There’s five days remaining before a two-week spring recess, and Congress will probably remain bitterly divided as it continues work on the 2009 federal budget. Also this week, a March 15 deadline is fast approaching for some type of agreement on the long-delayed Farm bill, while lawmakers will question the Air Force over a recent contract for airborne fuel-tankers, and discuss proposed cuts to a popular community revitalization program.

The tax cuts pushed by President Bush earlier in this term aren’t set to expire for another two years, but they’re figuring heavily into discussions in the 2009 federal budget [3]. The cuts extend to some middle-income brackets and were approved with bipartisan support. However, they automatically sunset in 2010.

While Democrats haven’t signaled whether they would let the cuts expire at that time, the budget resolutions working their way through the House and Senate are based on Congressional Budget Office guidelines. Since the CBO relies on current law for projections, the House and Senate resolutions assume some additional revenue would be generated when the cuts expire.

Republicans will be quick to jump at an opportunity to blame the majority for any spending supported by new taxes. That presents a problem for House and Senate Democrats, who respectively have included $12 billion and $18 billion in increases for domestic programs.

President Bush has vowed to veto any budget bills that exceed his proposal, setting up a repeat of the 2008 budget [4], when continuing resolutions were used to keep the government running while Congress and the White House battled over appropriations bills.

For more, including committee schedules, keep reading after the break:

Last year, the Defense appropriations bill was the first spending legislation to be approved in Congress and by the White House. Right now, it will take center stage again, when a House committee on Armed Services oversight examines a statement issued by President Bush when he signed the bill. At the time, the president said he would ignore four provisions of the legislation.

In other defense-related news, a $40 billion contract for new Air Force aerial refueling tankers is in jeopardy due to congressional concerns. The contract – awarded to Northrop Grumman and European Aeronautic Defense and Space – is for 179 new tankers, and was the subject of two hearings on Capitol Hill last week. Reps. John Murtha [5] (D-Pa.) and Todd Tiahrt [6] (R-Kan.) were among the members to question the contract, which many expected to be awarded to Boeing. Murtha, chairman of the House Appropriations Defense subcommittee, called for a closed-door hearing on the contract tomorrow.

A six-month continuance of the 2002 Farm bill extension expires on Saturday, and senators and representatives are still trying to work out their differences on the 2007 Farm bill [7]. And while jurisdiction of the legislation is causing a tiff between the Senate Finance Committee and the House and Senate Agriculture committees, the White House has also weighed in on a measure to increase spending by $10 billion, further complicating the process.

Returning to the budget, the House Financial Services Committee will call on Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson Tuesday. He’ll likely be grilled on President Bush’s budget proposal, which calls for $900 million in spending cuts for the Community Development Block Grant program.

Finally, Illinois Democrat Bil Foster [8] was elected to fill the remaining term of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert [9] (R). Foster defeated Republican Jim Oberweis [10], though the two will square off again during the November general election.

Another special election will be held Tuesday for Julia Carson [11]'s seat. Carson passed away last year. Her grandson, Indianapolis council member Andre Carson [12], will face Republican Jonathan Elrod [13], an Indiana state representative.

Combined Senate and House Committee Meetings for the week of 3/10 to 3/14

Hearings Schedules:
March 11, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Armed Services [14]
  To hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 for U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Forces in Korea, and the future years defense program, To hold an oversight hearing to examine Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense cooperation and collaboration, focusing on caring for families of wounded warriors, nation's infrastructure, focusing on proposals for needed improvements. 9:30 a.m. [SD-538]
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Innovation [15]
  To hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 to support U.S. basic research. 10 a.m. [SR-253]
• Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works [16]
  To hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program, and the implementation of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2007 (Public Law 110-114). 10 a.m. [SD-406]
• Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on African Affairs [17]
  To hold hearings to examine evaluating United States policy options on the Horn of Africa. 10:15 a.m. [SD-419]
• Senate Committee on Appropriations [18]
  To hold hearings to examine the effectiveness of the United States efforts to combat corruption, waste, fraud, and abuse in Iraq. 10:30 a.m. [SD-106]
• Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions [19]
  To hold hearings to examine the broken pipeline, focusing on losing opportunities in the life sciences. 11 a.m. [SD-430]
• Senate Committee on Foreign Relations [17]
  To hold hearings to examine the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), focusing on enlargement and effectiveness. 2:30 p.m. [SD-419]
• Senate Committee on the Judiciary [20]
  To hold hearings to examine the nomination of Grace C. Becker, of New York, to be Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice. 2:30 p.m. [SD-226]
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation [15]
  To hold an oversight hearing to examine the Department of Transportation's Cross-Border Truck pilot program. 2:30 p.m. [SR-253]
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [21]
  To hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters. 2:30 p.m. [SH-219]

House

• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on Research, Education and Economic budget request, 10 a.m., 2362-A Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science [22] Hearing on OJP/COPS/OVW, 10 a.m., H-309 Capitol, and on Secretary of Commerce, 2 p.m., 2359 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense [22]
  Hearing on Air Force Posture, 10 a.m., and executive, on Air Force Acquisition, 1:30 p.m., H-140 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Energy and Water [22]
  Hearing on DOE--Energy and Conservation, Fossil Energy, Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, 10 a.m., 2362-B Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services [22]
  Hearing on the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security [22]
  Hearing entitled, “Citizenship and Immigration Services: Strengthening Legal Immigration and Improving Refugee Processing,” 10 a.m., 2358-A Rayburn, and then “Homeland Security Grants: Supporting a National Preparedness and Response System,” 2 p.m., 2362-B Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior and Environment [22]
  Hearing on the National Endowment for the Humanities, 4 p.m., B-308 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services [22]
  Hearing on Implications of a Weakening Economy for Training and Employment Services, 10 a.m., 2358-C Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on the Navy Budget, 1:30 p.m., H-143 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs [22]
  Hearing on HIV/AIDS and Global Health Programs, 9:30 a.m., 2359 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces and the Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces [23]
  Joint hearing on Department of the Navy and Air Force Tactical Aviation Programs, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations [23]
  Hearing on the Impact of the Administration's signing statement on the Department of Defense's implementation of the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, 12 p.m., 2212 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Readiness [23]
  Hearing entitled, “Inherently Governmental--What is the Proper Role of Government?” 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health [24]
  Hearing entitled ``Medicare Payment Policy: Recommendations from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's March 2008 Report to Congress,'' 2 p.m., 2322 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet [24]
  Hearing entitled ``The Role of Private Equity D254 in the Communications Marketplace,'' 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Financial Services [25]
  Hearing on the oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Department's budget request for fiscal year 2009 and oversight of emergency spending, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology [25]
  Hearing on H.R. 5512, Coin Modernization and Taxpayer Savings Act of 2008, 2:30 p.m., 2128 Rayburn.
• House Committee on the Judiciary [26]
  Task Force on Competition Policy and Antitrust Laws, hearing on Net Neutrality and Free Speech on the Internet, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn.
• House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law [26]
  Hearing on Deferred Prosecution: Should Corporate Settlement Agreements Be Without Guidelines? 10:30 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
• House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security [26]
  Hearing on Department of Homeland Security Law Enforcement Operations, 10 a.m., 2237 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans [27]
  Hearing on the following measures: H.R. 2964, Captive Primate Safety Act; and a measure To amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to extend its protection to bears illegally harvested for their viscera in the same manner as with respect to prohibited wildlife species, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia [28] Hearing on Advancements and Continual Challenges in the Parole, Supervised Release and Revocation of D.C. Code Offenders, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement [28]
  Hearing to consider pending business, 2 p.m., 2247 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives [28]
  Hearing on Privacy: The Use of Commercial Information Resellers by Federal Agencies, 2 p.m., 2203 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs [28]
  Hearing on National Security and Latin America: Challenges and Opportunities on Energy Cooperation, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Health [29]
  Hearing on Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's annual report on Medicare payment policies, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth.
• House Committee on Rules [30]
  Hearing to consider a resolution revising the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2008, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2010 through 2013, 3:30 p.m., H-313 Capitol.
• House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Research and Science Education [31]
  Hearing on the Transfer of Nanotechnology Initiative Research Outcomes for Commercial and Public Benefit, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation [31]
  Hearing on the NIST's Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request: What Are the Right Technology Investments to Promote U.S. Innovation and Competitiveness, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn.

March 12, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support [14]
  To receive a briefing on the current readiness of the armed forces of the United States. 9:30 a.m. [SH-219]
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs [32]
  Business meeting to consider H.R.3247, to improve the provision of disaster assistance for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, H.R.3179, to amend title 40, United States Code, to authorize the use of Federal supply schedules for the acquisition of law enforcement, security, and certain other related items by State and local governments, S.2606, to reauthorize the United States Fire Administration, S.789, to prevent abuse of Government credit cards, S.2291, to enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing plain language as the standard style of Government documents issued to the public, S.2420, to encourage the donation of excess food to nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to food-insecure people in the United States in contracts entered into by executive agencies for the provision, service, or sale of food, S.2534, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, as the “Julia M. Carson Post Office Building”, H.R.4210, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 401 Washington Avenue in Weldon, North Carolina, as the “Dock M. Brown Post Office Building”, H.R.4342, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 824 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton, Florida, as the “Dan Miller Post Office Building”, H.R.3720, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 424 Clay Avenue in Waco, Texas, as the “Army PFC Juan Alonso Covarrubias Post Office Building”, H.R.3988, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3701 Altamesa Boulevard in Fort Worth, Texas, as the “Master Sergeant Kenneth N. Mack Post Office Building”, H.R.4211, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 725 Roanoke Avenue in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, as the “Judge Richard B. Allsbrook Post Office”, H.R.4240, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10799 West Alameda Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado, as the “Felix Sparks Post Office Building”, S.2622, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11001 Dunklin Road in St. Louis, Missouri, as the “William 'Bill' Clay Post Office”, S.2626, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 160 East Washington Street in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, as the “Sergeant Michael M. Kashkoush Post Office Building”, H.R.3468, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1704 Weeksville Road in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the “Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr. Post Office”, H.R.3532, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5815 McLeod Street in Lula, Georgia, as the “Private Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office”, H.R.4203, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3035 Stone Mountain Street in Lithonia, Georgia, as the Office Building”, H.R.5135, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 West Greenway Street in Derby, Kansas, as the “Sergeant Jamie O. Maugans Post Office Building”, and the nomination of Harvey E. Johnson, Jr., of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
  • H.R. 3247: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Recovery Facilitation Act of 2007
  • H.R. 3179: Local Preparedness Acquisition Act
  • S. 2606: United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008
  • S. 789: Government Credit Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2007
  • S. 2291: Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007
  • S. 2420: Federal Food Donation Act of 2007
  • S. 2534: A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, as the "Julia M. Carson Post Office Building"
  • H.R. 4210: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 401 Washington Avenue in Weldon, North Carolina, as the "Dock M. Brown Post Office Building"
  • H.R. 4342: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 824 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton, Florida, as the "Dan Miller Post Office Building"
  • H.R. 3720: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 424 Clay Avenue in Waco, Texas, as the "Army PFC Juan Alonso Covarrubias Post Office Building"
  • H.R. 3988: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3701 Altamesa Boulevard in Fort Worth, Texas, as the "Master Sergeant Kenneth N. Mack Post Office Building"
  • H.R. 4211: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 725 Roanoke Avenue in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, as the "Judge Richard B. Allsbrook Post Office"
  • H.R. 4240: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10799 West Alameda Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado, as the "Felix Sparks Post Office Building"
  • S. 2622: A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11001 Dunklin Road in St. Louis, Missouri, as the "William 'Bill' Clay Post Office"
  • S. 2626: A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 160 East Washington Street in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, as the "Sergeant Michael M. Kashkoush Post Office Building"
  • H.R. 3468: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1704 Weeksville Road in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as the "Dr. Clifford Bell Jones, Sr. Post Office"
  • H.R. 3532: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5815 McLeod Street in Lula, Georgia, as the "Private Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office"
  • H.R. 4203: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3035 Stone Mountain Street in Lithonia, Georgia, as the "Specialist Jamaal RaShard Addison Post Office Building"
  • H.R. 5135: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 West Greenway Street in Derby, Kansas, as the "Sergeant Jamie O. Maugans Post Office Building"

  10 a.m. [SD-342]

• Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces [14]
  To hold hearings to examine strategic forces programs in review of the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 and the future years defense program. 10 a.m. [SR-232A]
• Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs [33]
  To hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and conduct oversight. 10 a.m. [SD-538]
• Senate Committee on Rules and Administration [34]
  To hold hearings to examine issues relative to in-person voter fraud and voter disenfranchisement. 10 a.m. [SR-301]
• Senate Committee on Finance [35]
  To hold hearings to examine alternatives to the current federal estate tax system. 10 a.m. [SD-215]
• Senate Committee on Foreign Relations [17]
  Business meeting to consider an original bill entitled, to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 to provide assistance to foreign countries to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
• S. 2009: A bill to authorize additional funds for emergency repairs and reconstruction of the Interstate I-35 bridge located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that collapsed on August 1, 2007, to waive the $100,000,000 limitation on emergency relief funds for those emergency repairs and reconstruction, and for other purposes.

10:15 a.m. [SD-419]

Senate Special Committee on Aging [36]
To hold hearings relative to doctors and prescription drug information and reviews. 10:30 a.m. [SD-562]

Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense [18]
To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Air Force. 10:30 a.m. [SD-192]

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Subcommittee on Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism [15]
To hold hearings to examine the gross domestic product as a measurement of national strength. 1:30 p.m. [SR-253]

Senate Committee on the Judiciary [20]
To hold hearings to examine Generation Rx, focusing on the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. [SD-226]

Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Seapower [14]
To hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009, for the strategic lift programs, and the future years defense program. 2 p.m. [SR-222]

Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources [37]
To hold hearings to examine hardrock mining, focusing on issues relating to abandoned mine lands and uranium mining. 2:15 p.m. [SD-366]

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [21]
Closed business meeting to consider pending calendar business. 2:30 p.m. [SH-219]

Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs [17]
To hold hearings to examine the United States and Vietnam, focusing on the bilateral relationship. 2:30 p.m. [SD-419]

Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security [32]
To hold hearings to examine agencies in peril, focusing on protecting federal information technology and secure sensitive information. 2:30 p.m. [SD-342]

Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support [14]
To hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009, the future years defense program, and military installation, environmental, and base closure programs. 2:30 p.m. [SR-232A]

Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities [14]
To hold hearings to examine technologies to combat weapons of mass destruction. 2:30 p.m. [SD-106]

Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government [18]
To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the federal judiciary. 3 p.m. [SD-138]

House

• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration, 11 a.m., 2362-A Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on DEA, 9:30 a.m., and D253 on Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Marshals, Detention Trustee, 2 p.m., H-309 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense [22]
  Hearing on Army Posture, 10 a.m., and executive, on Army Acquisition, 1:30 p.m., H-140 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services [22]
  Hearing on The Judiciary, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security [22]
  Hearing on Investing in Science and Technology, 10 a.m., 2362-B Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on Public Witnesses--Native American, 10 a.m., B-308 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on Status of the World Trade Center 9/11 Health Monitoring and Treatment Program, 1 p.m., 2358-C Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch [22]
  Hearing on Office of Compliance, Congressional Budget Office, Open World Leadership Center, 10 a.m., H-144 Capitol, and on Capitol Visitor Center, 1:30 p.m., 2359 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on Pacific Command, 10 a.m., H-143 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs [22]
  Hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request for International Affairs--Secretary Rice, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services [23]
  Hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for the U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Forces Korea, 1 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Military Personnel [23]
  Hearing on the Future of the Military Healthcare System, 9 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• [https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=House_Committee_on_Armed_Services House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for the Department of Energy National Security Programs, 10 a.m., 2212 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Education and Labor [38]
  Hearing on H.R. 5522, Combustible Dust Explosion and Fire Prevention Act of 2008, 10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality [24]
  Hearing entitled ``The Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement, and Safety Act of 2006: Implementation Review and Discussion of Safety Reassessment Intervals for Natural Gas Pipelines,'' 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations [24]
  Hearing entitled ``Regulatory Failure: Must America Live with Unsafe Food?'' 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Financial Services [25]
  Hearing entitled ``Municipal Bond Turmoil: Impact on Cities, Towns, and States,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
• Hosue Committee on Foreign Affairs [39]
  Hearing on the Balkans after the Independence of Kosovo and on the Eve of NATO Enlargement, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• Hosue Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia [39]
  Hearing on 853 Days: From Gaza Disengagement to De Facto Power? 2 p.m., 2200 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection [40]
  Hearing entitled ``Partnerships in Securing Critical Infrastructure,'' 2 p.m., 311 Cannon.
• House Committee on House Administration, Subcommittee on Elections [41]
  Oversight hearing on the Election Assistance Commission, 3 p.m., 1310 Longworth.
• House Committee on Natural Resources [27]
  Hearing to consider the following bills: H.R. 2016, National Landscape Conservation System Act; H.R. 4933, Captive Wildlife Safety Technical Amendments Act of 2008; H.R. 2342, National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of 2007; H.R. 1187, Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act; H.R. 3352, Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2007; H.R. 3891, To amend the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act to increase the number of Directors on the Board of Directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; H.R. 2515, Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Act; H.R. 2675, HALE Scouts Act; and H.R. 3651, Utah National Guard Readiness Act, 11 p.m., 1324 Longworth.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Domestic Policy [28]
  Hearing on Priorities and Accountability at ONDCP, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Science and Technology [31]
  Hearing on Competitiveness and Innovation on the Committee's 50th Anniversary, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.

March 13, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests [37]
  To hold hearings to examine old-growth forest science, focusing on policy and management in the Pacific Northwest region. 9:30 a.m. [SD-366]
• Senate Committee on Armed Services [14]
  To hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 for the United States European Command and the United States Afican Command, and the future years defense program. 9:30 a.m. [SH-216]
• Senate Committee on the Judiciary [20]
  Business meeting to consider S.2136, to address the treatment of primary mortgages in bankruptcy, S.2133, to authorize bankruptcy courts to take certain actions with respect to mortgage loans in bankruptcy, S.2041, to amend the False Claims Act, S.2533, to enact a safe, fair, and responsible state secrets privilege Act, S.702, to authorize the Attorney General to award grants to State courts to develop and implement State courts interpreter programs, S.Res.468, designating April 2008 as “National 9-1-1 Education Month”, and the nominations of Catharina Haynes, of Texas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit, and Rebecca A. Gregory, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas.
  • S. 2136: Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007
  • S. 2133: Home Owners' Mortgage and Equity Savings Act
  • S. 2041: False Claims Act Correction Act of 2007
  • S. 2533: State Secrets Protection Act
  • S. 702: State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act
  • S. Res. 468: A resolution designating April 2008 as "National 9-1-1 Education Month"

  10 a.m. [SD-226]

• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security [15]
  To hold hearings to examine the financial state of the airline industry. 10 a.m. [SR-253]
• Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development [18]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 10 a.m. [SD-138]
• Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies [18]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Science Foundation. 10 a.m. [SD-192]
• Senate Committee on Finance [35]
  To hold hearings to examine customs reauthorization, focusing on strengthening United States economic interests and security. 10 a.m. [SD-215]
• Senate Committee on Foreign Relations [17]
  To hold hearings to examine the nominations of William Raymond Steiger, of Wisconsin, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Mozambique, and Mark Kimmitt, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Political-Military Affairs). 10:15 a.m.
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation [15]
  To hold a hearing to examine the nomination of John J. Sullivan, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce. 2 p.m. [SR-253]
• Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support [14]
  To hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 for the current readiness of the armed forces, and the future years defense program. 2 p.m. [SR-232A]
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [21]
  To hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters. 2:30 p.m. [SH-219]
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Subcommittee on Fisheries and Coast Guard [15]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2:30 p.m. [SR-253]
• Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities [14]
  To hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 for the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program and the Proliferation Security Initiative at the Department of Defense, and nuclear nonproliferation programs at the National Security Administration, and the future years defense program. 2:30 p.m. [SR-222]

House

• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on FNCS Budget, 10 a.m., 2362-A Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on the Census, 10 a.m., 2358-A Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense [22]
  Hearing on Navy Posture, 10 a.m., and executive, on Navy Acquisition, 1:30 p.m., H-140 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development [22] Hearing on DOE--Science Research, 10 a.m., 2362-B Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services [22]
  Hearing on the Supreme Court, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security [22]
  Hearing on Federal Emergency Management Agency--Is the agency on the right track? 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on Public Witnesses--Other Issues, 9:30 a.m., B-308 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on Public Witnesses, 10 a.m., and 2 p.m., 2358-C Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch [22]
  Hearing on Budget Hearing--U.S. House of Representatives, 10 a.m., H-144 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies [22]
  Hearing on Air Force Budget, 10 a.m., and on Outside Witnesses, 1:30 p.m., H-143 Capitol.
• House Committee on Armed Services [23]
  Hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for the U.S. European Command, Southern Command and Africa Command, 1 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Readiness [23]
  Hearing on Department of Defense Energy Posture, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities [23]
  Hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request--Department of Defense Science and Technology: Responding to the 21st Century Irregular Warfare Threat Environment, 10 a.m., 2212 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Education and Labor [38]
  Hearing on America's Black Colleges and Universities: Models of Excellence and Challenges for the Future, 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce [24]
  Hearing entitled ``Department of Commerce Budget for Fiscal Year 2009, 9 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit [25]
  Hearing on The Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights: Providing New Protections for Consumers, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health [39] Hearing on Child Survival: The Unfinished Agenda to Reduce Global Child Mortality, 10:30 a.m., 2255 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight [39]
  Hearing on War Powers for the 21st Century: The Congressional Perspective, 9:30 a.m., 2200 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment [40]
  Hearing entitled ``Making Homeland Security Intelligence Work for State, Local, and Tribal Partners: An Interagency Threat Assessment Coordination Group (ITACG) Progress Report,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon.
• House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property [26]
  Hearing on Promoting the Use of Orphan Works: Balancing the Interests of Copyright Owners and Users, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Resources [27] Oversight hearing on Getting Royalties Right: Recent Recommendations for Improving the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty System, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth.
• House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands [27]
  Oversight hearing on the Impacts of Unmanaged Off-Road Vehicles on Federal Land, 2 p.m., 1324 Longworth.
• House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water and Power [27] Hearing on the following bills: H.R. 317, Arkansas Valley Conduit Act; H.R. 4841, Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Settlement Act; and H.R. 5293, Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform [28]
  Hearing to consider pending business, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Domestic Policy [28]
  Hearing on Is USDA Accounting for Costs to Farmers Caused by Contamination from Genetically Engineered Plants? 2 p.m., 2247 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Services and the District of Columbia [28]
  Hearing on H.R. 3268, Government Accountability Office Act of 2007, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight [31]
  Hearing on EPA Library Closures: Better Access for a Broader Audience? 9:30 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics [31]
  Hearing on NASA's Science Programs: Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request and Issues, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Small Business [42]
  Hearing entitled ``Legislation to Reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program,'' 10 a.m., 1539 Longworth.
• House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity [43]
  Hearing on U.S. Paralympic Military Program, 1 p.m., 334 Cannon.
• House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations [43]
  Hearing on Care of Seriously Wounded After In-Patient Care, 10 a.m., 340 Cannon.
• House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Oversight [29]
  Hearing on 2008 tax return filing season, IRS operations, the fiscal Year 2009 budget proposals, and National Taxpayer Advocate's Annual Report, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth.
• House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming [44]
  Hearing entitled ``Massachusetts v. U.S. EPA Part II: Implications of the Supreme Court Decision, 9:30 a.m., room to be announced.

March 14, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia [45]
  To hold hearings to examine ways to reform the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system. 10 a.m. [SD-342]

House

• House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Military Personnel [23]
  Hearing on Mental Health Overview, 9 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces [23]
  Hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for Navy Shipbuilding, 10 a.m., 2212 Rayburn.
• House Committee on the Judiciary [26]
  Hearing on the following bills: H.R. 2176, To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Bay Mills Indian Community; and H.R. 4115, To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.