With the Senate approving an economic package last week, it looks like Congress can now return to some issues that were put on hold while the stimulus plan was crafted.

For example, while both the House and Senate approved a Farm bill [1] last year, the chambers never met to iron out their differences. Earlier his month, the Senate announced conferees, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi [2] (D-Calif.) is expected to do the same tomorrow.

One possible snag may be subsidies for farmers: President Bush [3] has threatened a veto if subsidies are included for individuals making more than $200,000 per year. Another might be the Sen. Finance Committee: Chairman Max Baucus [4] (D-Mont.) wants to check the bill for tax loopholes that can be closed.

A quick update on FISA, the FARM bill and the budget are after the break, along with committee schedules.

After months of delays, negotiation and plain old politicking, the Senate appears poised to approve a reform of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The chamber has been embroiled in deliberations since the beginning of the year regarding the RESTORE Act [5], legislation that overhauls the 1978 FISA system. The House approved its version of the bill in 2007.

Last week, senators voted down several amendments offered by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Minn.), but three remaining amendments are the most contentious. They deal with the question of legal immunity for telephone companies that helped the government listen in on Americans’ phone conversations.

One amendment would allow the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court [6] to determine whether civil suits filed against the phone companies should proceed. A second would allow the government to be substituted for the telecoms as a defendant, and the third would strip immunity from the bill all together.

The House version of the bill does not offer immunity, and includes tougher oversight of the intelligence agencies’ wiretapping activities. Bush has threatened to veto any bill that doesn’t contain immunity.

A week ago, the news was dominated by the president’s proposed FY 2009 federal budget [7], which totaled more than $3 trillion and expanded military spending at the expense of domestic programs. Administration officials received a cold reception on Capitol Hill when presenting the proposal to Congress, and Treasury Secretary Robert Paulson can likely expect more of the same when he appears before the House Budget Committee.

While Congress hasn’t necessarily welcomed the budget with open arms, the administration has a likely ally in House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha [8] (D-Pa.). Defense Sec. Robert Gates [9] and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Michael Mullen will appear before the subcommittee Wednesday, and Murtha will probably champion defense spending above and beyond that proposed by the administration. Specifically, Murtha will call for the construction of more cargo planes and Navy ships.

Here are the committee hearings scheduled for this week in Congress:

February 12, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs [10]
  To continue oversight hearings to examine veterans disability compensation, to hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget for fiscal year 2009, proposed budget for fiscal year 2009, 9:30 a.m., [SD-215]
• Senate Committee on Armed Services [11]
  To hold hearings to examine Air Force nuclear security; to be followed by a closed session in SR-222, To hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Federal Aviation Administration, defense and war costs, 9:30 a.m., [SD-608]
• Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works [12]
  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, 10 a.m., [SD-406]
• Senate Committee on the Judiciary [13]
  To hold hearings to examine the nominations of James Randal Hall, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Georgia, Richard H. Honaker, to be United States District Judge for the District of Wyoming, Gustavus Adolphus Puryear IV, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee, and Brian Stacy Miller, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas. 10 a.m. [SD-226]
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [14]
  To hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters. 2:30 p.m. [SH-219]
• Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions [15]
  To hold hearings to examine ways to address healthcare workforce issues for the future. 2:30 p.m. [SD-106]
• Senate Committee on the Judiciary – Crime and Drugs [16]
  To hold hearings to examine federal cocaine sentencing laws, focusing on reforming the 100-to-1 crack/powder disparity. 2:30 p.m. [SD-226]

House

• Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies [17]
  Hearing on Wildland Fire Management Oversight, 10 a.m., B-308 Capitol.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations [18]
  Hearing entitled "Ketek Clinical Study Fraud: What Sanofiaventis Knew, 11 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions [19]
  Hearing on Protecting American Employees from Workplace Discrimination, 2 p.m., 2175 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform [20]
  Hearing on Myths and Facts about Human Growth Hormone, B-12, and Other Substances, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on House Administration [21]
  Hearing to consider the following: Report of the Task Force for the Contested Election in the 13th Congressional District of Florida; H.R. 5159, Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008; and an amendment to Regulations Governing the Use of Official Funds: Safe-Travel-Taxi, 5 p.m., 1310 Longworth.
• House Committee on Rules [22]
  Hearing to consider H.R. 3521, Public Housing Asset Management Improvement Act of 2007, 5 p.m., H-313 Capitol.

February 13, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Foreign Relations [23]
  To hold hearings to examine the President's budget request for fiscal year 2009 for Foreign Affairs. 9:30 a.m. [SD-419]
• Senate Committee on Armed Services [24]
  To hold hearings to examine improvements implemented and planned by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs for the care, management, and transition of wounded and ill service members. 9:30 a.m. [SH-216]
• Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs [25]
  To hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for veterans programs. 9:30 a.m. [SR-418]
• Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources [26]
  To hold hearings to examine the President's budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of the Interior. 9:45 a.m. [SD-366]
• Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs [27]
  Business meeting to consider an original bill entitled "Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2008. 10 a.m. [SD-538]
• Senate Committee on Rules and Administration [28]
  To hold hearings to examine ways to protect voters at home and at the polls, focusing on limiting abusive robocalls and vote caging practices. 10 a.m. [SR-301]
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs [29]
  To hold hearings to examine the role of the Department of Defense in homeland security, focusing on how the military can and will contribute. 10 a.m. [SD-342]
• Senate Committee on the Judiciary [30]
  To hold hearings to examine the state secrets privilege, focusing on protecting national security while preserving accountability. 10 a.m. [SD-226]
• Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship [31]
  To hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Small Business Administration. 10 a.m. [SR-428A]
• Senate Special Committee on Aging [32]
  To hold hearings to examine the housing foreclosure aftermath, focusing on concerns for elderly homeowners. 10:30 a.m.[SD-628]
• Senate Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
  To hold hearings to examine Finland's leadership of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSEC), focusing on plans, priorities, and challenges that face the region. 11 a.m.
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [33]
  Closed business meeting to consider pending calendar business. 2:30 p.m. [SH-219]
• Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions – Children and Families [34]
  To hold hearings to examine the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)(P.L. 103-3), focusing on a fifteen year history of support for workers. 3 p.m. [SD-430]

House

• House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive [35]
  Briefing on Hot Spots, 8:45 a.m., H-405 Capitol.
• House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure [36]
  Hearing on Reviewing the Recommendations of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services [37]
  Hearing on Global Security Assessment, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Ways and Means [38]
  Hearing on the Administration's budget proposals for fiscal year 2009, OMB, 10 a.m., and on Administration's budget proposals fiscal year 2009 for the Department of and Health and Human Services, 2 p.m., 1100 Longworth.
• House Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight [39]
  Hearing entitled ``SBIR: Advancing Medical Breakthroughs,'' 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Science and Technology [40]
  Hearing on NASA's Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement [41]
  Hearing on Surplus Property: Improving Donation and Sales Programs, 2 p.m., 2247 Rayburn.
• House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law [42]
  Hearing on Problems with ICE Interrogation, Detention and Removal Procedures, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations [43]
  Hearing on VA FY 2009 Budget--Office of the Inspector General and Office of Information and Technology, 2:30 p.m., 210 Cannon.
• House Committee on the Budget [44]
  Hearing on Treasury Department Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, 10 a.m., 210 Cannon.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs [45]
  Hearing on International Relations Budget for Fiscal Year 2009, 2:30 p.m., room to be announced.
• House Subcommittee on Legislative Branch [46]
  Hearing on Architect of the Capitol, 10 a.m., H-144 Capitol.
• House Committee on Financial Services [47]
  Hearing entitled ``The Community Reinvestment Act: Thirty Years of Accomplishments, but Challenges Remain,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Homeland Security [48]
  Hearing entitled ``The President's FY 2009 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security,'' 10 a.m., 311 Cannon.
• Veterans_Affairs House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity [49]
  Hearing on Review of Expiring Programs, 2 p.m., 340 Cannon.
• House Committee on Natural Resources [50]
  Hearing to mark up the following bills: H.R. 2176, To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Bay Mills Indian Community; H.R. 4115, To provide for and approve the settlement of certain land claims of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians; H.R. 1143, To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands in Virgin Islands National Park, and for other purposes; H.R. 1311, Nevada Cancer Institute Expansion Act; H.R. 1922, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Act of 2007; H.R. 816, Orchard Detention Basin Flood Control Act; and H.R. 3473, Bountiful City Land Consolidation Act, 11 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
• House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries [51]
  Wildlife and Oceans, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 1187, Gulf of Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act; H.R. 1907, Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act; H.R. 2342, National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of 2007; 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; and H.R. 4933, Captive Wildlife Safety Technical Amendments Act of 2008, 3 p.m., 1324 Longworth.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia [52]
  Hearing on Robbing Mary to Pay Peter and Paul: the Administration's Pay for Performance System, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• Committee_on_Oversight_and_Government_Reform House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform [53]
  To continue hearings on The Mitchell Report: The Illegal Use of Steroids in Major League Baseball, Day 2, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence, executive [54]
  Hearing on Counterintelligence Hot Spots, 2 p.m., H-405 Capitol.
• House Committee on Ways and Means [55]
  Hearing on Modern Public School Facilities: Investing in the Future, 10:30 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Readiness [56]
  Hearing on Readiness at Risk: Department of Defense Security Clearance Processes, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies [57]
  Hearing on USDA Secretary Edward Schaefer, 10 a.m., 2362-A Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense [58]
  Hearing on DOD Budget Overview with Secretary Robert Gates, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn, and, on United States Marine Corps Readiness, 2 p.m., 140-Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security [59]
  Hearing on Management Challenges--Inspector General and GAO, 10 a.m., 2362-B Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies [60]
  Hearing on U.S. Forest Service, 10 a.m., B-308 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies [61]
  Overview hearing on Implications of Economic Trends for Workers, Families, and the Nation, 10 a.m., 2358-C Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies [62]
  Hearing on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development D113Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request, 9:30 a.m., 2358-A Rayburn.
• House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, subcommittee on Aviation [63]
  Hearing on Runway Safety, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Highways and Transit [64]
  Hearing on Reviewing the Recommendations of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
• Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: to hold hearings to examine Finland's leadership of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSEC), focusing on plans, priorities, and challenges that face the region, 11 a.m., B-318, Rayburn building.

February 14, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Armed Services [65]
  To hold hearings to examine the strategy in Afghanistan, focusing on reports by the Afghanistan Study Group and the Atlantic Council of the United States. 9:30 a.m. [SD-106]
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation [66]
  To hold hearings to examine the nomination of John J. Sullivan, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce. 9:30 a.m. [SR-253]
• Senate Committee on Indian Affairs [67]
  To hold an oversight hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for tribal programs. 9:30 a.m. [SD-628]
• Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources [68]
  To hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Agriculture Forest Service. 9:30 a.m. [SD-366]
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs - Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia [69]
  To hold hearings to examine ways to build and strengthen the Federal acquisition workforce. 9:45 a.m. [SD-342]
• Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs [70]
  To hold hearings to examine the current state of the United States economy and financial matters. 10 a.m. [SR-325]
• Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions [71]
  Business meeting to consider S.579, to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants for the development and operation of research centers regarding environmental factors that may be related to the etiology of breast cancer, S.1810, to amend the Public Health Service Act to increase the provision of scientifically sound information and support services to patients receiving a positive test diagnosis for Down syndrome or other prenatally and postnatally diagnosed conditions, S.999, to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve stroke prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, S.1760, to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to the Healthy Start Initiative, H.R.20, to provide for research on, and services for individuals with, postpartum depression and psychosis, and S.1042, to amend the Public Health Service Act to make the provision of technical services for medical imaging examinations and radiation therapy treatments safer, more accurate, and less costly, and any pending nominations.
• S. 579: Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2007
• S. 1810: Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act
• S. 999: Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act of 2007
• S. 1760: Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2007
• H.R. 20: Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act
• S. 1042: Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act of 2007

10 a.m. [SD-430]

• Senate Committee on the Judiciary [72]
  Business meeting to consider S.2304, to amend title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide grants for the improved mental health treatment and services provided to offenders with mental illnesses, S.2449, to amend chapter 111 of title 28, United States Code, relating to protective orders, sealing of cases, disclosures of discovery information in civil actions, S.352, to provide for media coverage of Federal court proceedings, 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, and the nominations of Kevin J. O'Connor, of Connecticut, to be Associate Attorney General, and Gregory G. Katsas, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Attorney General, both of the Department of Justice.
• S. 2304: Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2007
• S. 2449: Sunshine in Litigation Act of 2007
• S. 352: Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2007
• S. 2136: Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007
• S. 2133: Home Owners "Mortgage and Equity Savings Act"

10 a.m. [SD-226]:

• Senate Committee on the Budget [73]
  To hold hearings to examine health care and the budget, focusing on information technology and health care reform. 10 a.m. [SD-608]
• Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works [74]
  To hold hearings to examine S.1499, to amend the Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution from marine vessels. S. 1499: Marine Vessel Emissions Reduction Act of 2007, 10 a.m. [SD-406]
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation [75]
  To hold hearings to examine one year to digital television transition, focusing on consumers, broadcasters, and converter boxes. 10 a.m. [SR-253]
• Senate Finance Committee [76]
  To hold hearings to examine international aspects of a carbon cap and trade program. 10 a.m. [SD-215]
• House Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies [77]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Environmental Protection Agency. 10 a.m. [SD-124]
• Senate Committee on Foreign Relations [78]
  Business meeting to consider pending calendar business. 10:15 a.m.
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs [79]
  To hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Homeland Security. 1:30 p.m. [SD-342]
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [80]
  To hold hearings to examine the Director of National Intelligence authorities. 2:30 p.m. [SH-216]
• Senate Committee on Armed Services [81]
  To continue hearings to examine the strategy in Afghanistan, focusing on reports by the Afghanistan Study Group and the Atlantic Council of the United States. 2:30 p.m. [SD-106]

House

• House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties [82]
  Oversight hearing on the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
• House Subcommittee on Legislative Branch [83]
  Hearing on House of Representatives Budget, 10 a.m., H-144 Capitol.
• House Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies [84]
  Hearing on Veterans Affairs, 10 a.m., and 1:30 p.m., 2359 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations [85]
  Hearing on Provincial Reconstruction Teams: A Case for Interagency National Security Reform? 2 p.m., 2212 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Domestic Policy [86]
  Hearing on One Year Later: Medicaid's Response to Systemic Problems Revealed by the Death of Deamonte Driver, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia [87]
  Hearing on 853 Days: From Gaza Disengagement to De Facto Power? 3:15 p.m., room to be announced.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies [88]
  Hearing on NRCS Under Secretary Mark Rey, 2 p.m., 2362-A Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense [89], Executive
  Hearing on Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, 10 a.m., and, on Army Readiness, 1:30 p.m., H-140 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Energy and Waste Development, and Related Agencies [90]
  Overview hearing on Vehicle Technology and Gas Prices, 10 a.m., 2362-B Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security [91]
  Hearing on Land Border Enforcement, 10 a.m., and on Land Border Enforcement, 1:30 p.m., 2358-A Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies [92]
  Overview hearing on Opportunities Lost and Costs to Society: the Social and Economic Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Disability, 10 a.m., and on Secretary of Health and Human Services, Fiscal Year 2009 Budget overview, 2 p.m., 2358-C Rayburn.
• Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming [93]
  Hearing entitled ``Fire and Rain: How the Destruction of Tropical Forests is Fueling Climate Change, `` 2 p.m., room to be announced.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives and the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement [94]
  Joint hearing on Federal IT Security: A Review of H.R. 4791, Federal Agency Data Protection Act, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs [95]
  To continue hearings on Six Years Later (Part III): Innovative Approaches to Defeating Al Qaeda, 10 a.m., 2247 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Ways and Means [96]
  Hearing entitled ``Business Activity Taxes and their Impact on Small Businesses, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Science and Technology [97]
  Hearing on Funding for the America COMPETES Act in the Fiscal Year 2009 Administration Budget Request, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management [98]
  Hearing on National Flood Plain Remapping: The Practical Impact, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment [99]
  Hearing on Revitalization of the Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields Program, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs [100]
  Hearing on Examining the VA's Claims Processing System, 2 p.m., 340 Cannon.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health [101]
  Hearing on the Medicare portions of the President's fiscal year 2009 budget, 12 p.m., 1100 Longworth.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health [102]
  Briefing on Overhead, 10 a.m., H-405 Capitol.
• House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment [103]
  Hearing entitled ``Homeland Security Intelligence at a Crossroads: the Office of Intelligence and Analysis' Vision for 2008,'' 11 a.m., Cannon.
• House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law [104]
  Hearing on H.R. 3679, State Video Tax Fairness Act of 2007, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn.
• House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property [105]
  Hearing on Design Law--Are Special Provisions Needed to Protect Unique Industries? 2 p.m., 2237 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Workforce Protections [106]
  Hearing on the 15th Anniversary of the Family Medical Leave Act: Achievements and Next Steps, 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises [107]
  Hearing on The State of the Bond Insurance Industry, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Asia, The Pacific and the Global Environment [108]
  Hearing on an Overview of Cambodia and the Need for Debt Recycling: How can the U.S. be of Assistance? 2 p.m., 2200 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, full Committee [109]
  Hearing to mark up the following measures: The Global HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008; H. Res. 185, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the creation of refugee populations in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf region as a result of human rights violations; H. Res. 854, Expressing gratitude to all of the member states of the International Commission of the International Tracing Service (ITS) on ratifying the May 2006 Agreement to amend the 1955 Bonn Accords granting open access to vast Holocaust and other World War II related archives located in Bad Arolsen, Germany; H. Res. 865, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the March 2007 report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development makes an important contribution to the understanding of the high levels of crime and violence in the Caribbean, and that the United States should work with Caribbean countries to address crime and violence in the region; H. Res. 909, Commemorating the courage of the Haitian soldiers that fought for American Independence in the ``Siege of Savannah'' and for Haiti's independence and renunciation of slavery; H. Con. Res. 154, Expressing the sense of Congress that the fatal radiation poisoning of Russian Dissident and writer Alexander Litvinenko raises significant concerns about the potential involvement of elements of the Russian Government in Mr. Litvinenko's death and about the security and proliferation of radioactive materials; H. Con. Res. 255, Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the United States commitment to preservation of religious and cultural sites and condemning instances where sites are desecrated; and H. Con. Res. 278, Supporting Taiwan's fourth direct and democratic presidential elections in March 2008; 10:30 a.m., 210 Cannon.
• House Natural Resources Committee [110]
  Oversight hearing on the President's Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request for the Department of the Interior, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
• House Committee on Armed Services [111]
  Hearing on Implications for Our Strategic Posture, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.

February 15, 2008
House

• House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Military Personnel [112]
  Hearing on the status of the implementation of the Army's medical action plan and other services' support for wounded service members, 10 a.m., 2212 Rayburn
• House Committee on Ways and Means [113]
  Hearing on Department of Health and Human Services Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, 10 a.m., 210 Cannon.
• House Committee on Ways and Means [114]
  Briefing on Cyber Initiative, 10 a.m., H-405 Capitol.
• House Committee on Veterans' Affairs [115]
  Hearing to consider Views and Estimates for the Fiscal Year 2009 VA Budget, 2 p.m., 340 Cannon.