WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA), a co-chair of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, worked with fellow members of the Coalition to pass H.Res. 40 today amending House rules to require standing committees to hold periodic hearings to reduce government waste and ensure American taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.  H.Res. 40 adds a systematic mechanism so the House rules reflect a commitment to weeding out waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement in federal spending, a longstanding priority of the Blue Dogs.