Thursday, April 10, 2008 [[Page D412]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS Senate passed H.R. 3221, New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection act and the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act Senate passed H.R. 2739, Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S2829-S2954 Measures Introduced: Eleven bills and four resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2839-2849, S. Res. 510-512, and S. Con. Res. 75. Pages S2944-45 Measures Passed: New Direction For Energy Independence, National Security, And Consumer Protection Act And The Renewable Energy And Energy Conservation Tax Act: By 84 yeas to 12 nays (Vote No. 96), Senate passed H.R. 3221, to provide needed housing reform, after taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S2836-61 Adopted: By 88 yeas to 8 nays (Vote No. 95), Ensign Amendment No. 4419 (to Amendment No. 4387), to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the limited continuation of clean energy production incentives and incentives to improve energy efficiency in order to prevent a downturn in these sectors that would result from a lapse in the tax law. Pages S2836-37, S2839 Dodd/Shelby Amendment No. 4387, in the nature of a substitute. Pages S2836, S2844 Dodd/Shelby Amendment No. 4523, to amend the title. Pages S2859-61 Rejected: By 15 yeas to 79 nays (Vote No. 94), Alexander Amendment No. 4429 (to Amendment No. 4419), to provide a longer extension of the renewable energy production tax credit and to encourage all emerging renewable sources of electricity. Pages S2837-39 Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008: By 91 yeas to 4 nays (Vote No. 101), Senate passed S. 2739, to authorize certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy, to implement further the Act approving the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003, after taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S2861-S2919 Rejected: By 30 yeas to 63 nays (Vote No. 97), Coburn/McCain Amendment No. 4522, to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to determine on an annual basis the quantity of land that is owned by the Federal Government and the cost to taxpayers of the ownership of the land. Pages S2868-70, S2877 By 19 yeas to 76 nays (Vote No. 98), Coburn/McCain Amendment No. 4521, to require approval prior to the assumption of control by the Federal Government of State property. Pages S2870-72, S2877-78 By 27 yeas to 67 nays (Vote No. 99), Coburn/McCain Amendment No. 4520, to ensure that all individuals who reside, or own property that is located, in a proposed National Heritage Area are informed of the designation of the National Heritage Area. Pages S2872-74, S2878 By 22 yeas to 73 nays (Vote No. 100), Coburn/McCain Amendment No. 4519, to require the transfer of certain finds to be used by the Director of the National Park Service to dispose of assets described in the candidate asset disposition list of the National Park Service. Pages S2874, S2878 Measures Considered: Highway Technical Corrections--Cloture Motion: Senate began consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 1195, to amend the [[Page D413]] Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to make technical corrections. Pages S2933-34 A motion was entered to close further debate on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill, and, in accordance with the provisions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, and pursuant to the unanimous-consent agreement of Thursday, April 10, 2008, a vote on cloture will occur at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2008. Page S2933 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill at approximately 3 p.m., on Monday, April 14, 2008. Page S2954 House Messages: Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act: Senate concurred in the amendment of the House of Representatives to S. 793, to provide for the expansion and improvement of traumatic brain injury programs. Pages S2952-54 San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund Referral--Agreement: A unanimous- consent agreement was reached providing that the Committee on Environment and Public Works be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 123, to authorize appropriations for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund, and the bill then be referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Page S2954 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations: By unanimous vote of 88 yeas (Vote No. EX. 102), Brian Stacy Miller, of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas. James Randal Hall, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Georgia. Catharina Haynes, of Texas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit. Stanley Thomas Anderson, of Tennessee, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee. John A. Mendez, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California. Pages S2919-33, S2954 Messages from the House: Pages S2941-42 Measures Referred: Page S2942 Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S2942 Enrolled Bills Presented: Page S2942 Executive Communications: Pages S2942-43 Executive Reports of Committees: Pages S2943-44 Additional Cosponsors: Pages S2945-47 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S2947-51 Additional Statements: Pages S2940-41 Amendments Submitted: Page S2951 Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Pages S2951-52 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S2952 Privileges of the Floor: Page S2952 Record Votes: Nine record votes were taken today. (Total--102) Pages S2839, S2844, S2877-78, S2883, S2933 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned at 6:55 p.m., until 2 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2008. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S2954.) Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine the Federal Housing Administration's role in addressing the housing crisis, after receiving testimony from Brian D. Montgomery, Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Kenneth D. Wade, NeighborWorks America, and David G. Kittle, Mortgage Bankers Association, both of Washington, D.C. APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Justice, after receiving testimony from Michael B. Mukasey, United States Attorney General, Department of Justice. APPROPRIATIONS 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 the Army, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Department of the Interior, after receiving testimony from John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and Lieutenant General Robert Van Antwerp, Chief of Engineers, United States Army [[Page D414]] Corps of Engineers, both of the Department of Defense; and Kameran Onley, Assistant Deputy Secretary, and Robert W. Johnson, Commissioner, United States Bureau of Reclamation, both of the Department of the Interior. APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, after receiving testimony from James B. Peake, Secretary, Michael J. Kussman, Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration, Patrick W. Dunne, Acting Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration, William F. Tuerk, Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, Paul J. Hutter, General Counsel, Robert J. Henke, Assistant Secretary for Management, and Robert T. Howard, Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology, all of the Department of Veterans Affairs. IRAQ Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the situation in Iraq, focusing on the progress made by the government of Iraq in meeting benchmarks and achieving reconciliation, the future United States military presence in Iraq, and the situation in Afghanistan, after receiving testimony from Robert M. Gates, Secretary, and Admiral Michael G. Mullen, USA, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, both of the Department of Defense. U.S. CREDIT MARKETS Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine credit markets in the United States, focusing on proposals to mitigate foreclosures and restore liquidity to the mortgage markets, after receiving testimony from Lawrence H. Summers, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Dean Baker, Center for Economic and Policy Research, Ellen Harnik, Center for Responsible Lending, and Douglas W. Elmendorf, Brookings Institution, all of Washington, D.C.; and Scott Stern, Lenders One, Saint Louis, Missouri. AVIATION SAFETY Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security concluded an oversight hearing to examine aviation safety, focusing on recent reports and investigations, after receiving testimony from Nicholas A. Sabatini, Associate Administrator for Safety, and Hank Krakowski, Chief Operating Officer, both of the Federal Aviation Administration; Calvin L. Scovel III, Inspector General, Department of Transportation; Steven R. Chealander, Member, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB); and Tom Brantley, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO, and Basil Barimo, Air Transport Association of America, Inc., both of Washington, D.C. HAWAII'S AIR SERVICE MARKET Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a hearing to examine challenges facing Hawaii's air service market, after receiving testimony from Representative Hirono; Michael W. Reynolds, Acting Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs; Vincent K. Snowbarger, Deputy Director for Operations, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; James C. May, Air Transport Association of America, Inc., Washington, D.C.; and Barry Fukunaga, Office of the Governor of Hawaii, David Banmiller, Aloha Airlines, and Charles Willis IV, Hawaii Island Air, Inc., all of Honolulu. NOMINATION Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of David R. Hill, of Missouri, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, after the nominee testified and answered questions in his own behalf. IDENTITY THEFT Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing to examine identity theft in the administration of the tax system, focusing on e-filing and protecting individuals against fraud, after receiving testimony from Douglas Shulman, Commissioner, and Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate, both of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and J. Russell George, Inspector General for Tax Administration, all of the Department of the Treasury; and Rebecca Spencer, Benedict's Laser Tax Service, Billings, Montana. IRAQ Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine negotiating a long-term relationship with Iraq, after receiving testimony from David M. Satterfield, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State and Coordinator for Iraq, and Joan Donoghue, Principal Deputy Legal Adviser, both of the Department of State; Mary Beth Long, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs; Michael J. Matheson, George Washington University Law School, and Ruth Wedgwood, Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, both of Washington, D.C.; and Michael J. Glennon, Tufts University [[Page D415]] Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Medford, Massachusetts. BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the following: H.R. 3247, to improve the provision of disaster assistance for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; H.R. 3179, to amend title 40, United States Code, to authorize the use of Federal supply schedules for the acquisition of law enforcement, security, and certain other related items by State and local governments; S. 2606, to reauthorize the United States Fire Administration, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 789, to prevent abuse of Government credit cards, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 2420, to encourage the donation of excess food to nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to food-insecure people in the United States in contracts entered into by executive agencies for the provision, service, or sale of food, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; S. 2291, to enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing plain language as the standard style of Government documents issued to the public; H.R. 5551, to amend title 11, District of Columbia Official Code, to implement the increase provided under the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2008, in the amount of funds made available for the compensation of attorneys representing indigent defendants in the District of Columbia courts; H. Con. Res. 307, expressing the sense of Congress that Members' Congressional papers should be properly maintained and encouraging Members to take all necessary measures to manage and preserve these papers; S. Res. 497, expressing the sense of the Senate that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 5 through 11, 2008; S. 2534, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, as the ``Julia M. Carson Post Office Building''; H.R. 3720, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 424 Clay Avenue in Waco, Texas, as the ``Army PFC Juan Alonso Covarrubias Post Office Building''; H.R. 3988, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3701 Altamesa Boulevard in Fort Worth, Texas, as the ``Master Sergeant Kenneth N. Mack Post Office Building''; H.R. 4211, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 725 Roanoke Avenue in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, as the ``Judge Richard B. Allsbrook Post Office''; H.R. 4240 and S. 2673, bills to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10799 West Alameda Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado, as the ``Felix Sparks Post Office Building''; H.R. 5400 and S. 2626, bills to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 160 East Washington Street in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, as the ``Sgt. Michael M. Kashkoush Post Office Building''; H.R. 3468, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1704 Weeksville Road in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the ``Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr. Post Office''; H.R. 3532, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5815 McLeod Street in Lula, Georgia, as the ``Private Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office''; H.R. 4203, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3035 Stone Mountain Street in Lithonia, Georgia, as the ``Specialist Jamaal RaShard Addison Post Office Building''; H.R. 5135 and S. 2675, bills to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 West Greenway Street in Derby, Kansas, as the ``Sergeant Jamie O. Maugans Post Office Building''; H.R. 3803, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3100 Cashwell Drive in Goldsboro, North Carolina, as the ``John Henry Wooten, Sr. Post Office Building''; H.R. 3936, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 116 Helen Highway in Cleveland, Georgia, as the ``Sgt. Jason Harkins Post Office Building''; H.R. 4454, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3050 Hunsinger Lane in Louisville, Kentucky, as the ``Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Military Heroes of Louisville Memorial Post Office Building'', in honor of the servicemen and women from Louisville, Kentucky, who died in service during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom; H.R. 5220, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3800 SW. 185th Avenue in Beaverton, Oregon, as the ``Major Arthur Chin Post Office Building''; H.R. 3196, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20 Sussex Street in [[Page D416]] Port Jervis, New York, as the ``E. Arthur Gray Post Office Building''; H.R. 4166, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 701 East Copeland Drive in Lebanon, Missouri, as the ``Steve W. Allee Carrier Annex''; S. 2725, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6892 Main Street in Gloucester, Virginia, as the ``Congresswoman Jo Ann S. Davis Post Office''; and The nomination of Harvey E. Johnson, Jr., of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. NOMINATIONS Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Andrew Saul, of New York, Alejandro Modesto Sanchez, of Florida, who was introduced by Senators Nelson (FL) and Martinez, and Gordon James Whiting, of New York, all to be Members of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. CLIMATE CHANGE Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee concluded a hearing to examine climate change, focusing on it as a challenge for public health, after receiving testimony from Jonathan Patz, University of Wisconsin--Madison Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE); Kristie L. Ebi, ESS LLC, Alexandria, Virginia; John M. Balbus, Environmental Defense Fund, Washington, D.C.; and John W. McDonald, Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy, Arlington, Virginia. 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. House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 26 public bills, H.R. 5755- 5780; and 5 resolutions, H. Res. 1097-1101, were introduced. Pages H2223-24 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H2224-26 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: H.R. 2634, to provide for greater responsibility in lending and expanded cancellation of debts owed to the United States and the international financial institutions by low-income countries, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-575); H.R. 5161, to provide for the establishment of Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Centers, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-576, Pt. 1); H.R. 1777, to amend the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 to make permanent the favorable treatment of need-based educational aid under antitrust laws (H. Rept. 110-577); H.R. 4881, to prohibit the awarding of a contract or grant in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold unless the prospective contractor or grantee certifies in writing to the agency awarding the contract or grant that the contractor or grantee has no seriously delinquent tax debts, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-578); and H.R. 3965, to extend the Mark-to-Market program of the Departent of Housing and Urban Development, and for other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 110-579). Page H2223 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed Representative Cuellar to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today. Page H2167 Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker's approval of the Journal by a yea-and-nay vote of 228 yeas to 182 nays, with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 178. Page H2174 Oath of Office--Twelfth Congressional District of California: Representative-elect Jackie Speier presented herself in the well of the House and was administered the Oath of Office by the Speaker. Earlier, the Clerk of the House transmitted a facsimile copy of a letter from the Honorable Debra Bowen, Secretary of State for the State of California, indicating that, according to the semi-final official canvass of votes from the Special Election held on April 8, 2008, the Honorable Jackie Speier was elected Representative to Congress for the Twelfth Congressional District, State of California. Pages H2219-20 [[Page D417]] Whole Number of the House: The Speaker announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Jackie Speier, the whole number of the House is adjusted to 432. Page H2175 Suspension--Proceedings Resumed: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measure which was debated on Wednesday, April 9th: Recognizing the fifth anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security and honoring the Department's employees for their extraordinary efforts and contributions to protect and secure our Nation: H. Res. 1038, to recognize the fifth anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security and honoring the Department's employees for their extraordinary efforts and contributions to protect and secure our Nation, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 406 yeas to 3 nays, Roll No. 180. Pages H2176-77 Relating to the consideration of the bill (H.R. 5724) to implement the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement: The House agreed to H. Res. 1092, relating to the consideration of the bill (H.R. 5724) to implement the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, by a yea-and-nay vote of 224 yeas to 195 nays with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 181. Pages H2177-90 Beach Protection Act of 2007: The House began consideration of H.R. 2537, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to beach monitoring. Further proceedings were postponed. Pages H2169-76, H2190-H2207 Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule. Page H2199 Accepted: Flake amendment (No. 8 printed in the Congressional Record of April 9, 2008) that adds a new paragraph prohibiting the use of funds for Congressional earmarks (by a recorded vote of 263 ayes to 117 noes with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 182). Pages H2202-07 H. Res. 1083, the rule providing for consideration of the bill, was agreed to by a yea-and-nay vote of 224 yeas to 192 nays, Roll No. 179, after agreeing to order the previous question. Pages H2175-76 Meeting Hour: Agreed by unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14th for morning hour debate. Page H2209 Calendar Wednesday: Agreed by unanimous consent to dispense with the Calendar Wednesday business of Wednesday, April 16th. Page H2209 Reception of Former Members of Congress: Agreed by unanimous consent that the House will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 17th, 2008, for the purpose of receiving in the Chamber former Members of Congress, and that the Speaker may declare a recess subject to the call of the Chair for such purpose. Page H2209 Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H2219. Senate Referrals: S. 2739 was held at the desk. Page S2219 Quorum Calls--Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and one recorded vote developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H2174, H2175-76, H2176-77, H2189-90 and H2206-07. There were no quorum calls Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Committee Meetings FARM AND FOREIGN AGRICULTURE SERVICES Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services. Testimony was heard from Mark E. Keenum, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA. NOAA; EEOC Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies held a hearing on NOAA. Testimony was heard from Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Administrator, NOAA, Department of Commerce. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the EEOC. Testimony was heard from Naomi C. Earp, Chair, EEOC. DOE--NUCLEAR ENERGY AND NUCLEAR WASTE Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held a hearing on the Department of Energy--Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Waste. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Dennis R. Spurgeon, Assistant Secretary, Nuclear Energy; and Edward F. Sproat III, Director, Office of Civilian Nuclear Waste. [[Page D418]] SBA Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on Small Business Administration. Testimony was heard from Steven C. Preston, Administrator, SBA DHS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a hearing on the Secretary of Department of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard from Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security. GAO Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on the Government Accountability Office. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the GAO: Gene Dodaro, Acting Comptroller General; and Sallyanne Harper, Chief Administrative Officer. EUROPEAN COMMAND Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies held a hearing on the European Command. Testimony was heard from GEN Bantz J. Craddock, USA, Commander, U.S. European Command, Department of Defense. STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a hearing on U.S. Policy and Program in Iraq. Testimony was heard from Ryan Crocker, Ambassador to Iraq, Department of State. The Subcommittee also held a hearing U.S. Treasury International Assistance Programs and on U.S. Contributions to International Financial Institutions. Testimony was heard from Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury. CONTINGENCY CONTRACTING; IMPLEMENTING A CALL FOR REFORM Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Contingency Contracting: Implementing a Call for Urgent Reform. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: John J. Young, Jr., Under Secretary, Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; Jeffrey P. Parsons, Executive Director Army Contracting Command; and Jacques S. Gansler, Chairman, Army Commission on Army Acquisition and Program Management in Expeditionary Operations. ARMY ACQUISITION PROGRAMS Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces held a hearing on Army acquisition programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense; LTG Stephen M. Speakes, USA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8; LTG N. Ross Thompson III, USA, Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), both with the Department of the Army; and Mary Ugone, Office of the Inspector General, Deputy Inspector General, Auditing; and the following officials of the GAO: Paul Francis, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management; and Janet St. Laurent, Managing Director, Defense Capabilities and Management. FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT ANNIVERSARY Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Workplace Protections held a hearing on the 15th Anniversary of the Family Medical Leave Act: Achievements and Next Steps. Testimony was heard from Victoria Lipnic, Assistant Secretary, Employment Standards, Department of Labor; former Representative Pat Schroeder of Colorado; and public witnesses. REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled ``Strengths and Weaknesses of Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using Existing Clean Air Act Authorities. Testimony was heard from Robert J. Meyers, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office for Air and Radiation, EPA; and public witnesses. HOUSING STABILIZATION AND HOMEOWNERSHIP RETENTION Committee on Financial Services: Concluded hearings entitled ``Using FHA for Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention.'' Testimony was heard from Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland; and the following Mayors: Adrian M. Fenty, District of Columbia; Thomas M. Menino, Boston; and Oscar B. Goodman, Las Vegas; and public witnesses. WAR POWERS AND THE CONSTITUTION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight held a hearing on War Power for the 21st Century: The Constitutional Perspective. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. CRISIS IN THE ANDES Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere held a hearing on the Crisis in [[Page D419]] the Andes: The Border Dispute Between Columbia and Ecuador, and Implications for the Region. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. The Subcommittee also held a briefing on this subject. The Subcommittee was briefed by Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary General, OAS. REAUTHORIZATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF DNA INITIATIVES OF THE JUSTICE FOR ALL ACT Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing on the Reauthorization and Improvement of DNA Initiatives of the Justice for All Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from Representatives Maloney of New York; and Reichert; David Hagy, Director, National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Natural Resources: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 5541, Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act; and H.R. 5648, Emergency Wildland Fire Response Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from Representative Dicks; Janet Napolitano, Governor of Arizona; Jack Ward Thomas, former Chief, Forest Service, USDA; and public witnesses. INVESTIGATION OF INTERNET SALES OF MILITARY EQUIPMENT Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs held a hearing on Investigation into the Sale of Sensitive, In-Demand Military Equipment and Supplies on the Internet. Testimony was heard from Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, GAO; the following officials of the Department of Defense: Charles W. Beardall, Deputy Inspector General, Investigations; Alan F. Estevez, Principal Assistant Deputy Under Secretary (Logistics and Materiel Readiness); and Sarah H. Finnecum, Director, Supply and Maintenance Directorate, U.S. Army G-4 (Logistics); and public witnesses. SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE TAX CODE Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled ``Modernizing the Tax Code: Updating the Internal Revenue Code to Help Small Businesses Stimulate the Economy.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses. COSCO BUSAN AND MARINE CASUALTY INVESTIGATION Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on Cosco Busan and Marine Casualty Investigation. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Homeland Security: RADM Brian Salerno, USCG, Assistant Commandant, Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship, U.S. Coast Guard; and Anne Richards, Inspector General, Audits. OLD POST OFFICE BUILDING Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a hearing on the Old Post Office Building: The General Services Administration's Plans for Future Use. Testimony heard from David Winstead, Commissioner, Public Building Service, GSA. VETERANS DISABILITY BENEFITS Committee on Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, hearing on Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008. Testimony was heard from William P. Greene, Jr., Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; Bradley G. Mayes, Director, Compensation and Pension Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and representatives of veterans organizations. EXTENDING UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support held a hearing on extending unemployment insurance. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. BRIEFING--COLOMBIA Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to receive a briefing on Colombia. The Committee was briefed by departmental witnesses. FY 2009 BUDGET--CYBER INITIATIVE Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on FY 2009 Budget--Cyber Initiative. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses. Joint Meetings DISPLACEMENT OF IRAQI CITIZENS Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Commission concluded a hearing to examine the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) countries and refugees from Iraq, focusing on the impact of the displacement of Iraqi citizens on Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Turkey, and other surrounding countries in the region, after receiving testimony [[Page D420]] from James Foley, Senior Coordinator for Iraqi Refugees, Department of State; Lori Scialabba, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security for Iraqi Refugees; Michael Gabaudan, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Washington, D.C.; Noel Saleh, Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), Detroit, Michigan; and Mayor Anders Lago, Sodertalje, Sweden. NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D341) H.R. 1593, to reauthorize the grant program for reentry of offenders into the community in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, to improve reentry planning and implementation. Signed on April 9, 2008. (Public Law 110-199) COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2008 (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Senate No meetings/hearings scheduled. House No committee meetings are scheduled. CONGRESSIONAL PROGRAM AHEAD Week of April 14 through April 19, 2008 Senate Chamber On Monday, at 3 p.m. Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 1195, Highway Technical Corrections, and at approximately 5:30 p.m., vote on the motion to invoke cloture thereon. 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 Appropriations: April 15, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of the Interior, 10 a.m., SD-124. April 16, Subcommittee on Defense, to hold hearings to examine the Department of Defense medical programs, 9:30 a.m., SD-192. April 16, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Education, focusing on teacher quality, 9:45 a.m., SD-138. April 16, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Energy, 2 p.m., SD-138. April 16, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2 p.m., SD-124. April 16, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Internal Revenue Service, 3 p.m., SD- 192. April 17, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) safety and modernization performance, 10 a.m., SD-138. April 17, Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for Military Construction, 10 a.m., SD-124. Committee on Armed Services: April 16, Subcommittee on Personnel, to hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 on military beneficiary organizations regarding the quality of life of Active, Reserve, and retired military personnel and their members, and the future years defense program, 2:30 p.m., SR-232A. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: April 15, to hold hearings to examine U.S. credit markets, focusing on the impact on the cost and availability of student loans, 10 a.m., SD-538. April 16, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine U.S. credit markets, focusing on proposals to mitigate foreclosures and restore liquidity to the mortgage markets, 10 a.m., SD-538. April 16, Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development, to hold hearings to examine affordable housing opportunities, focusing on reforming the housing voucher program, 2 p.m., SD-538. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: April 15, Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests, to hold hearings to examine S. 570 and H.R. 1011, bills to designate additional National Forest System lands in the State of Virginia as wilderness or a wilderness study area, to designate the Kimberling Creek Potential Wilderness Area for eventual incorporation in the Kimberling Creek Wilderness, to establish the Seng Mountain and Bear Creek Scenic Areas, to provide for the development of trail plans for the wilderness areas and scenic areas, S. 758 and H.R. 1311, bills to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey the Alta-Hualapai Site to the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, for the development of a cancer treatment facility, S. 1680, to provide for the inclusion of certain non-Federal land in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge in the State of Alaska, S. 2109, to designate certain Federal lands in Riverside County, California, as wilderness, to designate certain river segments in Riverside County as a wild, scenic, or recreational river, to adjust the boundary of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National [[Page D421]] Monument, S. 2124, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana, to Jefferson County, Montana, for use as a cemetery, and S. 2581, to designate as wilderness additional National Forest System lands in the Monongahela National Forest in the State of West Virginia, 2:30 p.m., SD-366. April 17, Subcommittee on Water and Power, to hold hearings to examine the United States Bureau of Reclamation, focusing on issues associated with aging water resource infrastructure, 2 p.m., SD-366. Committee on Environment and Public Works: April 15, to hold hearings to examine pharmaceuticals in the nation's water, focusing on assessing potential risks and actions to address this issue, 3 p.m., SD-406. April 16, Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to hold hearings to examine surface transportation and the global economy, 10 a.m., SD-406. Committee on Finance: April 15, to hold hearings to examine tax reform, focusing on fundamentals for advancement, 10 a.m., SD-215. April 17, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the nominations of David Gustafson, of Virginia, Richard T. Morrison, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court, and Elizabeth Crewson Paris, of the District of Columbia, all to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court, and Eric M. Thorson, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, and Edwin Eck, of Montana, to be a Member of the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board, both of the Department of the Treasury, 10 a.m., SD-215. Committee on Foreign Relations: April 15, to hold hearings to examine protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Adoption of an Additional Distinctive Emblem (the ``Geneva Protocol III''), adopted at Geneva on December 8, 2005, and signed by the United States on that date; the Amendment to Article 1 of the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (the ``CCW Amendment''); and the CCW Protocol on Explosive Remnants of War (the ``CCW Protocol V'') (Treaty Doc. 109-10), the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (the Convention) and, for accession, The Hague Protocol, concluded on May 14, 1954, and entered into force on August 7, 1956 with accompanying report from the Department of State (Treaty Doc. 106- 01), and protocols to the 1980 Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects: the amended Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices (Protocol II orthe Amended Mines Protocol); the Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Incendiary Weapons (Protocol III orthe Incendiary Weapons Protocol); and the Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons (Protocol IV) (Treaty Doc. 105-01), 2:30 p.m., SD-419. April 16, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Robert J. Callahan, of Virgina, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Nicaragua, Heather M. Hodges, of Ohio, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Costa Rica, Barbara J. Stephenson, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, Peter E. Cianchette, of Maine, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Costa Rica, Hugo Llorens, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Honduras, Stephen George McFarland, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala, all of the Department of State; and Samuel W. Speck, of Ohio, to be a Commissioner on the part of the United States on the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada, 2:30 p.m., SD-419. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: April 15, to hold hearings to examine ending abuses and improving working conditions for tomato workers, 10 a.m., SD-430. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: April 15, to hold hearings to examine nuclear terrorism, focusing on confronting the challenges of the day after, 10 a.m., SD-342. April 15, Full Committee, to contiune hearings to examine the 2010 Decennial Census, focusing on automation and information technology in order to improve census coverage, accuracy, and efficiency, 3:15 p.m., SD-342. April 17, Ad Hoc Subcommittee on State, Local, and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration, to hold hearings to examine fusion centers, focusing on a recent progress report, 2 p.m., SD-342. Committee on Indian Affairs: April 17, to hold hearings to examine the National Indian Gaming Commission, 10:30 a.m., SD-562. Committee on the Judiciary: April 16, to hold hearings to examine National Security Letters, focusing on the need for greater accountability and oversight, 10 a.m., SD-226. April 16, Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs, to hold hearings to examine violence and exploitation in the 21st century, focusing on solutions for protecting our children, 2 p.m., SD-226. April 17, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine 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, and the nominations of Michael G. McGinn, to be United States Marshal for the District of Minnesota, and Ralph E. Martinez, of Florida, to be a Member of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States, both of the Department of Justice, 10 a.m., SD-226. Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: April 16, to hold hearings to examine the impact of the credit market on small businesses, 2:30 p.m., SR-428A. Select Committee on Intelligence: April 15, to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. April 17, Full Committee, to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219. [[Page D422]] Special Committee on Aging: April 16, to hold hearings to examine caring for the elderly, focusing on how to support those on the frontline, 3 p.m., SD-562. House Chamber To be announced. House Committees Committee on Appropriations, April 14, Subcommittee on Defense/ Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, executive, on National Reconnaissance Office and National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, 5 p.m., H-140 Capitol. April 15, Subcommittee on Defense/Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, executive, on CIA, 10 a.m., H-140 Capitol. April 15, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, on IRS, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn. April 15, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, on Capitol Visitor Center, 1:30 p.m., 2359 Rayburn. April 15, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, on SOUTHCOM, 1:30 p.m., H-143 Capitol. April 16, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, on SEC, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn. April 16, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agency Agencies, on Special Operations Command, 10 a.m., H-143 Capitol. Committee on Armed Services, April 15, on Building Partnership Capacity and Development of the Interagency, 9:30 a.m., 2118 Rayburn April 15, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing on oversight of the Defense Travel System, 3 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. April 16, full Committee, on National Industrial Security Program: Addressing the Implications of Globalization and Foreign Ownership for the Defense Industrial Base, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. April 16, Subcommittee on Land Forces and the Subcommittee on Readiness, joint hearing on H. Res. 834, Regarding the readiness decline of the Army, Marine Corps, National Guard, and Reserves, and the implications for national security, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn April 17, Subcommittee on Military Personnel, hearing on Military Resale and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) overview, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. April 17, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for Missile Defense Program, 2 p.m., 2212 Rayburn. Committee on Education and Labor, April 16, to mark up H.R. 3185, 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act of 2007, 10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn. Committee on Energy and Commerce, April 15, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, hearing entitled ``Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission--the 7-MHz Auction, 9:30 a.m., 2322 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, April 15, hearing entitled ``Financial Literacy and Education: The Effectiveness of Governmental and Private Sector Initiatives,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. April 15, Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, hearing on H.R. 5579, Emergency Mortgage Loan Modification Act of 2008, 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. April 16, Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, hearing entitled ``Examining Proposals to Reform Insurance Regulation,'' 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. April 16, Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, hearing on H.R. 5679, Foreclosure Prevention and Sound Mortgage Servicing Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. April 17, Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, hearing on H.R. 5244, Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, April 17, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, joint hearing on Between Feckless and Reckless: U.S. Policy Options to Prevent a Nuclear Iran, 1 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. Committee on Homeland Security, April 15, Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, hearing entitled ``Moving Beyond the First Five Years: How the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will Continue to Enhance Security for all Modes of Transportation,'' 2 p.m., 311 Cannon. April 16, Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, hearing entitled ``Moving Beyond the First Five Years: Ensuring Successful Implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, 2 p.m., 311 Cannon. Committee on House Administration, April 15, hearing on Military and Overseas Voting: Problems and Progress in Ensuring the Vote, 11 a.m., 1310 Longworth. Committee on the Judiciary, April 15, Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, hearing on H.R. 3189, National Security Letters Reform Act of 2007, 1 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. April 16, Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law, oversight hearing on the H-2b Program, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. April 17, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 5464, A Child is Missing Alert and Recovery Center Act; H.R. 2352, School Safety Enhancements Act of 2007; and H.R. 1783, Elder Justice Act, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Committee on Natural Resources, April 15, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, oversight hearing on the West-wide Energy Corridor Process: State and Community Impacts, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth. April 16, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, oversight hearing on the implementation of the Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing provisions of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and a hearing on H.R. 5741, Shark Conservation Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth. April 16, Subcommittee on Water and Power, oversight hearing on Indian Water Rights Settlements, 2 p.m., 1324 Longworth. [[Page D423]] Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, April 15, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia, to consider pending business, followed by an oversight hearing on D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (DCWASA), 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. April 15, Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement, hearing on New Contracting and Property Bills, 2 p.m., 2247 Rayburn. April 16, full Committee, hearing on Healthcare Associated Infections: A Preventable Epidemic, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. April 16, Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives, hearing on Electronic Communications Preservation Act, 2 p.m., 2247 Rayburn. April 16, Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, to continue hearings on What are the Prospects, What are the Costs?: Oversight Missile Defense, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. April 17, full Committee, hearing on U.S. Contract with AEY, Inc., 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. April 17, Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, hearing on After the Beef Recall: Exploring Greater Transparency in the Meat Industry, 1 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Rules, April 14, to consider H.R. 2634, Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation of 2007, 5 p.m., H-313 Capitol. Committee on Science and Technology, April 15, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, hearing on the Department of Energy's FutureGen Program, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. April 16, full Committee, hearing on the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, April 16, Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology, hearing on the obstacles that small businesses currently face in securing federal contracts, 2 p.m., 1539 Rayburn. April 17, full Committee, hearing on Maintaining Public Lands for Hunting, Fishing, Ranching and small Businesses, 10 a.m., 1539 Longworth. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, April 15, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, hearing on Fiscal Year Budget: Federal Maritime Commission, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. April 16, full Committee, hearing on the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007, 11 a.m., 2167 Rayburn. Committee on Veterans' Affairs, April 15, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2818, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the establishment of Epilepsy Centers of Excellence in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans' Affairs; H.R. 5554, Veterans' Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008; H.R. 5595, Make Our Veterans Smile Act of 2008; expanding Spina Bifida program; and a discussing authorizing VA to provide mental health treatment to families, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon. April 16 Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 4883, To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for a limitation on the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of property owned by a service member during the one-year period following the servicemember's period of military service; H.R. 4884, Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008; H.R. 4889, Guard and Reserves Are Fighting Too Act of 2008; H.R. 4539, Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost Reduction Act of 2007; H.R. 3646, To direct the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs and the Secretary of Labor to conduct a joint study on the fields of employment for which the greatest need for employees exists in various geographic areas; H.R. 5664, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary; H.R. 3798, National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2007; H.R. 3681, Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007; H.R. 3393, Reservist Access to Justice Act of 2007; H.R. 3889, To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary; and H.R. 5684, Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008, 1 p.m., 334 Cannon. Committee on Ways and Means, April 15, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on Health Coverage in America, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, April 15, executive, hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget--MIP, 1 p.m., H-140 Capitol. April 16, full Committee, executive, briefing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget--HUMINT, 1 p.m., H-140 Capitol. April 16, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis, and Counter-Intelligence, executive, briefing on Hot Spots, 8:45 a.m., H-405 Capitol. 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 D424]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 2 p.m., Monday, April 14 Senate Chamber Program for Monday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 3 p.m.), Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of H.R. 1195, Highway Technical Corrections, and at approximately 5:30 p.m. vote on the motion to invoke cloture thereon. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 12 p.m., Monday, April 14 House Chamber Program for Monday: To be announced. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Andrews, Robert E., N.J., E589 Baldwin, Tammy, Wisc., E586 Berkley, Shelley, Nev., E589 Boehner, John A., Ohio, E577 Bordallo, Madeleine Z., Guam, E584 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E587 Castle, Michael N., Del., E589 Coble, Howard, N.C., E578 Courtney, Joe, Conn., E583 Davis, Danny K., Ill., E572, E574 Davis, Lincoln, Tenn., E590 Edwards, Chet, Tex., E586 Ellison, Kieth, Minn., E579 Emanuel, Rahm, Ill., E590 Etheridge, Bob, N.C., E587 Feeney, Tom, Fla., E581 Filner, Bob, Calif., E590 Frelinghuysen, Rodney P., N.J., E580 Gerlach, Jim, Pa., E577 Goode, Virgil H., Jr., Va., E580 Graves, Sam, Mo., E572, E574, E575, E577, E578, E580, E584, E585 Grijalva, Raul M., Ariz., E586 Hensarling, Jeb, Tex., E585 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E571, E573, E575 Honda, Michael M., Calif., E577 Issa, Darrell E., Calif., E589 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E571, E573 Kirk, Mark Steven, Ill., E589 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E578 Latham, Tom, Iowa, E587 McCaul, Michael T., Tex., E584 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E573, E575, E576 Markey, Edward J., Mass., E586 Miller, George, Calif., E585 Musgrave, Marilyn N., Colo., E571, E573 Myrick, Sue Wilkins, N.C., E586 Neugebauer, Randy, Tex., E589 Pence, Mike, Ind., E579 Putnam, Adam H., Fla., E576 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E572, E574 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E583 Ruppersberger, C.A. Dutch, Md., E572, E574, E575, E577 Rush, Bobby L., Ill., E584 Salazar, John T., Colo., E583 Sarbanes, John P., Md., E579 Simpson, Michael K., Idaho, E588 Space, Zachary T., Ohio, E572, E574, E575, E576, E578, E580, E584, E585, E587 Stupak, Bart, Mich., E584 Tanner, John S., Tenn., E585 Udall, Mark, Colo., E580, E588 Upton, Fred, Mich., E571, E573, E575 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E588 Walberg, Timothy, Mich., E588 Weiner, Anthony D., N.Y., E579 Wu, David, Ore., E576