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Thursday, April 29, 2004


Daily Digest


HIGHLIGHTS:



[Page: D424]   GPO's PDF

Senate


Chamber Action


Routine Proceedings, pages S4625-S4726

Measures Introduced: Fifteen bills and three resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2360-2374, S.J. Res. 36, and S. Res. 346-347. 

Pages S4692-93

Measures Reported:

S. 1486, to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to implement the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, and the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 108-256)
H.R. 1561, to amend title 35, United States Code, with respect to patent fees.
S. Res. 332, observing the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994.
S. Res. 334, designating May 2004 as National Electrical Safety Month.
S. Res. 344, welcoming the Prime Minister of Singapore on the occasion of his visit to the United States, expressing gratitude to the Government of Singapore for its support in the reconstruction of Iraq and its strong cooperation with the United States in the campaign against terrorism, and reaffirming the commitment of the Senate to the continued expansion of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Singapore.
S. 1932, to provide criminal penalties for unauthorized recording of motion pictures in a motion picture exhibition facility, to provide criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized distribution of commercial prerelease copyrighted works, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
S. 2092, to address the participation of Taiwan in the World Health Organization, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
S. 2107, to authorize an annual appropriations of $10,000,000 for mental health courts through fiscal year 2009.
S. 2192, to amend title 35, United States Code, to promote cooperative research involving universities, the public sector, and private enterprises.
S. 2237, to amend chapter 5 of title 17, United States Code, to authorize civil copyright enforcement by the Attorney General.
S. 2264, to require a report on the conflict in Uganda.
S. 2292, to require a report on acts of anti-Semitism around the world, with amendments.
S.J. Res. 33, expressing support for freedom in Hong Kong, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and with an amended preamble.
S. Con. Res. 100, celebrating 10 years of majority rule in the Republic of South Africa and recognizing the momentous social and economic achievements of South Africa since the institution of democracy in that country. 

Pages S4686-87

Measures Passed:

Internet Tax Non-discrimination Act: By 93 yeas to 3 nays (Vote No. 77), Senate passed S. 150, to make permanent the moratorium on taxes on Internet access and multiple and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce imposed by the Internet Tax Freedom Act, after taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: 

Pages S4635-70

Adopted:
Lott Amendment No. 3082 (to Amendment No. 3048), to extend the 1998 grandfather clause from 3 years to 4 years. 
Pages S4657-58

McCain (for Lautenberg) Amendment No. 3104 (to Amendment No. 3048), to require the Comptroller General to study the impact of the Internet Tax Freedom Act on State and local governments and on broadband deployment. 
Page S4658

[Page: D425]   GPO's PDF

McCain Amendment No. 3105 (to Amendment No. 3048), to provide for an exception for voice or similar services over the Internet. 

Pages S4661-62

McCain Amendment No. 3048, in the nature of a substitute. 
Page S4666

Rejected:
Feinstein Modified Amendment No. 3052 (to Amendment No. 3048), to extend the grandfather clauses for the term of the moratorium extension. (By 59 yeas to 37 nays (Vote No. 76), Senate tabled the amendment.) 
Pages S4662-66

During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action:
By 40 yeas to 59 nays (Vote No. 73), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion to close further debate on Daschle Amendment No. 3050 (listed below). 
Page S4641

By 55 yeas to 43 nays (Vote No. 74), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion to close further debate on Domenici Amendment No. 3051 (to Amendment No. 3050) (listed below). 
Page S4644

By 64 yeas to 34 nays (Vote No. 75), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion to close further debate on McCain Amendment No. 3048 (listed above). 
Page S4646

Chair sustained a point of order that Daschle Amendment No. 3050 (to the language of the bill proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. 3048), to eliminate methyl tertiary butyl ether from the United States fuel supply, to increase production and use of renewable fuel, and to increase the Nation's energy independence, was not germane to the language of the bill proposed to be stricken by McCain Amendment No. 3048, and the amendment thus fell. 
Page S4646

Domenici Amendment No. 3051 (to Amendment No. 3050), to enhance energy conservation and research and development and to provide for security and diversity in the energy supply for the American people, fell when the point of order against Daschle Amendment No. 3050 was sustained. 
Page S4646

Surface Transportation Extension Act: Senate passed H.R. 4219, to provide an extension of highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a law reauthorizing the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, clearing the measure for the President. 
Page S4717

Women's Sustainability Recovery Act: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship was discharged from further consideration of S. 2267, to amend section 29(k) of the Small Business Act to establish funding priorities for women's business centers, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: 
Pages S4719-21

Frist (for Snowe) Amendment No. 3106, to make a technical correction. 
Page S4721

Commending University of Minnesota Women's Ice Hockey: Senate agreed to S. Res. 346, commending the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers for winning the 2003-2004 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I National Collegiate Women's Ice Hockey Championship. 
Page S4721

Commending Tom Lundregan: Senate agreed to S. Res. 347, to commend Senate Enrolling Clerk Thomas J. Lundregan on Thirty-Six Years of Service to the United States Government. 
Pages S4721-22

Soap Box Derby: Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 376, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. 
Page S4722

Jumpstart Our Business Strength (JOBS) Act--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of S. 1637, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to comply with the World Trade Organization rulings on the FSC/ETI benefit in a manner that preserves jobs and production activities in the United States, to reform and simplify the international taxation rules of the United States, at 2 p.m., on Monday, May 3, 2004. 

Page S4723

Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations:
30 Air Force nominations in the rank of general.
61 Army nominations in the rank of general.
2 Navy nominations in the rank of admiral.
Routine lists in the Air Force, Army, Foreign Service, Marine Corps, Navy. 

Pages S4725-26

Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations:
Joyce A. Barr, of Washington, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia.
William R. Brownfield, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
June Carter Perry, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Charles P. Ries, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to Greece.
R. Barrie Walkley, of California, to be Ambassador to the Gabonese Republic, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. 

[Page: D426]   GPO's PDF

Edward Brehm, of Minnesota, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the African Development Foundation for a term expiring November 13, 2007.
2 Marine Corps nominations in the rank of general.
5 Navy nominations in the rank of admiral.
Routine lists in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy. 

Pages S4723-24

Messages From the House: 

Page S4685

Measures Referred: 

Page S4685

Measures Read First Time: 

Page S4685

Executive Communications: 

Pages S4685-86

Executive Reports of Committee: 

Pages S4687-92

Additional Cosponsors: 

Pages S4693-94

Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: 

Pages S4694-S4710

Additional Statements: 

Pages S4683-85

Amendments Submitted: 

Pages S4710-16

Authority for Committees to Meet: 

Pages S4716-17

Record Votes: Five record votes were taken today. (Total--77) 

Pages S4641, S4644, S4646, S4666, S4669

Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned at 8:24 p.m., until 1 p.m., on Monday, May 3, 2004. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Majority Leader in today's Record on page S4723.)

Committee Meetings


(Committees not listed did not meet)

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS


Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary held a hearing to examine intellectual property rights, focusing on the problems of counterfeiting and piracy, receiving testimony from Jack Valenti, Motion Picture Association of America, Inc., Douglas Lowenstein, Entertainment Software Association, Robert W. Holleyman, II, Business Software Alliance, and Mitch Bainwol, Recording Industry Association of America, all of Washington, D.C.
Hearings recessed subject to the call of the Chair.

BUSINESS MEETING


Committee on Armed Services: Committee ordered favorably reported 3,379 nominations in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

TERRORIST FINANCING


Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee held a hearing to examine the Treasury Department's role in the international war against terrorist financing and financial crime, focusing on money laundering and counter-terrorist financing policies, sharing financial information with law enforcement and foreign counterparts, implementing economic sanctions, and enforcing relevant regulations and laws related to these missions, receiving testimony from Samuel W. Bodman, Deputy Secretary, William J. Fox, Director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, R. Richard Newcomb, Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control, and Nancy J. Jardini, Chief of Criminal Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, all of the Department of the Treasury.
Hearing recessed subject to the call of the Chair.

BUSINESS MEETING


Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Romolo A. Bernardi, of New York, to be Deputy Secretary, Dennis C. Shea, of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, and Cathy M. MacFarlane, of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, all of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

NOAA: BUDGET


Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, and Coast Guard concluded an oversight hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2005 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), after receiving testimony from Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.), Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and Administrator, NOAA.

BUSINESS MEETING


Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee ordered favorably reported the following business items:
S. Con. Res. 100, celebrating 10 years of majority rule in the Republic of South Africa and recognizing the momentous social and economic achievements of South Africa since the institution of democracy in that country;
S. 2264, to require a report on the conflict in Uganda;
S. Res. 332, observing the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994;
S. Res. 344, welcoming the Prime Minister of Singapore, His Excellency Goh Chok Tong, on the occasion of his visit to the United States, expressing gratitude to the Government of Singapore for its strong cooperation with the United States in the campaign against terrorism, its support in the reconstruction of Iraq and reaffirming the commitment of Congress to the continued expansion of friendship D427and cooperation between the United States and Singapore; 

[Page: D427]   GPO's PDF

S. 2092, to address the participation of Taiwan in the World Health Organization, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
S.J. Res. 33, expressing support for freedom in Hong Kong, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
S. Con. Res. 99, condemning the Government of the Republic of the Sudan for its participation and complicity in the attacks against innocent civilians in the impoverished Darfur region of western Sudan, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
S. 2292, to require a report on acts of anti-Semitism around the world, with amendments;
Additional Protocol to Investment Treaty with Romania (Treaty Doc. 108-13);
Additional Protocol Amending Investment Treaty with Bulgaria (Treaty Doc. 108-15);
Investment Protocol with Estonia (Treaty Doc. 108-17);
Additional Investment Protocol with the Czech Republic (Treaty Doc. 108-18);
Additional Investment Protocol with the Slovak Republic (Treaty Doc. 108-19);
Additional Investment Protocol with Latvia (Treaty Doc. 108-20);
Additional Investment Protocol with Lithuania (Treaty Doc. 108-21);
Additional Protocol Concerning Business and Economic Relations with Poland (Treaty Doc. 108-22); and
The nominations of Paul V. Applegarth, of Connecticut, to be Chief Executive Officer, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Victor Henderson Ashe, of Tennessee, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Poland, Miles T. Bivins, of Texas, to be Ambassador to Sweden, John Campbell, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Jack Dyer Crouch II, of Missouri, to be Ambassador to Romania, John J. Danilovich, of California, to be Ambassador to the Federative Republic of Brazil, Scott H. DeLisi, of Minnesota, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador to the State of Eritrea, Jendayi Elizabeth Frazer, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, Patricia M. Haslach, of Oregon, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Christopher R. Hill, of Rhode Island, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Craig A. Kelly, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Chile, Earle I. Mack, of New York, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Finland, Michael W. Marine, of Vermont, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Lauren Moriarty, of Hawaii, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, for the rank of Ambassador during her tenure of service as United States Senior Official to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, Constance Berry Newman, Assistant Secretary of State (African Affairs), to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the African Development Foundation, Roger Francisco Noriega, of Kansas, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation, John M. Ordway, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Michael Christian Polt, of Tennessee, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro, Mitchell B. Reiss, of Virginia, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as Special Envoy for Northern Ireland, Thomas Bolling Robertson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia, Fayza Veronique Boulad Rodman, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, Marc McGowan Wall, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Chad, James Francis Moriarty, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Nepal, Thomas Charles Krajeski, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Yemen, Michele J. Sison, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Richard LeBaron, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Jeffrey D. Feltman, of Ohio, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Lebanon, David Michael Satterfield, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, John D. Negroponte, of New York, to be Ambassador to Iraq, and Constance Berry Newman, of Illinois, to be an Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Aubrey Hooks, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign D428Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, Thomas Neil Hull III, of New Hampshire, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone, and Roger A. Meece, of Washington, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and certain Foreign Service Officer Promotion lists. 

[Page: D428]   GPO's PDF

NOMINATIONS


Committee on Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Dawn A. Tisdale, of Texas, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Rate Commission, who was introduced by Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, after the nominee testified and answered questions in her own behalf.

NOMINATIONS


Committee on Governmental Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of David Safavian, of Michigan, to be Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, Office of Management and Budget, who was introduced by Representatives Conyers and Cannon, after the nominee testified and answered questions in his own behalf.

NATIVE AMERICAN FISH AND WILDLIFE


Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine S. 2301, to improve the management of Indian fish and wildlife and gathering resources, after receiving testimony from Billy Frank, Jr., Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, Olympia, Washington; Olney Patt, Jr., Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Portland, Oregon; Millard J. (Sonny) Myers, 1854 Authority, Duluth, Minnesota; James E. Zorn, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, Wisconsin; Ira New Breast, Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, Broomfield, Colorado; Randy Mayo, Stevens Village IRA Council, Stevens Village, Alaska; Gordon Jackson, Central Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Juneau; and Ervin Carlson, Inter Tribal Bison Cooperative, Rapid City, South Dakota.

BUSINESS MEETING


Committee on the Judiciary: Committee ordered favorably reported the following business items:
S. 2107, to authorize an annual appropriations of $10,000,000 for mental health courts through fiscal year 2009,
S. 2192, to amend title 35, United States Code, to promote cooperative research involving universities, the public sector, and private enterprises;
S. 2237, to amend chapter 5 of title 17, United States Code, to authorize civil copyright enforcement by the Attorney General;
S. 1932, to provide criminal penalties for unauthorized recording of motion pictures in a motion picture exhibition facility, to provide criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized distribution of commercial prerelease copyrighted works, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute;
H.R. 1561, to amend title 35, United States Code, with respect to patent fees;
S. Res. 334, designating May 2004 as National Electrical Safety Month; and
The nominations of William Duane Benton, of Missouri, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit, Robert Bryan Harwell, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina, George P. Schiavelli, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, and Curtis V. Gomez, to be Judge for the District Court of the Virgin Islands.

BUSINESS MEETING


Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in closed session to mark up proposed legislation authorizing funds for fiscal year 2005 for the intelligence community, but did not complete consideration thereon, and will meet again on Tuesday, May 4, 2004.

House of Representatives


Chamber Action


Measures Introduced: 4 public bills, H.R. 4247-4250; and; 4 resolutions, H.J. Res. 93-95; and H. Res. 612, were introduced. 

Page H2488

Additional Cosponsors: 

Page H2488

Reports Filed: There were no reports filed today.

Chaplain: The prayer was offered today by Rev. Dr. Nathan D. Baxter, Rector, St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

Page H2485D429

Speaker Pro Tempore: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Thornberry to act as Speaker Pro Tempore to sign enrolled bills and joint resolutions through May 4, 2004. 

Pages H2485-86

Quorum Calls--Votes: There were no votes or quorum calls.

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

[Page: D429]   GPO's PDF

Committee Meetings


FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS


Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs held a hearing on Security Assistance Budget Request. Testimony was heard from Richard L. Armitage, Deputy Secretary, Department of State; and Paul D. Wolfowitz, Deputy Secretary, Department of Defense.

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS


Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Research and Services. Testimony was heard from Charles G. Curiem, Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services.

TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS


Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on the Federal Highway Administration (Environmental Streamlining). Testimony was heard from Mary Peters, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation.

AFGHANISTAN: SECURITY AND RECONSTRUCTION


Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Afghanistan: Security and Reconstruction. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Peter Rodman, Assistant Secretary, International Security Affairs; and LTG Walter Sharp, USA, Director, Strategic Plans and Policy, The Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Ambassador William Taylor, Coordinator for Afghanistan, Department of State.

DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION SYSTEM--REFORM AND STRENGTHEN


Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Employer-Employee Relations held a hearing entitled ``Examining Long-Term Solutions to Reform and Strengthen the Defined Benefit Pension System.'' Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

SPYWARE


Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled ``Spyware: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You.'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the FTC: Mozelle W. Thompson, Commissioner; and J. Howard Beales III, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection; and public witnesses.

ULTRADEEP WATER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT


Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality held a hearing entitled ``Ultradeep Water Research and Development: What Are the Benefits?'' Testimony was heard from Representatives DeLay and Sandlin; Howard Gruenspecht, Deputy Administrator, Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy; and public witnesses.

TRANSFORMING THE NATIONAL GUARD: RESOURCING FOR READINESS


Committee on Government Reform: Held a hearing entitled ``Transforming the National Guard: Resourcing for Readiness.'' Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Paul McHale, Assistant Secretary, Homeland Security; Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary, Reserve Affairs; LTG H. Steven Blum, USA, Chief, National Guard Bureau; and MG John A. Love, USAF, Special Assistant to Combatant Commander for National Guard Affairs, U.S. Northern Command; Janet A. St. Laurent, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, GAO; and the following Adjutant Generals: Wayne Marty, USA, State of Texas; MG Timothy J. Lowenberg, USAF, State of Washington; and MG Bruce Tuxill, USAF, State of Maryland.

DIVERSITY VISA PROGRAM


Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims held an oversight hearing entitled ``The Diversity Visa Program, and Its Susceptibility to Fraud and Abuse.'' Testimony was heard from Anne W. Patterson, Deputy Inspector General, Department of State; and public witnesses. 

[Page: D430]   GPO's PDF

OVERSIGHT--INTERNATIONAL ASPECTS OF FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT


Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight hearing on the International Aspects of Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Management. Testimony was heard from David A. Balton, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ocean and Fisheries, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State; William T. Hogarth, Assistant Administrator, Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce; Kenneth B. Stansell, Assistant Director, International Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior; and a public witness.

MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES


Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 3638, Redwood National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2003; H.R. 3932, To amend Public Law 99-338 to authorize the continued use of certain lands within the Sequoia National Park by portions of an existing hydroelectric project; and S. 144, Noxious Weed Control Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Senator Craig; the following officials of the Department of the Interior: Don Murphy, Deputy Director, National Park Service; and Scott Cameron, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Performance and Management; Brenda Waters, Noxious Weed Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, State of Idaho; and public witnesses.

CONTINUITY OF CONGRESS--INCAPACITATION OF MEMBERS AND THE QUORUM REQUIREMENT


Committee on Rules: Held a hearing to address mass incapacitation of Members and the quorum requirement in the context of the Continuity of Congress. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Office of the Parliamentarian: Charles W. Johnson, III, Parliamentarian; John Sullivan and Tom Duncan, both Deputy Parliamentarians; RADM John Eisold, M.D., USN, Attending Physician to Congress and Rear Admiral, Medical Corps, U.S. Navy; and Walter Dellinger, former Acting Solicitor General of the United States.

FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE--WOULD IT HELP OR HINDER SMALL BUSINESS


Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment and Government Programs held a hearing on Would an Increase in the Federal Minimum Wage Help or Hinder Small Business? Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

THE CAPE TOWN TREATY AND THE COMMERCIAL AVIATION MANPADS DEFENSE ACT; OVERSIGHT--THE CAPE TOWN TREATY


Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Aviation approved for full Committee action the following bills: H.R. 4226, The Cape Town Treaty Implementation Act of 2004; and H.R. 4056, Commercial Aviation MANPADS Defense Act of 2004.
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on The Cape Town Treaty. Testimony was heard from Karan K. Bhatia, Assistant Secretary, Aviation and International Affairs, Department of Transportation.

VETERANS LEGISLATION


Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on the following measures: H.R. 348, Prisoners of War Benefits Act of 2003; H.R. 843, Injured Veterans Benefits Eligibility Act of 2003; H.R. 1735, To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the maximum amount of a home loan guarantee available to a veteran; H.R. 2206, Prisoner of War/Missing in Action National Memorial Act; H.R. 2612, Veterans Adapted Housing Expansion Act of 2003; H.R. 4065, Veterans Housing Affordability Act of 2004; H.R. 3936, To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the principal office of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to be at any location in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, rather than only in the District of Columbia, and expressing the sense of Congress that a dedicated Veterans Courthouse and Justice Center should be provided for that Court and those it serves and should be located, if feasible, at a site owned by the United States that is part of or proximate to the Pentagon Reservation; H.R. 4172, to amend title 38, United States Code, to codify certain additional diseases as establishing a presumption of service-connection when occurring in veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during active military, naval, or air service; H.R. 4173, To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract for a report on employment placement, retention, and advancement of recently separated servicemembers; and a measure to create an open period for certain active duty servicemembers to elect to participate in the program of basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill. Testimony was heard from Representatives Calvert, Michaud, Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida, Davis of California and Reyes; Kenneth B. Kramer, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; Robert Epley, Associate Deputy D431Under Secretary, Policy and Program Management, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; William Carr, Acting Deputy Under Secretary, Military Personnel Policy, Department of Defense; and representatives of veterans organizations. 

[Page: D431]   GPO's PDF

SSI PROGRAM


Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing on the Supplemental Security Income Program. Testimony was heard from Jo Anne B. Barnhart, Commissioner, SSA.

TRADE WITH SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA; AFOA ACCELERATION ACT


Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing on trade with sub-Saharan Africa and H.R. 4103, AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004. Testimony was heard from Representative Royce; and public witnesses.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2004


(Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated)

Senate


No meetings/hearings scheduled.

House


No Committee meetings are scheduled. 

[Page: D432]   GPO's PDF

Next Meeting of the
SENATE

1 p.m., Monday, May 3

Senate Chamber

Program for Monday: After the transaction of any morning business (not to extend beyond 2 p.m.), Senate will resume consideration of S. 1637, Jumpstart Our Business Strength (JOBS) Act.
Next Meeting of the

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

10 a.m., Friday, April 30

House Chamber

Program for Friday: The House will meet at 10 a.m. in pro forma session.


Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE

Acevedo-Vila, Anibal, Puerto Rico, E709

Baca, Joe, Calif., E713

Blackburn, Marsha, Tenn., E712

Davis, Jo Ann, Va., E712

Diaz-Balart, Mario, Fla., E712

Dicks, Norman D., Wash., E710

Dooley, Calvin M., Calif., E711

Eshoo, Anna G., Calif., E706, E708

Hastert, J. Dennis, Ill., E705

Kaptur, Marcy, Ohio, E710

Kildee, Dale E., Mich., E706, E707

Manzullo, Donald A., Ill., E705

Meek, Kendrick B., Fla., E711

Pelosi, Nancy, Calif., E705

Rothman, Steven R., N.J., E713

Ruppersberger, C.A. Dutch, Md., E713

Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr., Wisc., E705

Smith, Christopher H., N.J., E706, E707

Thompson, Bennie G., Miss., E712

Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E705 

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