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Wednesday, March 5, 2003

HIGHLIGHTS

House Committees ordered reported nine sundry measures.

[Page: D185]   GPO's PDF

Measures Introduced: Thirty-one bills and nine resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 514-544, S. Res. 74-77, and S. Con. Res. 13-17.

Pages S3162-63 

Measures Reported:

S. 195, to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to bring underground storage tanks into compliance with subtitle I of that Act, to promote cleanup of leaking underground storage tanks, to provide sufficient resources for such compliance and cleanup, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 108-13)
S. 273, to provide for the expeditious completion of the acquisition of land owned by the State of Wyoming within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park. (S. Rept. No. 108-14)
S. 302, to revise the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in the State of California, to restore and extend the term of the advisory commission for the recreation area. (S. Rept. No. 108-15)
S. 426, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain parcels of land acquired for the Blunt Reservoir and Pierre Canal features of the initial stage of the Oahe Unit, James Division, South Dakota, to the Commission of Schools and Public Lands and the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks of the State of South Dakota for the purpose of mitigating lost wildlife habitat, on the condition that the current preferential leaseholders shall have an option to purchase the parcels from the Commission. (S. Rept. No. 108-16)

Page S3162 

Measures Passed:

Honoring Fred Rogers: Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 16, honoring the life and work of Mr. Fred McFeely Rogers.

Pages S3204-05 

Measures Indefinitely Postponed:

Honoring Fred Rogers: Senate indefinitely postponed S. Con. Res. 12, honoring the life and work of Mr. Fred McFeely Rogers.

Page S3205 

Appointments:

NATO Parliamentary Assembly: The Chair, on behalf of the Vice President, in accordance with 22 U.S.C. 1928a-1928d, as amended, appointed Senator Smith as Chairman of the Senate Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly during the 108th Congress.

Page S3205 

Page S3205 

Page S3205 

Nomination Considered: Senate continued consideration of the nomination of Miguel A. Estrada, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Pages S3118-28 

Page S3205 

Treaty Considered: Senate began consideration of the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Strategic Offensive Reductions, signed at Moscow on May 24, 2002 D186(Treaty Doc. 107-8), taking action on the following amendment proposed thereto:

Pages S3128-46

[Page: D186]   GPO's PDF

Durbin Ex. Amendment No. 250, to provide an additional condition.

Pages S3145-46 

Page S3205

Messages From the President: Senate received the following message from the President of the United States:
Transmitting, pursuant to law, the Periodic Report on Telecommunications Payments Made to Cuba pursuant to Treasury Department Specific Licenses; to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (PM-20)

Page S3160 

Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations:
Roland W. Bullen, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
Wayne E. Neill, of Nevada, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Stephen D. Mull, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Lithuania.
Diane M. Stuart, of Utah, to be Director of the Violence Against Women Office, Department of Justice. (New Position)
Michael Chertoff, of New Jersey, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit.
Richard C. Wesley, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit.
Stephen C. Robinson, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.
P. Kevin Castel, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.
Samuel Der-Yeghiayan, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois.

Page S3205

Measures Held at Desk:

Page S3160 

Executive Communications:

Pages S3160-62 

Executive Reports of Committees:

Page S3162 

Additional Cosponsors:

Pages S3163-65 

Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:

Pages S3165-S3202 

Additional Statements:

Pages S3159-60 

Amendments Submitted:

Pages S3202-03 

Notices of Hearings/Meetings:

Page S3203 

Authority for Committees to Meet:

Page S3203 

Privilege of the Floor:

Pages S3203-04 

Adjournment: Senate met at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned at 7:14 p.m., until 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 6, 2003. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S3205.)

APPROPRIATIONS: ARMY CIVIL WORKS PROGRAM/BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development concluded hearings to examine the proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2004 for the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation energy and water development programs, after receiving testimony from Les Brownlee, Under Secretary of the Army and Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works; Lieutenant General Robert B. Flowers, Chief of Engineers, and Major General Robert H. Griffin, Director of Civil Works, both of the United States Army Corps of Engineers; and Bennett W. Raley, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, and John W. Keys, III, Commissioner, United States Bureau of Reclamation, both of the Department of the Interior.

SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Committee on Appropriations: On Tuesday, March 4, Committee announced the following subcommittee assignments:
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies: Senators Bennett (Chairman), Cochran, Specter, Bond, McConnell, Burns, Craig, Brownback, Kohl, Harkin, Dorgan, Feinstein, Durbin, Johnson, and Landrieu.
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary: Senators Gregg (Chairman), Stevens, Domenici, McConnell, Hutchison, Campbell, Brownback, Hollings, Inouye, Mikulski, Leahy, Kohl, and Murray.
Subcommittee on Defense: Senators Stevens (Chairman), Cochran, Specter, Domenici, Bond, McConnell, Shelby, Gregg, Hutchison, Burns, Inouye, Hollings, Byrd, Leahy, Harkin, Dorgan, Durbin, Reid, and Feinstein.
Subcommittee on District of Columbia: Senators DeWine (Chairman), Hutchison, Brownback, Landrieu, and Durbin.
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development: Senators Domenici (Chairman), Cochran, McConnell, Bennett, Burns, Craig, Bond, Reid, Byrd, Hollings, Murray, Dorgan, and Feinstein.
Subcommittee on Foreign Operations: McConnell (Chairman), Specter, Gregg, Shelby, Bennett, Campbell, Bond, DeWine, Leahy, Inouye, Harkin, Mikulski, Durbin, Johnson, and Landrieu.

[Page: D187]   GPO's PDF

Subcommittee on Homeland Security: Senators Cochran (Chairman), Stevens, Specter, Domenici, McConnell, Shelby, Gregg, Campbell, Craig, Byrd, Inouye, Hollings, Leahy, Harkin, Mikulski, Kohl, and Murray.
Subcommittee on Interior: Senators Burns (Chairman), Stevens, Cochran, Domenici, Bennett, Gregg, Campbell, Brownback, Dorgan, Byrd, Leahy, Hollings, Reid, Feinstein, and Mikulski.
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education: Senators Specter (Chairman) Cochran, Gregg, Hutchison, Craig, Stevens, DeWine, Shelby, Harkin, Hollings, Inouye, Reid, Kohl, Murray, and Landrieu.
Subcommittee on Legislative Branch: Senators Campbell (Chairman), Bennett, Stevens, Durbin, and Johnson.
Subcommittee on Military Construction: Senators Hutchison (Chairman), Burns, Craig, DeWine, Brownback, Feinstein, Inouye, Johnson, and Landrieu.
Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and General Government: Senators Shelby (Chairman), Specter, Bond, Bennett, Campbell, Hutchison, DeWine, Brownback, Murray, Byrd, Mikulski, Reid, Kohl, Durbin, and Dorgan.
Subcommittee on VA-HUD-Independent Agencies: Senators Bond (Chairman), Burns, Shelby, Craig, Domenici, DeWine, Hutchison, Mikulski, Leahy, Harkin, Byrd, Johnson, and Reid.
Senators Stevens and Byrd are Ex Officio Members of all the Subcommittees.

E-911 IMPLEMENTATION

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Communications concluded hearings to examine the implementation of enhanced 911 (E-911) services for wireless telephones and technology, public safety communications, after receiving testimony from Senator Clinton; Representatives Shimkus and Eshoo; Kathleen Q. Abernathy, and Jonathan S. Adelstein, each a Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; New York State Assemblyman David Koon, Albany; Jenny Hansen, State of Montana Public Safety Services Office, Helena; John Melcher, Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network, Houston, Texas, on behalf of the National Emergency Number Association; Thera Bradshaw, City of Los Angeles Information Technology Agency, California, on behalf of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International; Michael Amarosa, TruePosition, Inc., New York, New York; S. Mark Tuller, Verizon Wireless, Bedminster, New Jersey.

TRADE AGENDA

Committee on Finance: Committee held hearings to examine the Administration's Trade Agenda, focusing on a strategy to promote global economic growth through an open and free world trading system, including issues relating to Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and free trade agreements, receiving testimony from Robert B. Zoellick, United States Trade Representative.
Hearings recessed subject to call.

BUSINESS MEETING

Committee on Finance: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Daniel Pearson, of Minnesota, and Charlotte A. Lane, of West Virginia, both to be Members of the United States International Trade Commission.

TURKISH AID

Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee met in closed session to receive a briefing on Turkish aid negotiations and developments in northern Iraq from Beth Jones, Assistant Secretary for European Affairs, Earl Anthony Wayne, Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs, and Ryan C. Crocker, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, all of the Department of State.
Committee recessed subject to call.

TREATIES

Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded hearings to examine the Convention Between the Government of the United States Of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Gains (Treaty Doc. 107-19), the Protocol Amending the Convention Between the Government of the United States Of America and the Government of Australia for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (Treaty Doc. 107-20), and the Second Additional Protocol that Modifies the Convention Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Mexican States for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (Treaty Doc. 108-3), after receiving testimony from David Noren, Legislation Counsel, Joint Committee on Taxation; Barbara M. Angus, International Tax Counsel, Department of D188the Treasury; and William A. Reinsch, National Foreign Trade Council, Washington, D.C.

[Page: D188]   GPO's PDF

BUSINESS MEETING

Committee on Governmental Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the following business items:
S. 380, to amend chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, to reform the funding of benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System for employees of the United States Postal Service, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and
The nominations of Janet Hale, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Management, and Linda M. Springer, of Pennsylvania, to be Controller, Office of Federal Financial Management, Office of Management and Budget.

BUSINESS MEETING

Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the nomination of Ross Owen Swimmer, of Oklahoma, to be Special Trustee, Office of Special Trustee for American Indians, Department of the Interior.

2004 BUDGET: INDIAN PROGRAMS

Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2004 for Indian programs, after receiving testimony from Charles Louis Kincannon, Director, U.S. Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce; Aurene Martin, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs; William Russell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Public and Indian Housing; Victoria Vasques, Director of the Office of Indian Education, Department of Education; and Charles W. Grim, Interim Director, Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services.

ASBESTOS LITIGATION

Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded hearings to examine the asbestos litigation crisis, and its economic issues including the costs of settlements and judgments, possible reforms, and the need to compensate victims of asbestos-related disease, after receiving testimony from Senators Baucus and Voinovich; David Austern, Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust, Fairfax, Virginia, Dennis Archer, American Bar Association, and Jonathan Hiatt, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), both of Washington, D.C.; Steven Kazan, Kazan, McClain, Edises, Abrams, Fernandez, Lyons, and Farrise, Oakland, California; Melvin McCandless, Williamston, North Carolina; and Brian Harvey, Vashon, Washington.

Measures Introduced: 30 public bills, H.R. 1079-1108; and 7 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 78; and H. Res. 123-125, 127-129 were introduced.

Pages H1639-41   

Additional Cosponsors:

Pages H1641-42   

Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows:
H.R. 239, to facilitate the provision of assistance by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the cleanup and economic redevelopment of brownfields (H. Rept. 108-22);
H.R. 878, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a special rule for members of the uniformed services and Foreign Service in determining the exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence and to restore the tax exempt status of death gratuity payments to members of the uniformed services, amended (H. Rept. 108-23);
H.R. 361, to designate certain conduct by sports agents relating to the signing of contracts with student athletes as unfair and deceptive acts or practices to be regulated by the Federal Trade Commission referred sequentially to the House Committee on the Judiciary for a period ending not later than June 1, 2003 for consideration of such provisions of the bill as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(k), rule X. (H. Rept. 108-24, Pt. 1); and
H. Res. 126, providing for consideration of H.R. 878, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a special rule for members of the uniformed services and Foreign Service in determining the exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence and to restore the tax exempt status of death gratuity payments to members of the uniformed services (H. Rept. 108-25).

Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker's approval of the Journal of Tuesday, March 4 by yea and nay vote of 373 yeas to 39 nays, Roll No. 43.

Page H1523  D189

Committee Election: The House agreed to H. Res. 123, electing Representative Ruppersberger to the Committee on Armed Services to rank immediately after Representative Alexander.

Page H1523  

Committee Resignation: Without objection, the Chair accepted the resignation of Representative Ruppersberger from the Committee on Armed Services.

Page H1524  

Committee Election: The House agreed to H. Res. 124, electing Representative Ryan of Ohio (to rank immediately after Representative Alexander) to the Committee on Armed Services; Representative Bishop of New York (to rank immediately after Representative Ryan of Ohio) to the Committee on Education; Representative Sanders (to rank immediately after Representative Waters) to the Committee on Financial Services; Representatives Sanders (to rank immediately after Representative Kanjorski) and Cooper (to rank immediately after Delegate Norton) to the Committee on Government Reform; Representatives George Miller of California, Markey, Hinojosa, Rodriguez, Baca, and McCollum to the Committee on Resources; Representatives Cardoza (to rank immediately after Representative Matheson), Jackson-Lee of Texas (to rank immediately after Representative Davis of Tennessee), and Lofgren (to rank immediately after Representative Jackson-Lee of Texas) to the Committee on Science; and Representatives Faleomavaega (to rank immediately after Representative Ballance) and Linda T. Sanchez of California to the Committee on Small Business.

Page H1524  

Suspension Failed--Social Security Protection Act: The House failed to agree to the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 743, amended, to amend the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide additional safeguards for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries with representative payees, to enhance program protections (failed to agree by 2/3 yea and nay vote of 249 yeas to 180 nays, Roll No. 44).

Pages H1524-50, H1601-02  

Suspension Passed--Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1047, to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty, to make other technical amendments to the trade laws (agreed to by 2/3 yea and nay vote of 415 yeas to 11 nays, Roll No. 45).

Pages H1550-91, H1602  

Commending Members of the Armed Forces and Their Families: The House passed H.J. Res. 27, recognizing and commending the continuing dedication, selfless service, and commitment of members of the Armed Forces and their families during the Global War on Terrorism and in defense of the United States by yea and nay vote of 426 yeas with none voting ``nay,'' Roll No. 46.

Pages H1591-H1601, H1602-03 

[Page: D189]   GPO's PDF

The joint resolution was considered pursuant to the unanimous consent order of Tuesday, March 4.

Page H1601 

Presidential Message--Payments to Cuba: Message wherein he transmitted a semiannual report detailing payments made to Cuba by United States persons as a result of the provision of telecommunications services pursuant to Department of the Treasury specific licenses--referred to the Committee on International Relations.

Page H1603 

Committee on Homeland Security: The Chair announced the correction of the Speaker's appointment of the following member of the House to the Select Committee on Homeland Security: Representative Shays to rank after Representative Weldon of Pennsylvania.

Page H1603 

Recess: The House recessed at 7:15 p.m. and reconvened at 9:55 p.m.

Page H1635 

Senate Message: Messages received from the Senate today appear on pages H1519.

Referrals: S. 117 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, S. 144, was referred to the Committees on Resources and Agriculture, S. 111, S. 210, S. 214, S.233, and S. 254 were referred to the Committee on Resources..

Page H1635 

Quorum Calls--Votes: Four yea and nay votes developed during the proceedings of the House today and appear on pages H1523, H1601-02, H1602, H1602-03. There were no quorum calls.

Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 9:56 p.m.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies held a hearing on Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the USDA: J.B. Penn, Under Secretary, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; James R. Little, Administrator, Farm Service Agency; A. Ellen Terpstra, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service; and Ross J. Davidson, Jr., Administrator, Risk Management Agency.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

[Page: D190]   GPO's PDF

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held a hearing on Secretary of Energy. Testimony was heard from Spencer Abraham, Secretary of Energy.

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on Forest Service. Testimony was heard from Dale N. Bosworth, Chief, Forest Service, USDA.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military Construction held a hearing on Air Force Construction. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air Force: Nelson Gibbs, Assistant Secretary, Installations, Environment and Logistics; Major Gen. Earnest Robbins, USAF, Air Force Civil Engineer; Brig. Gen. William M. Rajczak, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Force Reserve; and Col. Charles V. Ickes, II, USAF, Assistant to the Director, Operational Readiness, Air National Guard.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Quality of Life. Testimony was heard from Sgt. Maj. Jack L. Tilley, USA; Master Chief Petty Officer Terry D. Scott, USN, Master Chief Petty Officer; Sgt. Major Alfred J. McMichael, USMC; and Chief Master Sgt. Gerald Murray, USAF.

BACK TO WORK INCENTIVE ACT; PENSION SECURITY ACT

Committee on Education and the Workforce: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 444, Back to Work Incentive Act of 2003.
The Committee began markup of H.R. 1000, Pension Security Act.
Will continue tomorrow.

COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled ``Comprehensive National Energy Policy.'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Energy: Kyle McSlarrow, Deputy Secretary; Patrick Wood, Chairman, William L. Massey and Nora Mead-Brownell, both Commissioners, all with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Richard Meserve, Chairman, NRC; and public witnesses.

LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK CLEANUP PROGRAMS EFFECTIVENESS

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials held a hearing entitled ``The Effectiveness of Leaking Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Programs.'' Testimony was heard from Clifford Rothenstein, Director, Office of Underground Storage Tanks, EPA; John B. Stephenson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; and Edward Galbraith, Tanks Section Chief, Land and Air Division, Department of Natural Resources, State of Missouri.

HOUSING RELATED AGENCY BUDGETS

Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing on housing related agency budgets for fiscal year 2004. Testimony was heard from Mel Martinez, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Art Garcia, Director, Rural Housing Service, USDA; Anthony Lowe, Director, National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security; and a public witness.

BUSINESS CHECKING FREEDOM ACT

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing on H.R. 758 and H.R. 859, Business Checking Freedom Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Donald L. Kohn, member, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; Wayne A. Abernathy, Assistant Secretary, Financial Institutions, Department of the Treasury; and public witnesses.

NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL REAUTHORIZATION AND STRATEGY

Committee on Government Reform: Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources held a hearing on ``ONDCP Reauthorization and the National Drug Control Strategy for 2003.'' Testimony was heard from John Walters, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

Committee on House Administration: Held an oversight hearing on the Smithsonian Institution. Testimony was heard from Lawrence M. Small, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on International Relations: Favorably considered and adopted a motion urging the Chairman to request that the following measures be considered on the Suspension Calendar: H.R. 192, to amend the Microenterprise for Self-Reliance Act of 2000 and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase assistance for the poorest people in developing countries under microenterprise assistant programs under those D191Acts; H.R. 441, to amend Public Law 107-10 to authorize a United States plan to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan at the annual summit of the World Health Assembly in May 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland; H.R. 868, to amend section 527 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995, to require that certain claims for expropriation by the Government of Nicaragua meet certain requirements for purposes of the prohibition on foreign assistance to that government; H. Res. 109, urging passage of a resolution addressing human rights abuses in North Korea at the 59th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, and calling on the Government of North Korea to respect and protect the human rights of its citizens; H. Con. Res. 57, supporting the goals of International Women's Day; H. Con. Res. 26, condemning the punishment of execution by stoning as a gross violation of human rights; and H. Con. Res. 77, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the historic rescue of 50,000 Bulgarian Jews from the Holocaust and commending the Bulgarian people for preserving and continuing their tradition of ethnic and religious tolerance.

[Page: D191]   GPO's PDF

HELP EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, LOW-COST TIMELY HEALTHCARE (HEALTH) ACT

Committee on the Judiciary: Ordered reported, as amended, H.R. 5, Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2003.

OVERSIGHT--BUREAU OF RECLAMATION'S PROPOSED BUDGET

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power held an oversight hearing on the Bureau of Reclamation's Proposed Fiscal Year 2004 Budget. Testimony was heard from John H. Keys, III, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior.

ARMED FORCES TAX FAIRNESS ACT OF 2003

Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 6 to 4, a closed rule providing one hour of debate in the House equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the amendment recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Testimony was heard from Representatives Jefferson, Skelton, Frost, McGovern, and Bordallo.

BUDGET VIEWS AND ESTIMATES

Committee on Rules: Approved budget views and estimates for fiscal year 2004 for submission to the Committee on the Budget.

PATH TO A HYDROGEN ECONOMY; COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on The Path to a Hydrogen Economy. Testimony was heard from David Garman, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.
Prior to this action, the Committee met for organizational purposes.

HEALTH CARE--SMALL BUSINESS ACCESS AND ALTERNATIVES

Committee on Small Business: Held a hearing entitled ``Small Business Access and Alternatives to Health Care.'' Testimony was heard from Senator Talent; Representative Fletcher; Elaine Chao, Secretary of Labor; Hector Barreto, Jr., Administrator, SBA; John Hartnedy, Chief Deputy Commissioner, Department of Insurance, State of Arkansas; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held an oversight hearing on Independent Peer Review of Products that Support Agency Decision-Making. Testimony was heard from Paul Gilman, Assistant Administrator, Research and Development, EPA; Lynn Scarlett, Assistant Secretary, Policy, Management and Budget, Department of the Interior; the following officials of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: R. L. Brownlee, Acting Assistant Secretary (Civil Works); and Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers, USA, Chief of Engineers; and public witnesses.

ADMINISTRATION'S ECONOMIC GROWTH PROPOSALS

Committee on Ways and Means: Continued hearings on the Administration's Economic Growth Proposals. Testimony was heard from Alan Havesi, Comptroller, State of New York; and public witnesses.
Hearings continue tomorrow.

(Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated)

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense, to hold closed hearings on proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2004 for operations intelligence, 9:15 a.m., S-407, Capitol.

Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies, to hold closed hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2004 for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 10 a.m., SD-138.

[Page: D192]   GPO's PDF

Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2004 for the Department of State, 10 a.m., SD-192.
Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2004 and the Future Years Defense Program, 9:30 a.m., SD-106.

Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, to hold hearings to examine Military Construction and Environmental Programs in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2004, 2 p.m., SR-232A.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to hold hearings to examine the Federal Communications Commission's Spectrum Policy Task Force Report and major spectrum issues facing policymakers, 9:30 a.m., SR-253.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hearings to examine oil, gas, hydrogen, and conservation, focusing on energy use in the transportation sector, 10 a.m., SH-216.

Subcommittee on Water and Power, to hold hearings to examine S. 212, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with the High Plains States in conducting a hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, modeling and monitoring program for the High Plains Aquifer, and S. 220 and H.R. 397, to reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of Illinois, 2:30 p.m., SD-366.
Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine an agreed framework for dialogue with North Korea, 9:30 a.m., SD-419.
Committee on Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, to hold hearings to examine the status of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's workforce and consider proposed personnel flexibilities to assist the agency in achieving its mission, 9:30 a.m., SD-342.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Subcommittee on Employment, Safety, and Training, to hold hearings to examine the Administration's approach to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act, 10 a.m., SD-430.
Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider the nominations of Timothy M. Tymkovich, of Colorado, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit, J. Daniel Breen, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, Thomas A. Varlan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee, William H. Steele, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Alabama, S. James Otero, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, S. 253, to amend title 18, United States Code, to exempt qualified current and former law enforcement officers from State laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed handguns, S. 113, to exclude United States persons from the definition of ``foreign power'' under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 relating to international terrorism, and Committee rules and Subcommittee assignements for the 108th Congress, 9:30 a.m., SD-226.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine legislative presentations of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Jewish War Veterans, the Blinded Vererans Association, and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association, 10 a.m., 345 Cannon Building.
Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219.

Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, on FDA, 9:30 a.m., 2362A Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary, on Secretary of Commerce, 10 a.m., and on Attorney General, 2 p.m., H-309 Capitol.

Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, on Bureau of Reclamation, 10 a.m., 2362B Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Interior, on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 10 a.m., B-308 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, on Secretary of Education, 10:15 a.m., 2358 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies, on Corporation for National and Community Service, 10 a.m., and on Federal Citizen Information Center, 11 a.m., H-143 Capitol.
Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, hearing on the fiscal year 2004 Department of Energy's budget request, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
Committee on the Budget, hearing on Members Day, 2 p.m., 210 Cannon.
Committee on Education and the Workforce, to continue markup of H.R. 1000, Pension Security Act, 9:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Education Reform, hearing on ``Head Start: Improving Results for Children,'' 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
Committee on Energy and Commerce, to markup H.R. 5, Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2003, 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 658, Accountant, Compliance, and Enforcement Staffing Act of 2003; and H.R. 957, Broker Accountability through Enhanced Transparency Act of 2003, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
Committee on Government Reform, hearing entitled ``From Reorganization to Recruitment: Bringing the Federal Government into the 121st Century,'' 10 a.m., and to D193consider H.R. 735, Postal Civil Service Retirement System Funding Reform Act of 2003, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.

[Page: D193]   GPO's PDF

Committee on International Relations, hearing on The Millennium Challenge Account, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn.
Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on the Constitution, hearing on H.J. Res. 22, proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States, 12 p.m., 2226 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, oversight hearing on ``Copyright Piracy Prevention and the Broadcast Flag,'' 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 793, to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to grant easements and rights-of-way on the Outer Continental Shelf for activities otherwise authorized by that Act; and H.R. 794, Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 2003, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth.

Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 273, Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2003; H.R. 274, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act; H.R. 289, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex Expansion and Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act; and H.R. 417, to revoke a Public Land Order with respect to certain lands erroneously included in the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, California,10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
Committee on Science, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, hearing on A Review of Aeronautics R&D; at FAA and NASA, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Aviation, oversight hearing on Reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Aviation Programs: Airports, 9:30 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Railroads, hearing on Rail Infrastructure Policies and Reauthorization of Highways, Transit and Surface Transportation Programs, 1:30 p.m., 2167 Rayburn.
Committee on Ways and Means, to continue hearings on the Administration's Economic Growth Proposals, 10 a.m., on March 6, 1100 Longworth.

Subcommittee on Health, hearing on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's (MedPAC) recommendations on Medicare payment policies, 2 p.m., 1100 Longworth.

Joint Meetings: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine legislative presentations of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Jewish War Veterans, the Blinded Vererans Association, and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association, 10 a.m., 345 Cannon Building.

[Page: D194]   GPO's PDF

Program for Thursday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 10 a.m.), Senate will continue consideration of the nomination of Miguel A. Estrada, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, with a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination to occur at 10:30 a.m.
Also, Senate may continue consideration of the Moscow Treaty if cloture is not invoked on the nomination of Miguel A. Estrada (listed above).

Program for Thursday: Consideration of H.R. 13, Museum and Library Services Act of 2003 (unanimous consent, one hour of debate);
H.R. 878, Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003 (closed rule, one hour of debate).

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