Chronology of Committee Work

Committee Insists on Timely Production of CPA and Contractor Documents

Chairman Waxman and Ranking Member Davis today sent letters to DOD and a contractor urging them to comply voluntarily with the Committee’s request for documents regarding CPA hiring practices and the use of private security contractors.

Chairman Waxman Requests that Novartis Reassess Stance on Patent Law in India

Chairman Waxman writes to Novartis CEO Dr. Daniel Vasella expressing concern that because of India’s key role in producing medicines for the developing world, the company’s challenge of public health safeguards in India’s patent law may impact worldwide access to medicine.

Committee Approves Two Essential Reform Bills

On February 14, the Oversight Committee marked up and reported out two reform bills for consideration on the House floor. The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act strengthens protections for federal whistleblowers to prevent retaliation against those who report wrongdoing to authorities. The Executive Branch Reform Act is designed to increase transparency and limit the influence of special interests in the executive branch of government.

Committee Releases Oversight Plans for 110th Congress

In order to guide effective congressional oversight during the 110th Congress, the Committee has developed an oversight plan.

Committee Holds Hearing on Iraq Reconstruction Overview

On Thursday, February 15, the three top auditors overseeing work in Iraq provided new information about the status of Iraq reconstruction projects and troop support contracts. The hearing examined whether the findings of these auditors should affect Congress’ assessment of the President’s new request for additional taxpayer dollars.

Waxman and Davis Reintroduce Legislation to Regulate Tobacco Products

Chairman Waxman and Rep. Davis introduce legislation that would give FDA strong authority to regulate tobacco products.

Department of Justice Writes Chairman Waxman Concerning Former National Security Advisor

Department of Justice writes Chairman Waxman concerning issues relating to former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger. The letter and related correspondence are below.

Chairman Waxman Requests National Academy of Sciences Report

As Congress considers policies to address two of the most pressing issues facing the nation -- human-caused global warming and U.S. dependence on oil – Chairman Waxman requests that the National Academy of Sciences convene an expert panel to examine the key environmental and economic issues related to biofuels and liquid fuels derived from coal.

Oversight Committee Requests Information on TSA Traveler Identity Verification Website

The Oversight Committee requests documents that would explain why a TSA website that collected Social Security numbers and personal information from the public operated for several days without basic security measures.

CEQ Commits to Producing Requested Documents

In a letter to CEQ Chairman James Connaughton, Chairman Waxman reviews an agreement reached with CEQ related to the production of documents requested by the Oversight Committee.

Committee Raises Questions on FDA Food Safety Efforts

The Oversight Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture request information from the Food and Drug Administration related to food safety funding, food safety inspections, current guidelines and standards, and current enforcement efforts.

Reforming the Presidential Library Donation Disclosure Process

On Wednesday, February 28, 2007, the Committee held an oversight hearing on the need for public disclosure of donations to presidential libraries. Under current law, private organizations established for the purpose of building a presidential library can raise unlimited amounts of money from undisclosed donors while the president remains in office.

Views and Estimates Regarding the President's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2008

The Congressional Budget Act and House rules require every standing committee to submit views and estimates on the President’s budget to the Budget Committee. On Wednesday, February 28, the Oversight Committee considered views and estimates on the Fiscal Year 2008 budget.

Chairmen Waxman and Boxer Request Information on Contractor Conflicts of Interest

In a letter to the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Chairmen Waxman and Boxer request a briefing regarding allegations that the private contractor managing a government center on chemicals and reproductive risk has conflicts of interest.

Subcommittee Holds Hearing on The Presidential Records Act of 1978

On Thursday, March 1, the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives held a hearing to examine issues relating to implementation of the Presidential Records Act of 1978, including the history of the act, the role of the National Archives and Records Administration in releasing Presidential records to the public, and the likely impact of Executive Order 13233 on research.

The Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2007

On March 1, 2007, Rep. Henry A. Waxman along with Reps. Duncan, Clay, Platts, and Emanuel introduced H.R. 1254 the Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2007, to require the disclosure of donors to presidential libraries.

H.R. 1255: The Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2007

On March 1, 2007, Rep. Henry A. Waxman along with Reps. Platts, Clay, and Burton introduced H.R. 1255, the Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2007, to nullify a 2001 presidential executive order and restore public access to presidential records.

Democrats Inquire on Status of Offices of Women’s Health in HHS

Representative Waxman and other Members of Congress criticize a reported budget cut at the FDA’s Office of Women’s Health and request a briefing on the status of all women’s health offices and programs at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Former Head of Walter Reed Hospital Testifies Before National Security Subcommittee

On March 5, 2007, the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing today on the conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The Subcommittee heard testimony from affected soldiers, family members, and military officials.

Chairman Waxman Raises Concerns About EPA’s Handling of LNG Project on California Coast

In a letter to the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chairman Waxman discloses that documents the Committee has received raise new questions about how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is handling the air permit application for the BHP Billiton liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating storage and re-gasification project off the coast of Ventura County, California.

Chairman Waxman Requests Research and Marketing Information from Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Companies

As part of the Committee’s oversight of the marketing practices of the pharmaceutical and device industry, Chairman Waxman sent letters (1) to Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals requesting information related to Zyprexa (olanzapine) and Seroquel (quetiapine), drugs used to treat bipolar disease and schizophrenia; (2) to Boston Scientific Corporation and the Cordis Corporation requesting information on the companies’ drug coated stents; and (3) to Cephalon regarding Actiq, a powerful narcotic lollipop, and Fentora, a narcotic lozenge, both approved to treat pain associated with cancer.

Documents Reveal New Allegations Against GSA Administrator

Chairman Waxman calls a hearing on new allegations regarding efforts by GSA Administrator Lurita Doan to award contracts to her longtime friend, Edie Fraser, as well as new claims that the Administrator personally intervened on behalf of other contractors and asked GSA officials to assist Republicans in the next elections.

Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007

On March 5, 2007, Reps. Wm. Lacy Clay, Todd Russell Platts, and Henry A. Waxman introduced H.R. 1309, the Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007. This legislation contains a dozen substantive provisions that will increase public access to government information by strengthening the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Democrats Request Clarification of Administration Stance on Mail Searches

Oversight Committee Chairman Waxman, Intelligence Committee Chairman Silvestre Reyes, and Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr., ask Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez about the Administration’s interpretation of its authority to search mail without a warrant.

Committee Reports Favorably on Four Good Government Bills

The Oversight Committee reported out four bills: The Presidential Donation Reform Act, the Presidential Records Act Amendments, the Freedom of Information Act Amendments, and the Accountability in Contracting Act.

Displaying Items 26 to 50 of 275:

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