Wednesday, April 22, 2009
[[Page D425]]
Daily Digest
Senate
Chamber Action
Routine Proceedings, pages S4527-S4601
Measures Introduced: Twenty-three bills and four resolutions were
introduced, as follows: S. 848-870, S. Res. 108-110, and S. Con. Res.
18.
Pages S4573-74, S4585-88
Measures Passed:
Commending Captain Richard Phillips, The ``Maersk Alabama'' Crew, and
U.S. Armed Forces: Senate agreed to S. Res. 108, commending Captain
Richard Phillips, the crew of the ``Maersk Alabama'', and the U.S.
Armed Forces, recognizing the growing problem of piracy off Somalia's
coast, and urging the development of a comprehensive strategy to
address piracy and its root causes.
Pages S4596-97
Congratulating University of North Carolina Tar Heels Men's
Basketball Team: Senate agreed to S. Res. 110, congratulating the
University of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team for winning the
2008-2009 NCAA men's basketball championship.
Pages S4597-98
World Malaria Day: Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 18, supporting the
goals and ideals of World Malaria Day, and reaffirming U.S. leadership
and support for efforts to combat malaria.
Page S4598
Measures Considered:
Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act--Agreement: Senate began
consideration of S. 386, to improve enforcement of mortgage fraud,
securities fraud, financial institution fraud, and other frauds related
to Federal assistance and relief programs, for the recovery of funds
lost to these frauds, taking action on the following amendments
proposed thereto:
Page S4531
Adopted:
Leahy/Grassley Modified Amendment No. 993, to clarify the amendments
relating to major fraud.
Pages S4540-43
By 94 yeas to 1 nay (Vote No. 160), Kyl Amendment No. 985, to modify
the definition of the term ``obligation''.
Pages S4539-40, S4543
By 92 yeas to 4 nays (Vote No. 161), Isakson Amendment No. 995, to
establish the Financial Markets Commission.
Pages S4543-52
Dorgan/McCain Amendment No. 999, to establish a select committee of
the Senate to make a thorough and complete study and investigation of
the facts and circumstances giving rise to the economic crisis facing
the United States and to make recommendations to prevent a future
recurrence of such a crisis.
Pages S4552-54, S4561
Pending:
Reid Amendment No. 984, to increase funding for certain HUD programs
to assist individuals to better withstand the current mortgage crisis.
Pages S4538-39
Inhofe Amendment No. 996 (to Amendment No. 984), to amend title 4,
U.S. Code, to declare English as the national language of the
Government of the United States.
Pages S4554-55
Vitter Amendment No. 991, to authorize and remove impediments to the
repayment of funds received under the Troubled Asset Relief Program.
Pages S4555-56
Boxer Amendment No. 1000, to authorize monies for the Special
Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program to audit and
investigate recipients of non-recourse Federal loans under the Public
Private Investment Program and the Term Asset Loan Facility.
Pages S4556-58
Kyl Amendment No. 986, to limit the amount that may be deducted from
proceeds due to the United States under the False Claims Act for
purposes of compensating private intervenors to the greater of
$50,000,000 or 300 percent of the expenses and cost of the intervenor.
Pages S4558-59
Coburn Amendment No. 982, to authorize the use of TARP funds to cover
the costs of the bill.
Pages S4559-61
A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further
consideration of the bill at 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 23, 2009.
Pages S4599-S4600
Appointments:
The following appointment was made on Monday, April 20, 2009:
[[Page D426]]
Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China:
The Chair, on behalf of the President of the Senate, and after
consultation with the Majority Leader, pursuant to Public Law 106-286,
appointed the following Members to serve on the Congressional-Executive
Commission on the People's Republic of China: Senators Baucus, Levin,
Feinstein, Dorgan (Chairman), and Brown.
Nomination Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nomination:
Ladda Tammy Duckworth, of Illinois, to be an Assistant Secretary of
Veterans Affairs (Public and Intergovernmental Affairs).
Pages S4599, S4600, S4601
Messages From the House:
Pages S4571-72
Measures Referred:
Page S4572
Measures Read the First Time:
Pages S4572, S4599
Executive Communications:
Page S4572
Petitions and Memorials:
Page S4573
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages S4574-75
Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:
Pages S4575-85
Additional Statements:
Page S4569
Amendments Submitted:
Pages S4588-95
Notices of Hearings/Meetings:
Page S4595
Authorities for Committees To Meet:
Page S4596
Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. (Total--161)
Pages S4543, S4552
Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 6:42 p.m.,
until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2009. (For Senate's program, see
the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page
S4601.)
Committee Meetings
(Committees not listed did not meet)
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces concluded
a hearing to examine environmental management stimulus funding, after
receiving testimony from Ines R. Triay, Acting Assistant Secretary of
Energy for Environmental Management.
READINESS OF U.S. GROUND FORCES
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness and Management
Support concluded a hearing to examine the current readiness of U.S.
ground forces, after receiving testimony from General Peter W.
Chiarelli, USA, Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, and General James F.
Amos, USMC, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, both of the
Department of Defense.
SAVE AMERICAN ENERGY ACT
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine S. 548, to amend the Public Utility Regulatory
Policies Act of 1978 to establish a Federal energy efficiency resource
standard for retail electricity and natural gas distributors, after
receiving testimony from Senator Schumer; Patricia Hoffman, Acting
Assistant Secretary of Energy for Electricity Delivery and Energy
Reliability; Paul A. Centolella, Ohio Public Utilities Commission,
Columbus; David J. Manning, National Grid, Brooklyn, NY; Steven Nadel,
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Washington, DC;
Thomas E. Skains, Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Charlotte, NC, on
behalf of the American Gas Association; and Rich Wells, The Dow
Chemical Company, Midland, MI.
GSA AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Committee concluded an
oversight hearing to examine the General Services Administration and
energy efficiency in public buildings, after receiving testimony from
Paul F. Prouty, Acting Administrator, General Services Administration;
Doug Gatlin, U.S. Green Building Council, and Lane Burt, Natural
Resources Defense Council, both of Washington, DC; and Harvey Bryan,
Arizona State University School of Sustainability, Tempe.
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine global climate change, focusing on U.S. leadership for a new
global agreement, after receiving testimony from Todd Stern, Special
Envoy for Climate Change, Department of State; Helene D. Gayle, CARE
USA, Atlanta, GA; Ned Helme, Center for Clean Air Policy, Washington,
DC; and Paul Camuti, Siemens Corporate Research, Princeton, NJ.
NOMINATIONS
Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine the nominations of Susan Flood Burk, of Virginia, to be Special
Representative of the President, with the rank of Ambassador, and Ivo
H. Daalder, of Virginia, to be U.S. Permanent Representative on the
Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, both of the
Department of State, after the nominees testified and answered
questions in their own behalf.
[[Page D427]]
NOMINATION
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee
concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of William Craig Fugate,
of Florida, to be Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, after the nominee, who was introduced by Senators Bill Nelson
and Martinez, testified and answered questions in his own behalf.
NOMINATION
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee
concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of John Morton, of
Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, after the nominee testified and
answered questions in his own behalf.
MEDICARE AND MEDICAID FRAUD
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee
on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal
Services, and International Security concluded a hearing to examine
eliminating waste and fraud in Medicare and Medicaid, after receiving
testimony from Kay L. Daly, Director, Financial Management and
Assurance, Government Accountability Office; Deborah Taylor, Acting
Director and Chief Financial Officer, Office of Financial Management,
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Lewis Morris, Chief
Counsel, Office of Inspector General, both of the Department of Health
and Human Services; and James G. Sheehan, Medicaid Inspector General,
New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General, Albany.
VA HEALTH RELATED LEGISLATION
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to
examine pending health related legislation, after receiving testimony
from Adrian Atizado, Disabled American Veterans, Cold Spring, KY; Ammie
Hilsabeck, Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, Department of Veterans
Affairs, Iron Mountain, MI, on behalf of the American Federation of
Government Employees, AFL-CIO; and Hilda R. Heady, West Virginia
University Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Ralph Ibson, Wounded
Warrior Project, and Blake C. Ortner, Paralyzed Veterans of America,
all of Washington, DC.
House of Representatives
Chamber Action
Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 38 public bills, H.R. 2020-
2057; and 6 resolutions, H.J. Res. 43; H. Con. Res. 104; and H. Res.
351, 353-355 were introduced.
Pages H4685-87
Additional Cosponsors:
Pages H4687-88
Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows:
H. Res. 352, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1145) to
implement a National Water Research and Development Initiative (H.
Rept. 111-82).
Page H4677
Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she appointed
Representative Holden to act as Speaker Pro Tempore for today.
Page H4587
Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the
following measures:
Expressing the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding
the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama: H. Res. 339, to express the sense
of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the hijacking of the
Maersk Alabama, the kidnapping of Captain Richard Phillips by Somali
pirates, and the rescue of Captain Phillips by U.S. Navy SEALs and the
crews of the USS Bainbridge, USS Boxer, USS Halyburton and Patrol
Squadron (VP) 8;
Pages H4590-94
Amending 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:
H.R. 749, 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;
Pages H4594-95
House Reservists Pay Adjustment Act of 2009: H.R. 1679, to provide
for the replacement of lost income for employees of the House of
Representatives who are members of a reserve component of the armed
forces who are on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, by a
\2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of 423 yeas with none voting ``nay'', Roll No.
196;
Pages H4595-97, H4653-54
[[Page D428]]
Civil Rights History Project Act of 2009: H.R. 586, to direct the
Librarian of Congress and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
to carry out a joint project at the Library of Congress and the
National Museum of African American History and Culture to collect
video and audio recordings of personal histories and testimonials of
individuals who participated in the Civil Rights movement, by a \2/3\
recorded vote of 422 ayes with none voting ``no'', Roll No. 197;
Pages H4597-H4601, H4654-55
Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor
Center for the unveiling of a bust of Sojourner Truth: H. Con. Res. 86,
to authorize the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center
for the unveiling of a bust of Sojourner Truth;
Pages H4601-02
Providing for the appointment of David M. Rubenstein as a citizen
regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution: S.J.
Res. 8, to provide for the appointment of David M. Rubenstein as a
citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution;
Pages H4602-03
Providing for the acceptance of a statue of Ronald Wilson Reagan from
the people of California for placement in the U.S. Capitol: H. Con.
Res. 101, to provide for the acceptance of a statue of Ronald Wilson
Reagan from the people of California for placement in the U.S. Capitol;
Pages H4603-06
Electronic Waste Research and Development Act: H.R. 1580, amended, to
authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to
award grants for electronic waste reduction research, development, and
demonstration projects;
Pages H4606-10
Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ``To authorize the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to award grants
for electronic device recycling research, development, and
demonstration projects, and for other purposes.''.
Page H4610
Green Energy Education Act of 2009: H.R. 957, to authorize higher
education curriculum development and graduate training in advanced
energy and green building technologies, by a \2/3\ yea-and-nay vote of
411 yeas to 6 nays, Roll No. 199;
Pages H4610-12, H4656
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Library Week: H. Res.
336, to support the goals and ideals of National Library Week;
Pages H4613-15
Best Buddies Empowerment for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Act of 2009: H.R. 1824, to provide assistance to Best Buddies to
support the expansion and development of mentoring programs; and
Pages H4615-18
Statutory Time-Periods Technical Amendments Act of 2009: H.R. 1626,
to make technical amendments to laws containing time periods affecting
judicial proceedings.
Pages H4665-66
Suspensions--Proceedings Postponed: The House debated the following
measures under suspension of the rules. Further proceedings were
postponed:
Expressing support for designation of March 22, 2009, as ``National
Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day'': H. Res. 247, to express
support for designation of March 22, 2009, as ``National Rehabilitation
Counselors Appreciation Day'' and
Page H4612
COPS Improvements Act of 2009: H.R. 1139, amended, to amend the
Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to enhance the COPS
ON THE BEAT grant program.
Pages H4656-65
Budget resolution for FY2010: Pursuant to H. Res. 316, the House agreed
to take from the Speaker's Table S. Con. Res. 13, setting forth the
congressional budget for the U.S. Government for fiscal year 2010,
revising the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2009, and
setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2011
through 2014; strike all after the resolving clause of S. Con. Res. 13
and insert in lieu thereof the provisions of H. Con. Res. 85 as agreed
to by the House; agree to S. Con. Res. 13, as amended; and insist on
its amendment and request a conference with the Senate thereon.
Pages H4618-53
Rejected the Ryan (WI) motion to instruct conferees on the resolution
by a recorded vote of 196 ayes to 227 noes, Roll No. 198.
Pages H4655-56
Later, the Chair appointed the following conferees: Representatives
Spratt, Boyd, DeLauro, Ryan (WI), and Hensarling.
Page H4656
Moment of Silence: The House observed a moment of silence in honor of
the victims of the tragedy at Columbine High School in April 1999 and
their families.
Page H4654
Moment of Silence: The House observed a moment of silence in honor of
the victims of the shooting at the American Civic Association in
Binghamton, NY.
Page H4655
Quorum Calls--Votes: Two yea-and-nay votes and two recorded votes
developed during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H4653-54,
H4654-55, H4655-56, H4656. There were no quorum calls.
Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 8 p.m.
[[Page D429]]
Committee Meetings
FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM
Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and
Risk Management held a hearing to review producers' views on the
effectiveness and operations of the Federal crop insurance program.
Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural
Development Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies met on
Member Requests. Testimony was heard from Members of Congress.
DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive
session to hold a hearing on Supplemental Request. Testimony was heard
from GEN David Petraeus, USA, Commander, U.S. Central Command,
Department of Defense.
ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water
Development, and Related Agencies met on Members Requests. Testimony
was heard from Members of Congress.
HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Homeland Security held a
hearing on U.S. Coast Guard: Measuring Mission Needs. Testimony was
heard from ADM Thad Allen, USCG, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard,
Department of Homeland Security; and John Hutton, Director, Acquisition
and Sourcing Management, GAO.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and
Related Agencies, held a hearing on Bureau of Indian Affairs: Law
Enforcement and Violence. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of the Interior: George Skibine, Acting
Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs; and Jerry Gidner, Director, Bureau
of Indian Affairs.
The Subcommittee also met on Member Requests. Testimony was heard
from Members of Congress.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a
hearing on the U.S. Capitol Police, and on the Government Printing
Office. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the U.S.
Capitol Police: Phillip Morse, Chief; and Daniel Nichols, Assistant
Chief; and Robert Tapella, Public Printer, GPO.
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction,
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies held a hearing on Base
Realignment and Closure. Testimony was heard from the following
officials of the Department of Defense: Wayne Arne, Deputy Under
Secretary, Installations and Environment; Keith Eastin, Assistant
Secretary of the Army, Installations and Environment; B. J. Penn,
Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Installations and Environment; and
Kevin W. Billings, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force,
Installations, Environment and Logistics.
AIR SOVEREIGNTY ALERT OPERATIONS
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness held a hearing
on Air Sovereignty Alert Operations. Testimony was heard from Davi M.
D'Agostino, Director, Homeland Defense and Emerging Threats and
Warfare, Defense Capabilities and Management Team, GAO; and the
following officials of the Department of Defense: Peter F. Verga,
Deputy Under Secretary, Policy Integration and Chief of Staff; LTG
Daniel J. Darnell, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Air, Space and
Information Operations, Plans and Requirements, U.S. Air Force; and LTG
Harry M. Wyatt, III, USAF, Director, U.S. Air National Guard.
RETIREMENT SECURITY/401(k)
Committee on Education and Labor: Subcommittee on Health, Employment,
Labor and Pensions held a hearing on the 401(k) Fair Disclosure for
Retirement Security Act of 2009. Testimony was heard from public
witnesses.
AMERICAN CLEAN ENERGY SECURITY ACT OF 2009
Committee on Energy and Commerce: and the Subcommittee on Energy and
Environment continued joint hearings on The American Clean Energy
Security Act of 2009. Testimony was heard from Lisa Jackson,
Administrator, EPA; Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy; Ray LaHood,
Secretary of Transportation; John Fetterman, Mayor, Braddock, PA; and
public witnesses.
[[Page D430]]
9/11 HEALTH AND COMPENSATION ACT OF 2009
Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
on H.R. 847, James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009.
Testimony was heard from Representatives Nadler, and King of New York;
and public witnesses.
CREDIT CARDHOLDERS' BILL OF RIGHTS ACT OF 2009
Committee on Financial Services: Ordered reported, as amended,
H.R. 627, Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2009.
U.S. FOREIGN POLICY PRIORITIES
Committee on Foreign Affairs: Held a hearing on New Beginnings: Foreign
Policy Priorities in the Obama Administration. Testimony was heard from
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State.
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT OF 2009
Committee on the Judiciary: Began markup of H.R. 1913, Local Law
Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009.
Will continue tomorrow.
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Ordered reported, as amended, the
following bills: H.R. 31, Lumbee Recognition Act; H.R. 1385, Thomasina
E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2009;
and H.R. 860, Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and
Enhancement Amendments of 2009.
FEDERAL WORKFORCE STATE
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Subcommittee on Federal
Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held a hearing
entitled ``Public Service in the 21st Century: An Examination of the
State of the Federal Workforce.'' Testimony was heard from John Berry,
Director, OPM; Yvonne D. Jones, Director, Strategic Issues Team, GAO;
and public witnesses.
NATIONAL WATER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE ACT OF 2009
Committee on Rules: Granted, by a non-record vote, a structured rule
providing for consideration of H.R. 1145, the ``National Water Research
and Development Initiative Act of 2009.'' The rule provides for one
hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair 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 the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended
by the Committee on Science and Technology shall be considered as an
original bill for the purpose of further amendment. The committee
amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read.
All points of order against the committee amendment are waived except
those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. The rule makes in order only
those amendments printed in the Rules Committee report. Each such
amendment may be offered only in the order printed, may be offered only
by a Member designated, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable
for the time specified equally divided and controlled by the proponent
and an opponent, and shall not be subject to amendment or demand for
division of the question. The rule waives all points of order against
such amendments except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI.
Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without
instructions. Testimony was heard from Chairman Gordon, Representatives
Cardoza, Arcuri, Pingree, Stupak, Blumenauer, McCollum, Connolly,
Teague, Quigley, Linder, Kirk and Miller of Michigan.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS MONITORING
Committee on Science and Technology: Held a hearing on Monitoring,
Measurement and Verification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions II: The Role
of Federal and Academic Research and Monitoring Programs. Testimony was
heard from the following officials of the Department of Commerce:
Alexander MacDonald, Director, Earth Systems Research Laboratory, NOAA;
and Patrick D. Gallagher, Deputy Director, National Institute of
Standards and Technology; Dina Kruger, Director, Climate Change
Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, EPA; Michael Freilich,
Director, Earth Science Division, NASA; Richard Birdsey, Project
Leader, Climate, Fire, and Carbon Cycle Science, Forest Service, USDA;
and public witnesses.
TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled ``The Importance
of Technology in an Economic Recovery.'' Testimony was heard from Edsel
M. Brown, Jr., Assistant Administrator, Office of Technology, SBA;
Michael Caccuitto, Assistant Director, Office of Small Business
Programs, SBIR and STTR Program Administrator, Department of Defense;
Jo Anne Goodnight, NIH SBIR/STTR Program Coordinator, Office of
Extramural Research, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services;
Larry James, Acting SBIR/STTR Program Manager, Office of Science,
Department of Energy; Kesh S. Narayanan, Division Director, Industrial
Innovations and Partnerships,
[[Page D431]]
Directorate for Engineering, NSF; and public witnesses.
HELICOPTER MEDICAL SERVICES
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on
Aviation held a hearing on Oversight of Helicopter Medical Services.
Testimony was heard from Representative Salazar; the following
officials of the Department of Transportation: Christa Fornarotto,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Aviation and International Affairs; and
John Allen, Director, Flight Standards Service, FAA; Robert L. Sumwalt,
III, Board Member, National Transportation Safety Board; Gerald
Dillingham, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; and public
witnesses.
RAILROAD REHAB/IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on
Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on
Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program. Testimony
was heard from Mark Yachmetz, Associate Administrator, Railroad
Development, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of
Transportation; Patrick Simmons, Rail Director, Department of
Transportation, State of North Carolina; and public witnesses.
HEALTH INSURANCE MARKET REFORM
Committee on Ways and Means: Continued hearings on reforming the health
insurance market. Testimony was heard from public witnesses.
BRIEFINGS--AFRICOM UPDATE AND FBI UPDATE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to
receive a briefing on AFRICOM Update. The Committee was briefed by
Terry Ford, Director, Intelligence and Knowledge Development, U.S.
Africa Command, Department of Defense.
The Committee also met in executive session to receive a briefing on
FBI Update. The Committee was briefed by Robert Mueller, Director, FBI,
Department of Justice.
BRIEFING--GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Subcommittee on
Intelligence Community Management met in executive session to receive a
briefing on Global Climate Change. The Subcommittee was briefed by John
Phillips, Chief Scientist, CIA; MG Rich Engel, USAF (ret.), Director,
Climate Change and State Stability Program, Office of the Director of
National Intelligence; Darrell G. Herd, Chief Research Scientist,
Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense; and Ralph Cicerone,
President, National Academy of Science.
Joint Meetings
No joint committee meetings were held.
NEW PUBLIC LAWS
(For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D 351)
H.R. 1388, to reauthorize and reform the national service laws.
Signed on April 21, 2009. (Public Law 111-13)
COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY,
APRIL 23, 2009
(Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated)
Senate
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice,
Science, and Related Agencies, to hold an oversight hearing to
examine the funding of the Department of Commerce, 10 a.m., SD-192.
Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, to hold hearings to examine
proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2010 for the Office of the
Secretary of the Senate, the Office of the Sergeant at Arms, and the
Office of the U.S. Capitol Police, 2:30 p.m., SD-138.
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to hold hearings
to examine the nominations of Ronald C. Sims, of Washington, to be
Deputy Secretary, Peter A. Kovar, of Maryland, to be Assistant
Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, Helen R.
Kanovsky, of Maryland, to be General Counsel, David H. Stevens, of
Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing
Commission, and John D. Trasvina, of California, to be Assistant
Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, all of the
Department of Housing and Urban Development, David S. Cohen, of
Maryland, to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorist
Financing, and Fred P. Hochberg, of New York, to be President of the
Export-Import Bank of the United States, 10:30 a.m., SD-538.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hearings to
examine the nominations of Kristina M. Johnson, of Maryland, to be
Under Secretary, Steven Elliot Koonin, of California, to be Under
Secretary for Science, Ines R. Triay, of New Mexico, to be Assistant
Secretary for Environmental Management, and Scott Blake Harris, of
Virginia, to be General Counsel, all of the Department of Energy,
and Hilary Chandler Tompkins, of New Mexico, to be Solicitor of the
Department of the Interior, 2 p.m., SD-366.
Committee on Environment and Public Works: business meeting to
consider the nomination of Regina McCarthy, of Massachusetts, to be
an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency,
10:30 a.m., SD-406.
Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine technology
neutrality in energy tax, focusing on issues and options, 10 a.m.,
SD-215.
[[Page D432]]
Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine
soldiers' stories from the Afghan war, 10:15 a.m., SD-419.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: to hold
an oversight hearing to examine State and local stimulus funding, 9
a.m., SD-342.
Committee on Indian Affairs: to hold hearings to examine the
nomination of Yvette Roubideaux, of Arizona, to be Director of the
Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services, 2:15
p.m., SD-628.
Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to
examine certain intelligence matters, 2 p.m., HVC-304.
House
Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and
Poultry, hearing to review Federal food safety systems at the USDA,
1 p.m., 1300 Longworth.
Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice,
Science and Related Agencies, on Department of Justice, 2:30 p.m.,
2359 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, on U.S.
Supreme Court, 10 a.m., 2358-A Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Member Requests, 10 a.m.,
2362-A Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, on
Public Witnesses, 9:30 a.m., B-308 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, on Architect of the Capitol,
and CBO, 2 p.m., H-144 Capitol.
Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and
Related Agencies, on Outside Witnesses, 10 a.m., and on Related
Agencies, 2 p.m., H-143 Capitol.
Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs,
on Fiscal Year 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Request, 9 a.m.,
2359 Rayburn.
Committee on Armed Services, hearing on Effective
Counterinsurgency: The Future of the U.S.-Pakistan Military
Partnership, 1 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, hearing on Army aircraft
programs, 9 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
Defense Acquisition Reform Panel, on measuring value and risk in
services contracts, 8 a.m., 1310 Longworth.
Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Health,
Employment, Labor and Pensions, hearing on Ways to Reduce the Cost
of Health Insurance for Employers, Employees and Their Families,
10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications,
Technology and the Internet, hearing on Communications Networks and
Consumer Privacy: Recent Development, 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, hearing on The American
Clean Energy Security Act of 2009, 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
Committee on Financial Services, hearing on H.R. 1728, Mortgage
Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa and Global
Health, hearing on U.S. Assistance to Africa: A Call for Foreign Aid
Reform, 11:30 a.m., 2172 Rayburn.
Committee on the Judiciary, to continue mark up of H.R. 1913.
Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009; and to
mark up the following bills: H.R. 1748, Fight Fraud Act of 2009;
H.R. 1788, False Claims Act Correction Act of 2009; H.R. 1676, PACT
Act; H.R. 1667, War Profiteering Prevention Act of 2009; and H.R.
1741, Witness Security and Protection Grant Program Act of 2009, 10
a..m., 2141 Rayburn.
Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs,
Oceans and Wildlife, hearing on H.R. 669, Nonnative Wildlife
Invasion Prevention Act, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, hearing
on the following bills: H.R. 1121, Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of
Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009; and H.R. 1376, Waco Mammoth
National Monument Establishment Act of 2009, 10 a.m., 1334
Longworth.
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, to mark up the
following measures: H. Res. 298, Expressing the sense of the House
of Representatives that public servants should be commended for
their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public
Service Recognition Week, May 4 through 10, 2009, and throughout the
year; H. Res. 340. Expressing sympathy to the victims, families, and
friends of the tragic act of violence at the American Civic
Association in Binghamton, NY; H. Res. 341, Expressing heartfelt
sympathy for the victims and families of the shootings in Geneva and
Coffee Counties in Alabama, on March 10, 2009; H. Res. 342,
Expressing support for designation of May 2, 2009, as ``Vietnamese
Refugees Day;'' and H.R. 1271, To designate the facility of the U.S.
Postal Service located at 2351 West Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano
Beach, FL, as the ``Elijah Pat Larkins Post Office Building,'' 10
a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, hearing entitled ``The H-2B
Guestworker Program and Improving the Department of Labor's
Enforcement of the Rights of Guestworkers,'' 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and
Environment, to continue hearings on Oversight of NOAA's
Geostationary Weather Satellite System, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, hearing on the Role of
the SBIR and STTR Programs in Stimulating Innovation at Small High-
Tech Businesses, 1 p.m., 2318 Rayburn.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, hearing on An
Independent FEMA: Restoring the Nation's Capabilities for Effective
Emergency Management and Disaster Response, 11 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Disability
Assistance and Memorial Affairs, hearing on H.R. 952, COMBAT PTSD
Act, 10 a.m., 334 Cannon.
Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, hearing on VA Non-
competitive Contracts, 1 p.m., 334 Cannon.
Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Income Security and
Family Support, hearing to review the implementation and impact of
the unemployment insurance
[[Page D433]]
provisions included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009, 10 a.m., B-318 Rayburn.
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, briefing on
Intelligence Community Diversity Report, 1 p.m., 304-HVC.
Joint Meetings
Joint Committee on the Library: organizational business meeting to
consider an original resolution authorizing expenditures for
committee operations, and committee's rules of procedure for the
111th Congress, 11:30 a.m., SC-4, Capitol.
Joint Committee on Printing: organizational business meeting to
consider an original resolution authorizing expenditures for
committee operations, and committee's rules of procedure for the
111th Congress, 11:45 a.m., SC-4, Capitol.
Joint Economic Committee: to hold hearings to examine a quarterly
report by the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset
Relief Program (TARP), 9:30 a.m., 210, Cannon Building.
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[[Page D434]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Next Meeting of the SENATE
9:30 a.m., Thursday, April 23
Senate Chamber
Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consideration of S. 386,
Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act.
Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
10 a.m., Thursday, April 23
House Chamber
Program for Thursday: Consideration of H.R. 1145--National Water
Research and Development Initiative Act (Subject to a Rule).
_______________________________________________________________________
Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue
HOUSE
Arcuri, Michael A., N.Y., E929
Baca, Joe, Calif., E926
Barrett, J. Gresham, S.C., E941
Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E936
Blunt, Roy, Mo., E925
Broun, Paul C., Ga., E923
Brown-Waite, Ginny, Fla., E924, E938
Butterfield, G.K., N.C., E930
Carney, Christopher P., Pa., E927
Cassidy, Bill, La., E925
Castle, Michael N., Del., E933, E936
Connolly, Gerald E., Va., E940, E944
Costa, Jim, Calif., E922, E930, E937
Costello, Jerry F., Ill., E924, E938
Davis, Artur, Ala., E931
Dreier, David, Calif., E941
Duncan, John J., Jr., Tenn., E934
Engel, Eliot L., N.Y., E932
Etheridge, Bob, N.C., E942
Frank, Barney, Mass., E924
Issa, Darrell E., Calif., E932
Kanjorski, Paul E., Pa., E934
Kind, Ron, Wisc., E944
McCotter, Thaddeus G., Mich., E942
McIntyre, Mike, N.C., E929
Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E923, E925, E931, E937
Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E932
Markey, Edward J., Mass., E934
Massa, Eric J.J., N.Y., E926
Matheson, Jim, Utah, E936
Michaud, Michael H., Me., E931
Miller, George, Calif., E930
Miller, Jeff, Fla., E926, E938
Mitchell, Harry E., Ariz., E933
Moore, Gwen, Wisc., E943
Moran, James P., Va., E928
Pallone, Frank, Jr., N.J., E927
Pence, Mike, Ind., E935
Price, David E., N.C., E941
Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E926
Reichert, David G., Wash., E944
Rogers, Mike, Ala., E932
Roskam, Peter J., Ill., E923
Rush, Bobby L., Ill., E939
Schauer, Mark H., Mich., E925, E926, E928, E930, E930, E932
Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E931, E943
Shuster, Bill, Pa., E933, E937
Stark, Fortney Pete, Calif., E922
Tiberi, Patrick J., Ohio, E927
Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E933
Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E935
Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E921, E923
Watson, Diane E., Calif., E922
Waxman, Henry A., Calif., E939
Westmoreland, Lynn A., Mac, Ga., E928
Wolf, Frank R., Va., E935
Woolsey, Lynn C., Calif., E927, E937
Young, C.W. Bill, Fla., E921