The House and Senate will begin laying the groundwork for the 2009 federal budget [1] this week, with proposals coming from the Senate Finance Committee and from the House and Senate budget and appropriations committees. Also this week, a compromise might be reached on electronic surveillance, with some saying a bill could head to the President by the end of next week.

The budget proposals — to be unveiled on Wednesday — are produced with two separate frameworks: each resolution is non-binding, but includes policy priorities in “reserve funds” and “reconciliation” instructions. Reconciliation instructions are provided to authorizing committees, which then produce a set dollar amount to fund policy priorities based on spending and taxation. The reserve funds, on the other hand, must follow “paygo” rules, and be offset by revenue increases or spending cuts.

Bush Administration officials have already threatened a veto for any budget proposals that exceeds the president' spending goals.

More on FISA, ethics reform, consumer protection and the week's committee schedules below...

The FISA reform debate continues unabated: House and Senate Democrats are meeting this week to discuss ways of reaching a deal on the RESTORE Act [2], a permanent electronic surveillance reform. A House bill — approved last year — includes additional oversight of the nation’s intelligence gathering apparatus. The Senate version provides for legal immunity for phone companies that helped the government listen in on Americans without a warrant, a possible violation of American civil rights over which dozens of lawsuits have already been filed. Meetings to reconcile the two bills will continue on Wednesday.

Partisan debate continues in the Senate over legislation to strengthen the Consumer Product Safety Commission. A comprehensive bill is advancing, though Sen. Jim DeMint [3] (R-S.C.) is expected to try to substitute the watered-down House version after cloture [4] is invoked. That would strip whistle-blower protections and modify the the role states' attorneys general could play.

Rep. Michael Capuano [5] (D-Mass.) has offered some refinements to his proposal for an independent House ethics watchdog. A vote on an earlier draft was postponed last week over objections from Democrats and Republicans. One change would require at least one member from each party to initiate an ethics review, while a third member would have to sign on before a review could proceed to a second level.

Hearing Schedules

March 4, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Armed Services [6]
  To hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 for the United States Central Command and the United States Special Operations Command, and the future years defense program; with the possibility of a closed session in S-407 immediately following the open session, To hold hearings to examine Kosovo, focusing on the Balkans region, Affairs Committee to examine veterans of foreign wars of the United States. 9:30 a.m. [SH-216]
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation [7]
  To hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for Transportation Security Administration, Department of Transportation. 10:00 a.m. [SR-253]
• Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources [8]
  To hold an oversight hearing to examine the Energy Information Administration's revised Annual Energy Outlook. 10:00 a.m. [SD-366]
• Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies [9]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency. 10 a.m., [SD-124]
• Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security [10]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Homeland Security. 10 a.m., [SD-192]
• Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs [11]
  To hold hearings to examine the state of the banking industry. 10 a.m. [SD-538]
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on State, Local, and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration Subcommittee Disaster Recovery [12]
  To hold joint hearings to examine the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster housing strategy. 10:00 a.m. [SD-342]
• Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs [13]
  To hold joint hearings with the House Veterans Affairs Committee to examine disabled American veterans 2:00 p.m. [345-CHOB]
• Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs [14]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the U.S. Agency for International Development 2:30 p.m., [SD-138]
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs [15]
  To hold closed hearings to examine National Security Presidential Directive-54 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive-23 cyber security initiative. 2:30 p.m.
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security [16]
  To hold hearings to examine protecting seashores from oil spills, focusing on operational procedures and ship designs. 2:30 p.m. [SR-253]
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [17]
  To receive a closed briefing on certain intelligence matters. 2:30 p.m. [SH-219]
• Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces [18]
  To hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 for the military space programs, and the future years defense program. 2:30 p.m. [SR-232A]
• Senate Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
  To hold hearings to examine enlargement issues facing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization focusing on democratic development. 3:00 p.m.

House

• House Committee on Ways and Means [19]
  Full Committee, to hold joint hearings with the House Veterans Affairs Committee to examine veterans of foreign wars of the United States. 9:30 a.m., SH-216.
• House Committee on Ways and Means [20]
  Full Committee, to hold joint hearings with the House Veterans Affairs Committee to examine disabled American veterans. 2 p.m., 345-CHOB.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense [21]
  Hearing on Defense Contracting, 1:30 p.m., H-140 Capitol.
• House Committee on Rules [22]
  Hearing to consider the following: H.R. 2857, Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act; and the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007, 5 p.m., H-313 Capitol.
• Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: March 4, to hold hearings to examine enlargement issues facing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) prior to the summit in Bucharest, Romania, focusing on democratic development, 3 p.m., B-318, Rayburn Building.
• House Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Workforce Protections [23]
  Hearing on Challenges and Opportunities for Improving School Nutrition, 3:30 p.m., 2175 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia and the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight [24]
  Joint hearing on Declaration and Principles: Future U.S. Commitments to Iraq, 2 p.m., 2200 Rayburn.

March 5, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development [25]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Energy. 9:30 a.m. [SD-124]
• Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions [26]
  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 prenatal and postnatal 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. [SD-430] -- Mar 5, 2008 at 9:30 a.m.
  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
  10:00 a.m. [SD-430]
• Senate Committee on Armed Services [27]
  To hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009, for the Department of the Air Force, and the future years defense program. 9:30 a.m. [SH-216]
• Senate Committee on Foreign Relations [28]
  To hold hearings to examine strengthening national security, focusing on smart power and military perspective. 9:30 a.m. [SD-419]

House

• House Committee on Natural Resources [38]
  Oversight hearing entitled ``Poaching American Security: Impacts of Illegal Wildlife Trade,'' 9:30 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
• House Committee on Armed Services [39]
  Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Special Operations, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet [40]
  Hearing entitled ``Competition in the Sports Programming Marketplace,'' 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Capital Markets Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises [41]
  Joint hearing entitled `` Foreign Government Investment in the U.S. Economy and Financial Sector,'' 2:30 p.m., 2128 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment [42]
  Hearing on the Department of Energy Fiscal Year 2009 Research and Development Budget Request, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
• House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence, executive [43]
  Briefing on FBI Intelligence Reforms, 8:45 a.m., H-405 Capitol.
• House Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight [44]
  Hearing on Toxic Trailers: Have the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Failed to Protect Public Health? 1 p.m., 2318 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs [45]
  Hearing on Oversight of Ballistic Missile Defense (Part I): Threats, Realities, and Tradeoffs, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces [46]
  Hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request and Status for Space Activities. 3 p.m., 2212 Rayburn.
• House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities [47]
  Hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Northern Command, 1:30 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere [48]
  Hearing on With Castro Stepping Down, What's Next for Cuba and the Western Hemisphere? 2 p.m., 2175 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Finance and Tax [49]
  Hearing on Improving the SBA's Access to Capital Programs for our Nation's Small Businesses, 2 p.m., 2360 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives [50]
  Hearing on 2010 Census Communications, Partnership Programs, Census in Schools, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology [51]
  Hearing entitled ``Nuclear Smuggling Detection: Recent Tests of Advanced Spectroscopic Portal Monitors,'' 2 p.m., 311 Cannon.
• House [52]
  Oversight hearing on the Department of Homeland Security, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies [53]
  Hearing on Food Safety and Inspection Service, 10 a.m., 2362-A Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies [54]
  Hearing on Economic Development Administration, 10 a.m., H-309 Rayburn, and on NASA, 2 p.m., 2358 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense, executive [55]
  Hearing on U.S. Central Command, 3 p.m., H-140 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government [56]
  Hearing on Department of the Treasury, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security [57]
  Hearing on Coast Guard 2009 Budget Impact on Maritime Safety, Security, and Environment, 10 a.m., 2362-B Rayburn.
• Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies [58]
  Hearing on on Bureau of Indian Affairs--Office of the Special Trustee, 10 a.m., B-308 Rayburn.
• Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies [59]
  Hearing on Expanding Health Care Access, 10 a.m., and on Health Issues and Opportunities at the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality/Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Overview, 2 p.m., 2358-C Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch [60]
  Hearing on Library of Congress, 10 a.m., H-144 Capitol.

March 6, 2008

<Senate

• Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs [61]
  To hold joint hearings with the House Veterans Affairs Committee to examine a sundry of associations outlook on veterans affairs issues 9:30 a.m. [345-CHOB]
• Senate Committee on Armed Services [62]
  To hold hearings to examine the defense authorization request for fiscal year 2009 for the U.S. Southern and Northern Command, and the future years defense program. 9:30 a.m. [SH-216]
• Senate Joint Economic Committee [63]
  To hold hearings with the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee of Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia to examine investing in the future of the federal workforce, focusing on paid parental leave to improve recruitment and retention. 9:30 a.m. [2154-RHOB]
• Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies [64]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Transportation. 10 a.m., [SD-192]
• Senate Committee on the Judiciary [65]
  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, S.2041, to amend the False Claims Act, S.2533, to enact a safe, fair, and responsible state secrets privilege Act, 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, Brian Stacy Miller, of to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas, James Randal Hall, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Georgia, William Joseph Hawe, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Washington, Stanley Thomas Anderson, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, and John A. Mendez, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California.
  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
  S. 2041: False Claims Act Correction Act of 2007
  S. 2533: State Secrets Protection Act
  10 a.m. [SD-226]
• Senate Finance Committee [66]
  To hold hearings to examine the Administration's 2008 trade agenda. 10 a.m. [SD-215]
• Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies [67]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Commerce. 10 a.m. [SD-138]
• Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs [68]
  To hold hearings to examine reforming the regulation of government sponsored enterprises. 10 a.m. [SD-538]
• Senate Committee on Indian Affairs [69]
  To hold hearings to examine the state of facilities in Indian country jails, schools, and health facilities. 10:00 a.m. [SD-628]
• Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions [70]
  To hold hearings to examine unemployment in the economy, focusing on ways to secure families and build opportunities. 10:00 a.m. [SD-430]
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard [71]
  To hold hearings to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the U.S. Coast Guard and conduct oversight. 10:30 a.m. [SR-253]
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [72]
  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 [73]
  Hearing on Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Budget request, 10 a.m., 2362-A Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies [74]
  To continue on NASA, 10 a.m., B-318 Rayburn, and 2 p.m., 2358 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, executive [75]
  Hearing on National Intelligence Program Budget, 1:30 p.m., H-140 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies [76]
  Hearing on U.S. Corps of Engineers, 10 a.m., and on Department of Energy--Environmental Management Legacy Management, 3 p.m., 2362-B Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government [77]
  Hearing on OMB, 10 a.m., 2220 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security [78]
  Hearing on Border Security Programs and Operations--Challenges and Priorities, 9:30 a.m., 2358-A Rayburn.
• Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies [79]
  Hearing on National Park Service, 10 a.m., B-308 Rayburn. .
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies [80]
  Hearing on Secretary of Labor, Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Overview, 10 a.m., 2358-C Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch [81]
  Hearing on GPO, 10 a.m., H-144 Capitol.
• House Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies [82]
  Hearing on Central Command, 10 a.m., H-140 Capitol, and on Department of Veterans' Affairs-Medical Care, 1:30 p.m., H-143 Capitol.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs [83]
  Hearing on Fiscal Year 2008 Emergency Supplemental Request for State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies [84]
  Hearing on FAA-Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request and Next Generation Air Traffic Control System, 2 p.m., 2358-A Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Asia, The Pacific and the Global Environment [85]
  Hearing on Central Asia: An Overview, 2 p.m., 2200 Rayburn.
• House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties [86]
  House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight [87]
  Joint hearing on Empty Promises: Diplomatic Assurances and Rendition to Torture, 1 p.m., 2141 Rayburn.
• House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law [88]
  Hearing on H.R. 5312, Automobile Arbitration Fairness Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 2237 Rayburn.
• House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law [89]
  House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties [90]
  House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight [91]
  Joint oversight hearing on Empty Promises: Diplomatic Assurances and Rendition to Torture, 1 p.m., 2141 Rayburn.
• House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security [92]
  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, 11:30 a.m., 2141 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands [93]
  Hearing on the following bills: H.R. 877, Adams National Historical Park Boundary Addition Act; H.R. 1423, Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center Lease Act; H.R. 1693, National Liberty Memorial Act; H.R. 2675, HALE Scouts Act; H.R. 3651, Utah National Guard Readiness Act; and H.R. 3734, Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Act, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia [94]
  Hearing on Investing in the Future of the Federal Workforce: Paid Parental Leave Improves Recruitment and Retention, 9:30 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation [95]
  Hearing on The Department of Homeland Security's R&D Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2009, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Armed Services [96]
  Full Committee, on Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the Department of the Navy, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Financial Services [97]
  Full committee, hearing entitled ``The Need for Credit Union Regulatory Relief and Improvements,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Small Business [98]
  Full Committee, hearing entitled ``Are New Procurement Methods Beneficial to Small Business Contractors?'' 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn.
• House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence [99]
  Full Committee, executive, briefing on Intelligence Budget Overview--DNI, 10 a.m., H-405 Capitol.
• House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management [100]
  Hearing on Doing Business with the Government: The Record and Goals for Small, Minority, and Disadvantaged Businesses, 11 a.m., 2253 Rayburn.
• Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming [101]
  Hearing entitled ``The Renewable Energy Economy: a New Path to Investment, Jobs and Growth,'' 9:30 a.m., room to be announced.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia [102]
  Hearing to examine investing in the future of the federal workforce, focusing on paid parental leave to improve recruitment and retention, 9:30 a.m., 2154-RHOB.
• Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs [103]
  House Committee on Veterans Affairs [104]
  Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to hold joint hearings with the House Veterans Affairs Committee to examine a sundry of associations’ outlook on veterans’ affairs issues
  9:30 a.m., [345-CHOB]

March 7, 2008

Senate

• Senate Joint Economic Committee [105]
  To hold hearings to examine the total economic costs of the war beyond the federal budget. 9:30 a.m. [SD-628]

House

• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform [106]
  Full Committee, hearing on Executive Compensation II: CEO Pay and the Mortgage Crisis,'' 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• Joint Economic Committee [107]
  To hold hearings to examine the current employment situation of 2008, 9:30 a.m., SD-628.