Officer in Charge of the Department of Field Support, United Nations. AFGHANISTAN--TALIBAN RESURGENCE Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia held a hearing on the Strategic Chaos and Taliban Resurgence in Afghanistan. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on House Administration: Ordered reported the following measures: H.R. 5493, To provide that the usual day for paying salaries in or under the House of Representatives may be established by regulations of the Committee on House Administration; H. Res. 1068, amended, Permitting active duty members of the Armed Forces who are assigned to a Congressional liaison office of the Department of Defense at the House of Representatives to obtain membership in the exercise facility established for employees of the House of Representatives; H.R. 5036, amended, Emergency Assistance for Secure Elections Act of 2008; H.R. 281, Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act of 2007; H.R. 3032, amended, To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to permit candidates for election for Federal office to designate an individual who will be authorized to disburse funds of the authorized campaign committees of the candidate in the event of the death of the candidate. The Committee also approved an amendment to Regulations Governing the Use of Official Funds, by Members, Committees, and Officers of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Committee also approved pending Committee business. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 5570, amended, Religious Worker Visa Extension Act of 2008; H.R. 5060, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow athletes admitted as nonimmigrants described in section 101(a)(15)(P) of such Act to renew their period of authorized admission in 5-year increments; H.R. 5569, To extend for 5 years the EB-5 regional center pilot program; H.R. 5571, To extend for 5 years the program relating to waiver of the foreign country residence requirement with respect to international medical graduates; H.R. 1777, Need-Based Educational Aid Act of 2007; and a private relief bill. The Committee also adversely reported to the House the following bills: H.R. 2176, To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Bay Mills Indian Community; H.R. 4115, To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported the following bills: H.R. 3513, amended, Cooper Salmon Wilderness Act; H.R. 5151, amended, Wild Monongahela Act: A National Legacy for West Virginia's Special Places; H.R. 831, amended, Coffman Cove Administrative Site Conveyance Act; and H.R. 3734, Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Act. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives held a hearing on Examining the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) of 2008. Testimony was heard from Robin Nazzaro, Director, National Resources and Environment, GAO; Robert Flaak, Director, Committee Management Secretariat, GSA; Frank Wilson, Director, Administration and Management, Department of Defense; and a public witness. UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule providing for consideration of H.R. 4847, the ``United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008.'' The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Science and Technology. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that, in lieu [[Page D363]] of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Science and Technology now printed in the bill, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of the Rules Committee report shall be considered as an original bill for purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of the report except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in part B of the Rules Committee report. Amendments so printed 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 a 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 provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Finally, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives Mitchell and Gingrey. INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing on International Science and Technology Cooperation. Testimony was heard from John H. Marburger III, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy; Arden Bement, Director, NSF; the following officials of the Department of State: Nina Fedoroff, Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary; and Jeff Miotke, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Science, Space and Health, Bureau of Oceans and International and Environmental and Scientific Affairs; and Michael F. O'Brien, Assistant Administrator, External Relations, NASA. NATIONAL FLOOD PLAIN REMAPPING Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Energy Management held a hearing on National Flood Plain Remapping: The Practical Impact. Testimony was heard from Representatives Ehlers, Boozman, Miller of Michigan, Matsui, and Hall of New York; Steven Stockton, Deputy Director, Civil Works, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense; David Maurstad, Assistant Administrator, Mitigation Directorate, FEMA; and public witnesses. TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY/VISION ISSUES Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Related Vision Issues. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs: James Orcutt, M.D., Chief of Ophthalmology, Barbara Sigford, M.D., National Program Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, both with the Veterans Health Administration, and Glenn Cockerman, M.D., Chief of Ophthalmology, VA Palo Alto Health Care System; COL Loreen K. Sutton, M.D., Director, Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, Department of Defense; and public witnesses. BRIEFING--HOT SPOTS Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence met in executive session to receive a briefing on Hot Spots. The Subcommittee was briefed by departmental witnesses. SUBPOENAS TO EPA; CURBING SOARING AVIATION EMISSIONS Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming: Approved a resolution authorizing the Select Committee to issue subpoenas to the EPA as necessary to obtain the EPA's draft regulations and finding of ``endangerment,'' from motor vehicle emissions as provided under the Clean Air Act regulatory and in response to the regulatory and in response to the Massachusetts v. EPA decision. The Select Committee also held a hearing entitled ``From the Wright Brothers to the Right Solutions: Curbing Soaring Aviation Emissions.'' Testimony was heard from Dan K. Elwell, Assistant Administrator, Policy, Planning, and Environment, FAA, Department of Transportation; Bob Meyers, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA; and public witnesses. Joint Meetings CURRENT ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the current economic outlook, after receiving testimony from Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. BUSINESS MEETING Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies--2008: Committee announced the following membership: Senator Feinstein (Chairman), Senator Reid, Senator Bennett, Representative Pelosi, Representative Hoyer, and Representative Boehner. [[Page D364]] Also, Committee approved its budget. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2008 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine the status of the Surface Transportation Trust Funds and impact on federal spending, 9:30 a.m., SD-138. Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Fiscal Year, 10 a.m., SD-192. Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Gen. David D. McKiernan, to be General, and Commander, International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, to be General, and Vice Chief of Staff, and Lt. Gen. Walter L. Sharp, to be General, and Commander, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea, all of the United States Army, 9:30 a.m., SD-106. Subcommittee on Airland, to hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 on Army modernization, and the future years defense program, 3 p.m., SR-222. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to hold hearings to examine turmoil in U.S. credit markets, focusing on the recent actions of federal financing regulators, 10 a.m., SD-G50. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to hold hearings to examine international fisheries, focusing on management and enforcement, 10 a.m., SR-253. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hearings to examine the current price of oil, focusing on non-commercial institutional investors, 9:30 a.m., SD-366. Committee on Environment and Public Works: to hold hearings to examine strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at United States colleges and universities, 10 a.m., SD-406. Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine outside the box on estate tax reform, focusing on reviewing ideas to simplify planning, 10 a.m., SD-215. Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine the conditions and developments of Iraq in 2012, 9:30 a.m., SD-419. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: to hold hearings to examine Federal Emergency Management Agency, focusing on if the agency is better prepared for a catastrophe now than it was in 2005, 10 a.m., SD-342. Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia to examine managing diversity of senior leadership in the Federal workforce and Postal Service, 2 p.m., 2154, Rayburn Building. Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider S. 2136, to address the treatment of primary mortgages in bankruptcy, S. 2133, to authorize bankruptcy courts to take certain actions with respect to mortgage loans in bankruptcy, S. 2041, to amend the False Claims Act, S. 2533, to enact a safe, fair, and responsible state secrets privilege Act, S. 702, to authorize the Attorney General to award grants to State courts to develop and implement State courts interpreter programs, S. Res. 468, designating April 2008 as ``National 9-1-1 Education Month'', and the nominations of Catharina Haynes, of Texas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit, and Rebecca A. Gregory, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, 10 a.m., SD-226. Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Mark S. Davis, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, David Gregory Kays, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri, David J. Novak, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr., to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Elisebeth C. Cook, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Attorney General, 2:15 p.m., SD-226. Committee on Veterans' Affairs: to hold hearings to examine legislative presentations from sundry Veteran Affairs organizations, 9:30 a.m., SH-216. Special Committee on Aging: to hold hearings to examine scrambling for health insurance coverage, focusing on health security for people in late middle age, 10:30 a.m., SD-608. House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, on Natural Resources Conservation Service Budget, 10 a.m., 2362-A Rayburn. Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, on Attorney General, 10 a.m., and on Census, 2 p.m., 2359 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Defense/Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, executive, on Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, 1:30 p.m., H-140 Capitol. Subcommittee Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies, on Department of Energy--Nuclear Nonproliferation, 10 a.m., 2362-B Rayburn. Subcommittee on Financial Services, and General Services, on GSA, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Candidate Protection and Investigatory Programs: Balancing the U.S. Secret Service Workload, 10 a.m., 2358-C Rayburn. Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, on Public Witnesses; 10 a.m., and on Bureau of Indian Affairs and Office of Special Trustee, 10:30 a.m., B-308 Rayburn. [[Page D365]] Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies, on Veterans' Affairs Information Technology, 1:30 p.m., H-143 Capitol. Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request on Army National Guard and Army Reserve Equipment, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on H.R. 5613, Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ``Selling the Department of Energy's Depleted Uranium Stockpile: Opportunities and Challenges,'' 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, to mark up H.R. 2634, Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, hearing on proposals before the 110th Congress to amend Federal Restitution Laws, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, hearing on H.R. 5618, National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, to mark up H.R. 3799, Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2007, 1:30 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, hearing on NASA's Exploration Initiative: Status and Issues, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, hearing on the Role of Credit Cards in Small Business Financing, 10 a.m., 1529 Longworth. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, hearing on Critical Lapses in FAA Safety Oversight of Airlines: Abuses of Regulatory ``Partnership Programs,'' 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget--Special Program, 9 a.m., 405 Capitol. Joint Meetings Joint Hearing: Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia to examine managing diversity of senior leadership in the Federal workforce and Postal Service, 2 p.m., 2154, Rayburn Building. 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 D366]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 9:30 a.m., Thursday, April 3 Senate Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will adopt the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 3221, New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act, begin consideration of the bill, an amendment in the nature of a substitute will be offered, and Senator Durbin will be recognized to offer an amendment relating to bankruptcy. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, April 3 House Chamber Program for Thursday: Consideration of H.R. 4847--U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization (Subject to a Rule). _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Andrews, Robert E., N.J., E488 Bilirakis, Gus M., Fla., E472, E475 Bonner, Jo, Ala., E471, E474 Bordallo, Madeleine Z., Guam, E479 Broun, Paul C., Ga., E484, E487 Castor, Kathy, Fla., E472, E474 Christensen, Donna M., The Virgin Islands, E471, E473 Costa, Jim, Calif., E479 Davis, Danny K., Ill., E477, E481, E486 Davis, David, Tenn., E472, E476 Doyle, Michael F., Pa., E483 Farr, Sam, Calif., E488 Filner, Bob, Calif., E486 Franks, Trent, Ariz., E482 Gordon, Bart, Tenn., E488 Graves, Sam, Mo., E472, E474, E476, E478, E480, E482 Green, Al, Tex., E486 Hare, Phil, Ill., E487 Hill, Baron P., Ind., E481 Jones, Walter B., N.C., E483 Jordan, Jim, Ohio, E485 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E471, E473, E476, E478 Larson, John B., Conn., E476 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E480 McHugh, John M., N.Y., E479 McNulty, Michael R., N.Y., E486 Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E486 Miller, Gary G., Calif., E484 Mitchell, Harry E., Ariz., E488 Pascrell, Bill, Jr., N.J., E485 Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E471, E472, E473, E474, E475, E478, E480, E482, E484, E487 Porter, Jon C., Nev., E483 Reichert, David G., Wash., E478 Rodriguez, Ciro D., Tex., E473, E475 Rogers, Harold, Ky., E485 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E478 Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana, Fla., E477 Salazar, John T., Colo., E477 Shuler, Heath, N.C., E472, E475 Space, Zachary T., Ohio, E471, E474, E476, E478, E480, E482, E484, E485, E487 Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E484 Wilson, Joe, S.C., E487 Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E480