Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
235148666
label
[09/21/1998 – 09/24/1998] [2]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
235148666
contentType
document
title
[09/21/1998 – 09/24/1998] [2]
citationUrl
collections
Tape Restoration Project (TRP) Emails
Tape Restoration Project (TRP) Email from the Default Bucket
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
235148666
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
26444833-20190155F-012-002-2022
[fast track...]
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
03af2eae4377d3c3
ocrText
closing days of the 105th Congress to reconcile the Senate measure
(S1301) with the tougher version (HR3150) passed by the House in June.
Complicating matters further is the fact that members of the House
Judiciary Committee, which drafted that chamber's measure, are consumed
by consideration of possible impeachment proceedings against President
Clinton.
The House measure is preferred by credit card companies, banks,
retailers and other creditors. It would impose a means test for use of
Chapter 7, the bankruptcy code section that permits individuals to erase
all debts and start over after selling off most assets. Debtors who earn
more than the median income -- about $51,000 for a family of four -- and
who could pay off at least 20 percent of their unsecured debts over time
would be forced to file under Chapter 13. That chapter allows the debtor
to retain assets but requires repayment of as many debts as possible
over three to five years.
The Senate bill is preferred by the president. It would leave
bankruptcy judges more discretion, allowing them to consider whether a
debtor seeking Chapter 7 protection could pay off at least 30 percent of
his or her unsecured debts over three-to-five years. If so, the judge
could order the debtor to use Chapter 13 proceedings.
Despite the strong economy, the number of Americans filing personal
bankruptcies last year jumped to 1.3 million -- up more than 300 percent
since 1980.
The Senate-passed bill, unlike the House version, would force credit
card companies to disclose more information to cardholders, including
the amount of time it would take to pay off the individual's debt via
minimum monthly payments.
Yesterday senators adopted, by voice vote, an amendment by Herb
Kohl, D-Wis., calling for Senate conferees to insist on Senate-passed
language that would cap state "homestead" limits at $100,000. The House
version contains no such cap, and limits on home value exempt from
seizure in bankruptcy proceedings vary greatly from state to state.
The Senate also adopted, by voice vote, an amendment by Dianne
Feinstein, D-Calif., requiring the Federal Reserve to conduct a two-year
study to determine if regulations are needed to ensure that credit card
companies are acting responsibly in offering credit to consumers at risk
of accruing unmanageable debt.
That amendment was watered down from a previous version that would
have required credit card companies to inform consumers with a
debt-to-income ratio of 40 percent or more about the danger of such
indebtedness before issuing further credit.
Senators tabled, or killed, 71-27, a nonbinding amendment by Tom
Harkin, D-Iowa, calling on the Federal Reserve to lower the federal
funds interest rate to combat signs of a slowdown in the economy.
Opponents said it was inappropriate for the Senate to attempt to
steer the Federal Reserve Board to a decision on monetary policy. The
Fed's policy-making arm meets on Tuesday, and many economists expect the
Fed to lower interest rates to spur growth.
29 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
DEMOCRATS' PLEAS FOR QUICK INQUIRY SPURNED
*Hill News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/24/98; 132 lines)
Item Key: 15472
DEMOCRATS' PLEAS FOR QUICK INQUIRY SPURNED
By Elizabeth A. Palmer, CQ Staff Writer
Offering more evidence that promises of a bipartisan impeachment
inquiry will turn out to be wishful thinking, House Republicans
summarily rejected yesterday a Democratic bid to impose a deadline for
the House to finish its review of Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr's
allegations against President Clinton.
Backed in principle by the White House, House Minority Leader
Richard A. Gephardt, D-Mo., said the House should be able to finish its
work on impeachment in as little as 30 days. But Speaker Newt Gingrich,
R-Ga., promised a "calm and methodical" approach.
The need for a bipartisan weighing of Starr's findings that Clinton
committed potentially impeachable offenses in an effort to conceal an
affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky is about the only
thing the Republican and Democratic caucuses agree on.
Republicans have the House votes to impeach Clinton, but cannot
convict him in the Senate without the support of some Democrats.
But the GOP majority is in no mood as yet to make concessions to the
Democratic minority that would put the investigation on a bipartisan
footing.
A meeting yesterday of key players that was intended to ease the
bitter partisanship yielded no apparent progress.
The argument over timing is the latest in a series of flareups as
the House proceeds along two divergent paths. Republicans controlling
the process seem to be moving inexorably towards impeachment
proceedings, while Democrats -- perhaps having concluded that a formal
House impeachment inquiry is inevitable -- are trying to speed the end
of the ordeal and minimize the political damage.
"Neither the American people nor the members of Congress know this
case thoroughly yet," Gingrich said after meeting with Gephardt,
Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas, and the chairman and ranking
Democratic member of the Judiciary Committee.
Republicans also threw cold water on talk of a bipartisan
arrangement to punish Clinton but stop short of impeachment. "I don't
think people want this Congress to deal with a constitutional issue
based on the latest overnight poll," Gingrich said. Armey said during
his weekly press briefing that while "I know that there will be
overtures and so forth any such talk of that is premature."
Another leadership meeting is scheduled tomorrow morning. And the
Judiciary Committee, which had been slated to meet in closed session
today, has postponed that meeting until tomorrow.
REPUBLICANS IN NO HURRY
"For the sake of the country," Gephardt said, the House should move
quickly to complete its review of Starr's report. "The House's place in
this process can and should be completed in some reasonable timetable,"
perhaps as soon as 30 days, he added.
But the minority leader said he "heard nothing in [yesterday's]
meeting that gives me any assurances that this matter will be brought to
closure in the next month or anytime soon." He said he is concerned that
hearings could drag on for two years -- or the remainder of the Clinton
presidency.
Gephardt said the investigation could turn into a "fishing
expedition," pointing to suggestions yesterday that the House inquiry
may be broader than Starr's report.
Hyde issued an unusually biting reply. "The president had eight
months to tell the truth, but instead he sent his staff out to declare
his innocence to the world. Now the Democrats want to shut down an
inquiry of his behavior in 30 days," the statement said.
The committee has yet to begin formally reviewing the evidence, much
less deciding whether to ask the full House to authorize a formal
impeachment inquiry.
"We haven't done anything that gets us closer to the answer, should
the president be impeached?" said Judiciary member Robert C. Scott,
D-Va.
Committee member Bill McCollum, R-Fla., said hearings, which may be
key to the panel's decision-making, would be difficult to complete as
quickly as Gephardt suggested. Members may need to "eyeball witnesses to
determine if they are telling the truth," he said.
Gephardt's call for rapid action was one of four requests he made in
a letter to Gingrich in what the minority leader called an attempt to
make the process more bipartisan.
He also asked the Speaker to join him asking Starr's office to turn
over more evidence produced during the investigation. Hyde said he will
consult with ranking committee Democrat John Conyers Jr., Mich., about
additional material the committee might subpoena.
Gephardt also asked Gingrich to encourage the committee to delete as
much "sexually explicit" material from the remaining evidence as
possible. The panel has until Monday to decide to what to hold back --
otherwise, everything will become public.
The final Gephardt request could prove to be the most difficult: a
bipartisan agreement on the handling of evidence and subpoena power.
DEMOCRATS WARN OF BACKLASH
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., urged Republican leaders to move quickly
through what he called "not a complicated case." A prolonged
investigation, he said, could damage the country, Congress and the
presidency. If the process is politicized, Republicans risk a public
backlash, he warned.
"The more partisan this whole matter becomes, the less tolerant the
American people will be and the more difficult it will be to bring this
process to a successful conclusion, whatever that may be," said Senate
Minority Leader Tom Daschle, S.D. "I think we're bordering on a very
high level of partisanship already. I'm disappointed. I'm frankly
angered by it. And I hope that in the not-too-distant future our
Republican colleagues will see the error of that approach and come back
to the bipartisan approach they said they would be using."
Presidential spokesman Michael McCurry said Clinton expects to face
some sort of congressional punishment and would like to resolve the
matter as quickly as possible, for the nation's sake as well as his own
self-interest.
But McCurry said partisanship may lead Republican leaders to do the
opposite of whatever the White House and Democratic lawmakers suggest.
Some Republicans also favor wrapping up the matter sooner rather than
later, McCurry said, but are keeping their views to themselves to avoid
the wrath of "the jihad caucus of their own party."
30 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
GOP TAX CUT FACES A GROWING DEMOCRATIC COUNTEROFFENSIVE
*Hill News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/24/98; 106 lines)
Item Key: 15498
GOP TAX CUT FACES A GROWING DEMOCRATIC COUNTEROFFENSIVE
By Andrew Taylor and Richard Sammon, CQ Staff Writers
With the backhanded blessing of Federal Reserve Chairman Alan
Greenspan, Republicans today will push their election-year tax cut to
the threshold of the House floor.
After the Rules Committee crafts GOP ground rules for the debate,
the package is expected to win passage tomorrow or Saturday. But after
that, Senate Democrats have served notice that they will not go along.
That means President Clinton will probably never have to make good on
his promise to veto the measure.
Ways and Means Chairman Bill Archer, R-Texas, wrote the House bill
(HR4579) with the aim of wooing Democrats by cutting taxes of married
couples, farmers, senior citizens, small business operators and people
with savings accounts
But most are siding instead with the president in opposing the GOP
plan because it would tap into expected budget surpluses to offset the
bulk of the $80.1 billion in lost revenue during the next five years.
Clinton wants to leave the surplus virtually alone as a potential source
for salvaging the wobbly Social Security trust fund. That has allowed
Democrats to once again portray the GOP as more interested in cutting
taxes, mostly to benefit the wealthy, than helping preserve federal
benefits for those less secure.
Vice President Al Gore will stand on the steps of the Capitol this
morning to drive home that very point.
GREENSPAN'S OPINION, GOP RETORT
But before the Senate Budget Committee yesterday, Greenspan
reiterated his view that the surplus should be dedicated to neither
Social Security nor tax cuts.
"My first preference is to allow the surplus to reduce the debt with
what I judge to be significant economic consequences," he said. "If that
turns out to be politically infeasible -- in other words, that it either
has to be spent or returned to taxpayers -- I unequivocally support the
latter."
He continued: "I am also, however, aware of the pressures that will
exist to spend it, and that in my judgment would be the worst of all
outcomes. And if push came to shove and it was either spend it or cut
taxes, I would strongly and unequivocally be on the side of cutting
taxes, very specifically in cutting marginal tax rates and lowering
capital-gains tax rates."
Spokesman Ari Fleischer of the Ways and Means Committee read
Greenspan's words as an endorsement of the GOP bill.
"The chairman recognizes that given the president's call to spend
billions of the surplus" on emergency funding that does not require
offsets, reserving the surplus "is a moot point," Fleischer said. "The
politicians would spend it. The less money the politicians have, the
less they can spend."
This goes to the core of the GOP counteroffensive: Taxes should be
cut somewhat if Clinton is so willing to bend his "save Social Security"
to accommodate a growing list of "emergency" extra spending needs --
which has grown twice this week alone, with requests of $1.8 for embassy
security and probably billion more for military readiness.
Through the first 11 months of fiscal 1998, the surplus was $31.8
billion, the Treasury Department reported Tuesday.
DEMOCRATS READY THEIR ALTERNATIVE
Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said Senate Democrats next week
will unveil a $25 billion, five-year tax cut plan intended to compete
with the GOP package. He declined to offer specifics except to say it
would provide tax cuts for married couples, self employed individuals
and families with children in school. He said it would be paid for by
closing corporate tax loopholes and cutting discretionary spending.
"It is targeted, totally paid for and will not touch Social
Security," he boasted, and has been crafted to combat a "false
impression" that only Republicans want tax cuts. "We're not opposed to
tax cuts. We're just opposed to using the Social Security trust fund to
pay for those tax cuts. And they are not targeted either."
He also criticized the House Republican tax cut plan for directing
53 percent of its benefits to the top 15 percent of income earners.
"It's the genetic, Republican approach to tax cuts: Give it to the
rich," he said.
STRATEGIZING FOR TOMORROW, AND NEXT MONTH
House Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas, predicted the GOP bill
"will pass big" because of a "generous supply" of Democratic support.
But later in the day House Democratic whips sounded confident that they
were minimizing the number of their troops who will vote "yes" to as few
as 20.
After that, the GOP's best option for putting the tax bill before
Clinton could be attaching it to a wrapup, must-pass fiscal 1999
spending bill and daring him to veto it. But last night Senate Majority
Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., said current GOP leadership thinking was to
"probably not" pursue that option.
Meanwhile, the AFL-CIO has purchased $500,000 in television time in
the House districts of 18 Republicans and two Democrats - all of whom
are either in close re-election races or bidding for the Senate - --
urging a "no" vote.
31 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
DOCTORS ARE KILLING ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL
*Hill News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/24/98; 46 lines)
Item Key: 15497
DOCTORS ARE KILLING ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL
By Rebecca Adams, CQ Staff Writer
Legislation (HR4006) to effectively ban physician-assisted suicides
may be on life support after being pulled from this week's House floor
schedule yesterday.
A spokeswoman for Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas, said that
there were "just a lot of other things to do this week." The
spokeswoman, Michele Davis, said that she did not know when the bill
would be rescheduled. "The priority is appropriations," she said.
House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution staffers blamed the
delay on the executive session hearings that that are occupying the
Judiciary Committee today and probably tomorrow. Aides said that no
lawmaker would be available to manage the bill on the floor. Other aides
said that a whip count showed that the support for the measure was
faltering.
But a massive lobbying campaign by the American Medical Association
and other medical professionals may be bringing about the bill's early
demise. AMA spokesman Jim Stacy said that the association was
encountering an increasing number of lawmakers who "had difficulties
once they focused on the impact of the bill."
Under the bill, the Justice Department would be required to revoke
physicians' licenses to write prescriptions for certain narcotics if it
found "clear and convincing" evidence that doctors intended to use such
drugs to assist suicide.
Medical professionals have criticized the effect of the bill on pain
management for the terminally ill. The AMA and other groups say that
doctors already underprescribe pain control medication for dying
patients, and that the legislation would provide even more of a
deterrent.
Bill sponsor Judiciary Committee Chairman Henry J. Hyde, III., has
pointed out that the bill allows an appeal process for accused doctors.
Supporters argue that the measure would protect doctors from punishment
unless the proof is clear that a physician intended for his patient to
deliberately use controlled substances to die.
On the Senate side, a companion bill (S2151) is scheduled for a
markup today, but Judiciary Committee aides said that the measure is
likely to be held over at least until next week.
32 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
STATUS OF APPROPRIATIONS
*Hill News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/24/98; 101 lines)
Item Key: 15496
STATUS OF APPROPRIATIONS
By CQ Staff
AGRICULTURE (HR4101): House subcommittee markup completed June
10; Senate subcommittee markup completed June 9; Senate full committee
markup completed June 11 (SRept105-212); House full committee markup
completed June 16 (HRept105-588); PASSED House June 24; PASSED Senate
July 16; Senate conferees appointed July 16; House conferees
appointed Sept. 15
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, STATE & THE JUDICIARY (HR4276): House
subcommittee markup completed June 24; Senate subcommittee markup June
completed 23; Senate full committee markup completed June 25
(SRept105-235); House full committee markup completed July 15
(HRept105-636); PASSED Senate July 23; PASSED House August 6; Senate
conferees appointed August 31
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (S2333, HR4380): Senate full committee markup
completed July 21 (SRept105-254); House subcommittee markup completed
July 24; House full committee markup completed July 30 (HRept105-670);
PASSED House August 6
ENERGY & WATER DEVELOPMENT (HR4060): Senate subcommittee markup
completed June 2; Senate full committee markup completed June 4
(SRept105-206); House subcommittee markup completed June 10; House full
committee markup completed June 16 (HRept105-581); PASSED Senate June
18; PASSED House June 22; Senate conferees appointed July 23; House
conferees appointed July 29
FOREIGN OPERATIONS (HR4569, S2334): House subcommittee markup completed
July 15; Senate full committee markup completed July 2 (SRept105-255);
PASSED Senate Sept. 2; House full committee markup completed
Sept. 10 (HRept105-719); PASSED House Sept. 17
INTERIOR: (S2237, HR4193) House subcommittee markup completed June 18;
House full committee markup completed June 25 (HRept105-609); Senate
subcommittee markup completed June 23; Senate full committee markup
completed June 25 (SRept105-227); PASSED House July 23; Senate floor
debate began Sept. 8; Senate floor debate suspended Sept. 16
LABOR/HHS/EDUCATION (HR4274, S2440): House subcommittee markup
completed June 23; House full committee markup completed July 14
(HRept105-635); Senate subcommittee markup completed Sept. 1; Senate
full committee markup completed Sept. 3 (SRept105-300)
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH (HR4112): Senate full committee markup
completed June 4 (SRept105-204); House subcommittee markup completed
June 10; House full committee markup completed June 18 (HRept105-595);
PASSED House June 25; PASSED Senate July 21; Senate conferees appointed
July 21; House conferees appointed Sept. 15; Conference completed
Sept. 18 (HRept105-734)
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION (HR4059): House subcommittee markup
completed June 10; Senate full committee markup completed June 11
(SRept105-213); House full committee markup completed June 16
(HRept105-578); PASSED House June 22; PASSED by Senate June 25;
Senate conferees apppointed July 23; House conferees appointed July 23;
Conference completed July 23; Conference report ADOPTED by House July
29 (HRept105-647); Conference report ADOPTED by Senate Sept. 1; SIGNED
by president Sept. 20 (PL105-237)
NATIONAL SECURITY/DEFENSE (HR4103): House subcommittee markup
completed June 4; Senate subcommittee markup completed June 2; Senate
full committee markup completed June 4 (SRept105-200); House
full committee markup completed June 17 (HRept105-591); PASSED House
June 24; PASSED Senate July 30; House conferees appointed Sept. 15;
Conference completed Sept. 23
TRANSPORTATION: (HR4328) Senate subcommittee markup completed
July 8; Senate full committee markup completed July 14 (SRept105-249);
House subcommittee markup completed July 16; House full committee
markup completed July 22 (HRept105-648); PASSED Senate July 24; PASSED
House July 30; Senate conferees appointed July 30; House conferees
appointed Sept. 15
TREASURY/POSTAL SERVICE: (HR4104) House subcommittee markup
completed June 11; House full committee markup completed June 17
(HRept105-592); Senate full committee markup completed July 14
(SRept105-251); PASSED House July 16; PASSED Senate Sept. 3;
Senate conferees appointed Sept. 3; House conferees appointed Sept. 16
VA, HUD, & INDEPENDENT AGENCIES (HR4194): Senate subcommittee
markup completed June 9; Senate full committee markup completed June 11
(SRept105-216); House subcommittee markup completed June 18; House full
committee markup completed June 25 (HRept105-610); PASSED Senate July
30; PASSED House July 29; Senate conferees appointed July 30; House
conferees appointed Sept. 15
FY98 SUPPLEMENTAL (HR3579): Senate full committee markup completed March
17 (SRept105-168); House full committee markup completed March 24
(HRept105-469); S1768/S1769 DEBATE COMPLETED by Senate March 26; HR3579
PASSED by House March 31; HR3579 PASSED by Senate March 31 (Senate
amended HR3579 to contain the text of S1768); Senate conferees named
March 31; House conferees named April 23; Conference completed April 30
(HRept105-504); PASSED House April 30; PASSED Senate April 30; SIGNED by
president May 1 (Public Law: PL105-174)
FY99 CONTINUING RESOLUTION (Sept. 30 to Oct. 9) -- HJRes128: PASSED House
Sept. 17; CLEARED Senate Sept. 17
33 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
TODAY AT A GLANCE
*Afternoon News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/24/98; 37 lines)
Item Key: 15471
TODAY AT A GLANCE
By CQ Staff
HOUSE FLOOR: Votes are scheduled today on the conference report for
the legislative branch spending bill (HR4112) and a $270.5 billion
defense authorization measure (HR3616). Also possible is a bill (HR3736)
that would increase the number of visas for high-tech foreign workers.
(Convenes at 10 a.m.; votes possible throughout the day)
SENATE FLOOR: The Senate will vote on invoking cloture and
proceeding to legislation (S2176) that would establish new requirements
on appointments by the president of "acting" or temporary officials at
federal agencies. The Senate also is expected to resume work on the
Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill (S2279). (Convenes
at 9:30 a.m.; first vote at 9:30 a.m.)
PRINTING PROCESS: Senate Rules will mark up a bill (S2288) that
would overhaul the government's system for printing and disseminating
information.
DATA ANALYSIS: Senate Governmental Affairs will consider a bill
(S1404) that would streamline the government's statistics-gathering
agencies into one operation.
CRIME PAYMENTS: Senate Judiciary will mark up three bills, including
one (S992) that would establish new penalties for selling or
transporting stolen firearms.
FINANCIAL PRIVACY: House Commerce has eight bills on its agenda,
including one (HR4321) that would criminalize fraudulently obtaining
private financial records.
POSTAL RENOVATION: A House Government Reform and Oversight
subcommittee will mark up a bill (HR22) designed to give the Postal
Service more autonomy.
34 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
SENATE ENVIRONMENT OKS BILLS ON BORDER SMOG, LEAKING UNDERGROUND
STORAGE TANKS
*Afternoon News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/23/98; 59 lines)
Item Key: 15457
SENATE ENVIRONMENT OKS BILLS ON BORDER SMOG, LEAKING UNDERGROUND
STORAGE TANKS
By Sumana Chatterjee, CQ Staff Writer
Legislation designed to combat air pollution caused by
border-crossing commuter vehicles was approved by voice vote today by
the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
The House-passed measure (HR8) would give U.S. Customs officials
legal authority to deny entry to foreign-registered commuter vehicles
from Mexico that do not meet state or local emissions standards. Areas
along the Southern California border and the Juarez/El Paso border area
in Texas have been designated as "serious" ozone areas. Officials say a
chief cause of increased vehicle air pollution in Southern California
stems from U.S. citizens and legal migrant workers registering their
cars in Mexico to avoid stricter U.S. emissions standards.
Supporters say the bill would reduce smog by 13 percent in the San
Diego area, where 40,000 to 45,000 vehicles cross the border each day.
The EPA has estimated that vehicle inspection and maintenance programs
reduce pollution at a cost of $500 per ton, as opposed to $2,000 to
$10,000 per ton for stationary sources, according to a House committee
report.
The measure calls for fines and penalties when repeated attempts are
made to cross the border without meeting the emissions standards. Under
the bill, vehicles could enter freely if the border state certifies that
they meet that state's emissions standards. One entry would be granted
to obtain such documentation.
States may choose to develop their own compliance programs but those
are subject to the president's approval. States along the Canadian
border would not be required to check for emissions compliance, but they
could opt into the program.
UNDERGROUND TANK CLEANUPS: The committee also approved by voice vote
a substitute version of a bill (S555) designed to speed the cleanup of
leaking underground storage tanks. It would require the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to transfer at least 80 percent of federal funds
that normally go to the Leaking Underground Storage Tank trust fund
directly to the states.
The trust fund was created in 1986 to assist states in cleaning up
petroleum storage tanks, which can leak into groundwater and soil and
pose a public health risk. The fund was financed by a one-tenth of a
cent gas tax that expired Dec. 1, 1995, and has a balance of $1 billion.
The bill would require states to set up cooperative agreements with
the EPA to schedule allocations from the trust fund and would require
the EPA to distribute the money based on the number of leaking tanks and
the amount of state contributions to the fund.
The measure also calls for the EPA to expeditiously address leaking
from underground storage tanks on tribal lands. According to Sen. Wayne
Allard, R-Colo., the EPA has not developed a strategic plan because it
does not yet know the extent of the problem on Indian lands.
The House passed its version (HR688) in April 1997.
35 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
MEASURES WOULD COMPENSATE HEMOPHILIACS INFECTED WITH HIV
*Afternoon News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/23/98; 39 lines)
Item Key: 15458
MEASURES WOULD COMPENSATE HEMOPHILIACS INFECTED WITH HIV
By Emily Pierce, CQ Staff Writer
The Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee today approved two
bills that would compensate hemophiliacs who contracted the AIDS virus
in the 1980s through contaminated blood products.
The panel by voice vote approved a House-passed measure (HR1023) and
a broader, unnumbered Senate bill, offered by Chairman James M.
Jeffords, R-Vt. The Jeffords bill would compensate not only people with
blood-clotting disorders but also non-hemophiliacs who contracted AIDS
through blood transfusions in the 1980s.
Committee approval of both reflects a compromise between Jeffords
and most other committee members, who balked at nearly $1 billion to the
original $750 million authorization in order to include infected
non-hemophiliacs. Senate Majority Trent Lott, R-Miss., will now have to
decide which measure to bring to the Senate floor, Jeffords said.
Chief House supporter Henry J. Hyde, R-Ill., wrote Jeffords two
weeks ago to urge approval of the narrower House version. Jeffords said
today he may accept Hyde's suggestion to compensate hemophiliacs this
year and work on a separate compensation bill for non-hemophiliacs next
year.
In an effort to make the Jeffords bill more palatable to House and
Senate opponents, the panel adopted by voice vote a Jeffords amendment
that would give priority to hemophiliacs' petitions for payment during
the first 180 days of the program. Each recipient would receive about
$100,000 if they were infected with the AIDS-virus between July 1, 1982,
and Dec. 31, 1987.
During the 1980s, nearly half of the nation's 16,000 hemophiliacs
contracted HIV from contaminated blood products, like plasma. Nearly
10,000 non-hemophiliacs who underwent emergency care or elective surgery
during that time also contracted the disease. Regulations put in place
nearly a decade ago now mandate that the blood supply be tested
thoroughly.
36 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECT WINS HOUSE APPROVAL
*Afternoon News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/23/98; 27 lines)
Item Key: 15459
GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECT WINS HOUSE APPROVAL
By Bob Gravely, CQ Staff Writer
By voice vote, the House today passed legislation that would
authorize $40 million through fiscal 2003 for wildlife, conservation and
other restoration projects in and around the Great Lakes.
The bill (HR1481) would reauthorize and amend a 1990 law (PL
101-596) that sought to revitalize the five lakes and more than 10,000
miles of shoreline that constitute the largest system of surface
freshwater on earth. It also would implement the recommendations of a
1995 Great Lakes resources study and create a committee to review
restoration proposals.
The 1995 study found that the problems facing the Great Lakes region
include chemical contamination, over-exploitation of fish and wildlife
resources and the introduction of non-indigenous species.
The bill would require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to
annually request from states and Indian tribes restoration proposals for
the region and would set up a committee, comprised of representatives of
all the affected states and tribes, to review the proposals.
The Fish and Wildlife Service then would select proposals to be
funded under the bill. At least 25 percent of the cost of each project
must be funded with non-federal money.
37 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
GEPHARDT CALLS FOR SPEEDY ACTION ON CLINTON; GINGRICH VOWS
METHODICAL PROBE
*Afternoon News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/23/98; 86 lines)
Item Key: 15442
GEPHARDT CALLS FOR SPEEDY ACTION ON CLINTON; GINGRICH VOWS
METHODICAL PROBE
By Elizabeth A. Palmer, CQ Staff Writer
Democrats pressed today to set a deadline for a conclusion of the
House's review of Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr's allegations
against President Clinton. But Speaker Newt Gingrich, Ga., promised a
"calm and methodical" approach and said the House will not be stampeded
by public opinion favoring punishment short of impeachment.
"Neither the American people nor the members of Congress know this
case thoroughly yet," Gingrich said after meeting with House Minority
Leader Richard A. Gephardt, Mo., Majority Leader Dick Armey, Texas, and
the chairman and ranking Democratic member of the Judiciary Committee.
"I don't think people want this Congress to deal with a constitutional
issue based on the latest overnight poll."
Responding to reports that Clinton and Democrats are looking to cut
a deal on a punishment less severe than impeachment, Armey said during
his weekly press briefing that while "I know that there will be
overtures and so forth any such talk of that is premature."
Today's meeting, to be followed by a similar session on Friday, was
scheduled to discuss how the House review will be conducted. Starr has
told the House that Clinton committed 11 potentially impeachable
offenses in an attempt to conceal his sexual affair with former White
House intern Monica Lewinsky. The Judiciary Committee will meet tomorrow
to decide how many more of Starr's supporting documents will be
released.
Gephardt said that "for the sake of the country" the House should
move quickly to complete its review of Starr's report. "The House's
place in this process can and should be completed in some reasonable
timetable," perhaps as soon as 30 days, he added.
Gephardt said the call for rapid action was one of four requests he
included in a letter to Gingrich in attempt to make the process more
bipartisan.
But on his primary concern, Gephardt said. "I heard nothing in the
meeting that gives me any assurances that this matter will be brought to
closure in the next month or anytime soon." And he said, he is concerned
that the hearings could drag on for two years -- or the remainder of the
Clinton presidency.
He said he is also concerned that the investigation could turn into
a "fishing expedition," because there were suggestions during today's
meeting that the scope of the inquiry may be broader than Starr's
report.
In his letter to Gingrich, Gephardt also asked the Speaker to join
him asking Starr's office to turn over other evidence produced during
the investigation that has not been turned over to the House. According
to a Gephardt aide, Starr's staff has said 20 boxes of information,
including half of Lewinsky's FBI interview and about one-quarter of her
testimony to the grand jury, have not been sent to the House.
Gephardt also asked Gingrich to encourage the committee to delete as
much of the "sexually explicit" material from the remaining evidence as
possible. The panel has until the end of the day Monday to decide to
what to hold back - otherwise, everything will become public.
The final Gephardt request could prove to be the most difficult: a
bipartisan agreement on the handling of evidence and subpoena power.
These kinds of questions go to the heart of who will control the
investigation, and could be very difficult to work out.
CALL FOR SPEEDY ACTION: The Democratic leader's call for quick
action was surprising. The Judiciary Committee has yet to begin formally
reviewing the evidence, much less deciding whether to ask the full House
to authorize a formal impeachment inquiry.
Gephardt's proposal may not be universally popular within his party.
"We haven't done anything that gets us closer to the answer, should the
president be impeached?" said Judiciary Committee member Robert C.
Scott, D-Va.
DASCHLE'S PREDICTION: President Clinton will be able to serve out
his term, Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, S.D., predicted today.
Daschle, who said he is recovering from a sense of betrayal after
learning that Clinton falsely denied a relationship with Monica
Lewinsky, said the allegations against the president are unlikely to
hurt Democratic candidates in November's House and Senate elections. A
perception among Democratic voters that the president has been treated
unfairly in the House could increase voter turnout, Daschle added.
38 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
SENATE PASSES BILL TO TIGHTEN CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY STANDARDS
*Afternoon News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/23/98; 79 lines)
Item Key: 15456
SENATE PASSES BILL TO TIGHTEN CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY STANDARDS
By Richard Sammon, CQ Staff Writer
Paving the way for a conference with the House, the Senate today
passed legislation designed to make it harder for consumers to declare
bankruptcy and walk away from their debts. The vote was a resounding
97-1. The only dissenter was Paul Wellstone, D-Minn.
Despite that overwhelming vote, it will be a challenge in the
closing days of the 105th Congress to reconcile the Senate measure
(S1301) with the tougher version (HR3150) passed by the House in June.
Complicating matters further is the fact that members of the House
Judiciary Committee, which drafted that chamber's measure, are consumed
by consideration of possible impeachment proceedings against President
Clinton.
The House measure -- which is preferred by credit card companies,
banks, retailers and other creditors -- would impose a means test for
use of Chapter 7, the bankruptcy code section that permits individuals
to erase all debts and start over after selling off most assets. Debtors
who earn more than the median income -- about $51,000 for a family of
four -- and who could pay off at least 20 percent of their unsecured
debts over time would be forced to file under Chapter 13. That chapter
allows the debtor to retain assets but requires repayment of as many
debts as possible over three to five years.
The Senate bill, which the president has said he prefers, would
leave bankruptcy judges more discretion, allowing them to consider
whether a debtor seeking Chapter 7 protection could pay off at least 30
percent of his or her unsecured debts over three to five years. If so,
the judge could order the debtor to use Chapter 13 proceedings.
Overhauling bankruptcy laws has been a top business priority for
banks and credit card companies that must write off bad loans when
consumers file for bankruptcy. Despite the strong economy, the number of
Americans filing personal bankruptcies last year jumped to 1.3 million
-- up more than 300 percent since 1980.
AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: As a result of floor amendments adopted since
debate began last week, the Senate-passed bill, unlike the House
version, would credit card companies to disclose more information to
card holders, including the amount of time it would take to pay off the
individual's debt via minimum monthly payments. "Right now, people know
more about what is in a box of cookies by looking at the nutritional
label than they know about credit obligations," said Richard J. Durbin,
III., the main Democratic sponsor.
Members also agreed, by voice vote, to an amendment by Herb Kohl,
D-Wis., calling for Senate conferees to insist on Senate-passed language
that would cap state "homestead" limits at $100,000. The House version
contains no such cap, and limits on home value exempt from seizure in
bankruptcy proceedings vary greatly from state to state. Texas and
Florida, for example, allow people to keep their entire home's worth,
regardless of how much that is. The laws have drawn fire in recent years
after some prominent individuals moved to those states, bought
million-dollar homes and then filed for bankruptcy -- secure in the
knowledge that the investments in their homes were safe from creditors.
Members also agreed, by voice vote, to an amendment that would
exempt education savings accounts and state pre-paid tuition plans from
being cashed out to satisfy creditors.
And the Senate adopted, also by voice vote, an amendment by Dianne
Feinstein, D-Calif., requiring the Federal Reserve to conduct a two-year
study to determine if regulations are needed to ensure that credit card
companies are acting responsibly in offering credit to consumers at risk
of accruing unmanageable debt. The amendment was watered down from a
previous version that would have required credit card companies to
inform consumers with a debt-to-income ratio of 40 percent or more about
the danger of such indebtedness before issuing further credit.
Senators tabled, or killed, 71-27, a nonbinding amendment by Tom
Harkin, D-Iowa, calling on the Federal Reserve to lower the federal
funds interest rate to combat signs of a slowdown in the economy.
Opponents said it was inappropriate for the Senate to attempt to steer
the Federal Reserve Board to a decision on monetary policy. The Fed's
policy-making arm meets on Tuesday, and many economists expect the Fed
to lower interest rates to spur growth.
39 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION FUND GETS SENATE ENERGY APPROVAL
*Afternoon News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/23/98; 39 lines)
Item Key: 15453
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION FUND GETS SENATE ENERGY APPROVAL
By Emily Church, CQ Staff Writer
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today gave
voice-vote approval to a measure (S2257) that would reauthorize through
fiscal 2004 the fund that finances preservation of historic sites.
In a pre-recess rush to clear their legislative slate, the Senate
panel approved the bill with three dozen other resource management
measures. However, it left untouched three controversial mining reform
bills and a contested authorization of a water project in Colorado.
The Historic Preservation Fund, which is financed through royalties
paid to the federal government on certain oil-drilling leases, provides
about one-half of the money for the nation's historic preservation
programs. State governments provide the remaining funds.
The bill would reauthorize the deposit of $150 million annually into
the fund through 2003. The authorization for the deposit of royalties
into the fund expired Sept. 30, 1997.
The panel adopted, by voice vote, an amendment offered by bill
sponsor Mary Landrieu, D-La., that would reauthorize the advisory
council to the historic preservation fund through 2004.
Landrieu said the fund underwrites the identification of historic
places, negotiations with private property owners, education programs
and community revitalization projects. According to Landrieu, the fund
provided $1.7 billion in 1997 for construction and rehabilitation
projects.
Committee spokesman Derek Jumpers said the panel is unlikely to take
up the mining bills (S1102, S327 and S326), the Colorado water project
transfer (S725) or a bill (S624) to increase competition for concessions
contracts in national parks before Congress adjourns in October. He said
the bulk of the concessions bill was incorporated into a larger parks
reform bill (S1693) that passed the Senate in June and received
voice-vote approval of the House Resources Committee in July.
40 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
MIDDAY UPDATE
*Afternoon News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/23/98; 174 lines)
Item Key: 15455
MIDDAY UPDATE
By CQ Staff
GINGRICH RULES OUT QUICK CLINTON RESOLUTION; DEMOCRATS SEEK
DEADLINE:
House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Ga., today ruled out a speedy deal to
subject President Clinton to punishment short of impeachment. "I don't
think people want this Congress to deal with a constitutional issue
based on the latest overnight poll," he said after meeting with House
leaders and the Judiciary Committee's chairman and ranking Democrat.
Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt, Mo., argued for a timetable for the
House's review of Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr's findings. "We
can resolve in a bipartisan effort to do the work that needs to be done
in the next 30 days in the House, or we might face two years of ongoing
hearings regarding the details of a sexual relationship between Monica
Lewinsky and the president," he said. Presidential spokesman Michael
McCurry said, "The fact that this matter is now going to drag on and on
and on endlessly has to be laid at the foot of Speaker Gingrich."
DASCHLE PREDICTS CLINTON WILL FINISH HIS TERM:
President Clinton will be able to serve out his term, Senate
Minority Leader Tom Daschle, S.D., predicted today. Daschle, who said he
is recovering from a sense of betrayal after learning that Clinton
falsely denied a relationship with Monica Lewinsky, said the allegations
against the president are unlikely to hurt Democratic candidates in
November's House and Senate elections. A perception among Democratic
voters that the president has been treated unfairly in the House could
increase voter turnout, Daschle added.
CLINTON SEES NEED TO BOOST MILITARY SPENDING:
With negotiators on the fiscal 1999 defense appropriations bill (HR
4103) meeting this afternoon, President Clinton is calling for an
unspecified boost in military spending -- both in that bill and in
fiscal 2000 -- to pay for modernizing weapons and retaining top-quality
people. "Readiness is a perishable commodity and requires our serious
attention," Clinton wrote in a letter yesterday to Defense Secretary
William S. Cohen. He asked Cohen and Gen. Henry H. Shelton, chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to work with the White House to develop
revised budget proposals for fiscal 2000. But for next year, he said,
"we need to examine options" with Congress for last-minute spending
boosts for spare parts, Navy manpower and Army training. Spokesman
Michael McCurry said Clinton intends to send a similar letter to
Congress. Pentagon leaders are reportedly asking Clinton to increase the
defense budget by as much as $15 billion per year over the caps set by
last year's budget law (PL 105-33).
HOUSE TO VOTE FRIDAY OR SATURDAY ON FAST TRACK, TAX CUT:
The House will vote Friday or Saturday on legislation to renew
presidential fast-track trade authority, regardless of whether it has
the votes to pass, Majority Leader Dick Armey, Texas, said today. The
bill (HR2621) was pulled last November as President Clinton and GOP
leaders faced sure defeat, which they feared would send negative signals
to the world about congressional commitment to free trade. Despite White
House objections to moving forward this time, Armey said he and other
House leaders believe it is more important to show that the House is
willing to take the vote. Also slated for floor action Friday or
Saturday is the House Republicans' $80 billion tax cut bill (HR4579),
which Armey predicted "will pass big" with a "generous supply" of
Democratic votes.
SENATE DEMOCRATS PLAN THEIR OWN TAX CUT:
Senate Democrats said today that by next week they will unveil a $25
billion, five-year tax cut plan intended to compete against the House
Republican plan (HR4579). Minority Leader Tom Daschle, S.D., said it
would cut taxes for married couples, the self-employed and families with
children in school. He said the Democratic tax cuts would be offset by
closing corporate tax loopholes and cutting spending. It is "totally
paid for and will not touch Social Security," he said, in drawing his
version of distinctions with the Republican package.
SENATE POISED TO PASS BANKRUPTCY OVERHAUL:
The Senate is approaching a final vote this afternoon on legislation
(S1301) designed to reduce the number of personal bankruptcies. Sponsors
hope to quickly resolve differences with the House-passed bill (HR3150),
but concede the rush to adjournment is not in their favor. Both measures
would provide bankruptcy judges with more tools to compel bankruptcy
filers to pay off a portion of their debts. Senators voted 71-27 to
table, or kill, a nonbinding amendment by Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, calling on
the Federal Reserve to lower the federal funds interest rate to combat
signs of a slowdown in the economy. Democrats plan to object to an
expected move this afternoon by Majority Leader Trent Lott, Miss., to
turn to an Internet tax moratorium bill (S442). They are protesting the
lack of an agreement on debating their managed-care legislation (S1890).
CONFEREES STRUGGLING WITH OFFSETS FOR COLLEGE LOAN SUBSIDIES:
Student groups today were balking at some offsets proposed by
conferees on the Higher Education Act reauthorization (HR6) to pay for
new subsidies to commercial lenders and a consolidated loan repayment
plan. Among their objections: a proposal to make it harder for
individuals to discharge their student loans through bankruptcy.
Lenders, meanwhile, are concerned about a separate proposal that in
effect would reduce loan subsidies to commercial lenders. A House
committee spokesperson maintained that the bill was making progress but
backed away from earlier projections it would come to the House floor
Friday. HR6 would reauthorize student aid and other higher education
programs for five years.
CAPITOL SHOOTING SUSPECT GOES TO COURT:
Russell Eugene Weston Jr. today appeared at the federal courthouse
for the first time since being charged with killing Capitol Police
officers J.J. Chestnut and John Gibson on July 24. Asked if he had
trouble understanding the proceeding, Weston replied, "No." Asked if he
understood that the charges he faces are punishable by death, he
answered, "Yes, sir." Magistrate Judge John M. Facciola ordered Weston
-- who was confined to a wheelchair, his left leg and right arm in casts
-- held without bond. The next preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 14.
Weston's attorney, A.J. Kramer, declined to discuss his client's mental
condition with reporters.
POLITICAL CLIPPINGS:
The TOLEDO BLADE reported that Ohio Republican Gov. George V.
Voinovich, who polls show well ahead in his race for a U.S. Senate seat,
opposes the congressional GOP drive to cut taxes. Voinovich dismisses
the projected budget surpluses that would pay for the proposed cut as an
"accounting gimmick," noting that if Social Security's surplus is
removed from budget calculations, "we're still in financial trouble."
The LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER reported that House Speaker Newt
Gingrich, Ga., said during a campaign stop in Kentucky that the top
issue on Election Day will be taxes, not Monica Lewinsky. Appearing on
behalf of 4th District Republican candidate Gex Williams, Gingrich said
the projected federal budget surplus will provide enough money to both
cut taxes and shore up Social Security.
The INDIANAPOLIS STAR reported that recently hospitalized Rep. Ed
Pease, R-Ind., is suffering from a partially blocked artery but that
doctors have found no evidence of a heart attack.
The BIRMINGHAM NEWS reported that Republican challenger Gil Aust is
making a campaign issue of 5th District Democratic Rep. Robert E. "Bud"
Cramer's votes to continue funding for the National Endowment for the
Arts. "Liberal Bud Cramer voted to waste our money on this filth and
continues voting to do so," says an Aust advertisement. The congressman
said NEA backs many worthwhile projects, including a theater group and
an orchestra in his district.
THE LATEST SCHEDULE CHANGES:
TOMORROW: House Judiciary will meet at 10:30 a.m. in 2141 Rayburn to
consider and vote on the release to the public of evidence turned over
to Congress by Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr that was collected
during his investigation of possible wrongdoing by President Clinton.
TOMORROW: House Commerce will meet at 10:30 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn to
mark up pending legislation, including a bill (HR3888) aimed at
protecting consumers against telephone "slamming," a measure (HR3783) to
insulate minors from harmful material on the World Wide Web and
legislation (HR4321) to prevent personal financial information from
being obtained from financial institutions under false pretenses.
NOTED & QUOTED:
No. 1: Today is the first day of fall, and it's a beauty in the
nation's capital: cloudless blue skies, temperatures in the 60s and a
pleasant breeze.
No. 2: "Those of us who share his vision and lift him up in honor
today owe it to him to build a permanent partnership between Americans
and Africans for the education of our children, for the solution of our
problems, for the resolution of our differences, for the elevation of
what is best about us all."
-- President CLINTON, in the Rotunda to present former South African
President Nelson Mandela a Congressional Gold Medal.
41 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
SENATE LABOR RECOMMENDS CONFIRMATION OF HENNEY TO HEAD FDA
*Afternoon News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/23/98; 19 lines)
Item Key: 15454
SENATE LABOR RECOMMENDS CONFIRMATION OF HENNEY TO HEAD FDA
By Emily Pierce, CQ Staff Writer
The Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee today approved by
voice vote the nomination of Dr. Jane E. Henney to serve as the first
female commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Only Michael B. Enzi, R-Wyo., objected to the nomination based on
Henney's support for approval of the controversial "morning after"
abortion drug known as RU-486. Enzi opposes approval of the drug because
it would conflict with the FDA's mission to "protect public health by
ensuring that human drugs are safe and effective." RU-486, however,
would be "fatal to the baby," he said.
Enzi said he would not filibuster on the Senate floor to block the
nomination and would settle for a voice vote. But his reservations could
still force Senate leaders to negotiate a time agreement for debate
instead of simply confirming Henney by unanimous consent.
42 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
QUICK INSIGHTS: THE SILVER LINING?
*Pulse of Congress/Insight*
(NEWS 09/24/98; 17 lines)
Item Key: 15495
QUICK INSIGHTS: THE SILVER LINING?
By Dan Carney, CQ Staff Writer
Not everyone dreads the thought of a highly partisan impeachment
inquest. The Libertarian Party released a statement headlined:
"Impeachment gridlock and mudslinging will be good for America, say
Libertarians: Let politicians attack each other -- and leave the rest of
us alone." According to National Director Ron Crickenberger, there are
three benefits to a drawn-out struggle. Paralysis decreases the chance
Congress will increase taxes or spending; the sordid details will lower
people's respect for government (and government programs); and hearings
will showcase the need for a third party. "No matter what you think
about the allegations against President Clinton," Crickenberger said,
"impeachment isn't all doom and gloom."
*****
43 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
CHANGE OF COLLAR RUFFLES FUR OF SENATE ENERGY'S CHAIRMAN
*Pulse of Congress/Insight*
(NEWS 09/24/98; 21 lines)
Item Key: 15494
CHANGE OF COLLAR RUFFLES FUR OF SENATE ENERGY'S CHAIRMAN
By Emily Church, CQ Staff Writer
Is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing taking sides on natural
resources policy? Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Frank
Murkowski, R-Alaska, is suspicious, thanks to Benjamin Franklin's attire
on the new counterfeit-resistant $100 bill.
Murkowski got curious when he noticed that Franklin's beaver fur
collar - -- which was prominent in the old design -- disappeared on the
new bill. So he is directing committee staff to send the bureau an
inquiry about the newly naked neckline.
"Whether this is an affront to natural resources or a favor to
friends of animals, I don't know," Murkowski observed yesterday.
Neither, according to agency spokesman Edward Sheehan. One of the
bill's new anti-counterfeit features is a microprinted "United States of
America" across Franklin's neckline. And that required a different
collar.
44 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
FARM GROUPS SPLIT OVER PUSH TO PASS FAST-TRACK MEASURE
*Pulse of Congress/Insight*
(NEWS 09/24/98; 38 lines)
Item Key: 15493
FARM GROUPS SPLIT OVER PUSH TO PASS FAST-TRACK MEASURE
By Matthew Tully, CQ Staff Writer
House Republicans have made much of the agriculture community's
stepped-up support for fast-track legislation, with advocates of the
measure (HR2621) claiming that farm-state lawmakers may provide the
boost needed for House passage by this weekend.
Last week, farmers from around the nation rallied at the Capitol,
and Agriculture Chairman Bob Smith, R-Ore., said the efforts had doubled
support for the bill on his committee.
But not all farm groups are on board. The second-largest farming
lobby, the National Farmers Union, which often takes a populist stance,
is hoping fast track will either go down in flames or just go away. The
group, which represents 300,000 family farmers and ranchers, has long
argued that Congress should play a stronger role in shaping trade deals
than fast-track would allow.
This year, however, the NFU is not arguing against the merits of
fast track as much as it is protesting the timing of the debate. The
House is scheduled to vote tomorrow or Saturday.
"Our position is that given the farm crisis, now is not the time to
debate fast track," said lobbyist Lynn McBride. "This is not on the
radar screen of farmers out there. They are concerned with their price
and income levels."
The group also worries that a prolonged debate over fast track will
hurt efforts to deliver immediate aid to farmers hit by crashing farm
prices, droughts and floods. The House GOP has added $4 billion in
relief to the fiscal 1999 agriculture appropriations bill (HR4101),
while Senate Democrats earlier this week unveiled a $7.1 billion
proposal.
If fast track passes, the NFU frets, Congress might feel less need
to pass a more tangible farm-relief bill.
45 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
TREASURY-POSTAL FIGHT ERUPTS ON BIRTH CONTROL ISSUE
*Pulse of Congress/Insight*
(NEWS 09/24/98; 39 lines)
Item Key: 15492
TREASURY-POSTAL FIGHT ERUPTS ON BIRTH CONTROL ISSUE
By Mary Agnes Carey and Juliana Gruenwald, CQ Staff Writers
Although it was endorsed by both the House and Senate, a provision
in the fiscal 1999 Treasury-Postal appropriations bill (HR4104) that
would require federal health plans to cover contraceptives if they pay
for prescription drugs is suddenly in jeopardy in conference.
Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., author of the House language, is up in arms at
the development. "There should be no question that this basic women's
health benefit should be included in the conference report," she said.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Gloria Feldt said
it would be "outrageous" for conferees to change the provision. "They
couldn't do it legitimately, so they're resorting to back-room tactics,"
she said.
But an Appropriations aide confirmed that the issue is in play.
In the House, opponents of the provision include Chris Smith,
R-N.J., and Tom Coburn, R-Okla. In the Senate, Majority Whip Don
Nickles, R-Okla., and Sam Brownback, R-Kan., are fighting to kill it.
In a Sept. 4 letter to Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo., the
chairman of the Senate Treasury-Postal Service Appropriations
Subcommittee, Nickles, Brownback and others argued that the language
contained a "loophole" that could require payment for contraceptives
that -- upon failing to prevent fertilization -- "act de facto as
abortifacients," meaning they cause abortions.
Kate Michelman, president of the National Abortion and Reproductive
Rights Action League, said efforts to remove the provision "demonstrate
what the real mission is. They don't want women to have control over
reproductive decisions."
The House voted 224-198 to include the measure after Lowey
outmaneuvered Smith. The Senate subsequently adopted, by voice vote, a
similar measure by Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, and Harry Reid, D-Nev.
46 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
PEOPLE: LOBBYISTS AND ADVOCATES
*People on the Move*
(NEWS 09/24/98; 13 lines)
Item Key: 15488
PEOPLE: LOBBYISTS AND ADVOCATES
By Caroline E. Brown, CQ Staff Writer
Ilene R. Penn is the new associate executive director of the Cure
For Lymphoma Foundation, where she will serve as policy adviser,
counselor and administrator. The foundation is a not-for-profit
organization dedicated to funding research for Hodgkins disease and
non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Penn was formerly a senior associate at Podesta
Associates, a public policy firm where she focused on health and
telecommunications issues.
*****
47 of 47 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
*People on the Move*
(NEWS 09/24/98; 30 lines)
Item Key: 15487
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
By Caroline E. Brown, CQ Staff Writer
Jonathan Friedman, chief of staff to retiring Rep. Lee H.
Hamilton, D-Ind., will join the law firm of Willkie, Farr and Gallagher
in late October and will specialize in telecommunications law. Friedman
joined Hamilton's staff a decade ago as a legislative assistant and was
promoted to chief of staff two years later.
Drew Maloney is the new legislative director and counsel to Rep. Ed
Bryant, R-Tenn. He was formerly legal counsel for Rep. Roger Wicker,
R-Miss. Before coming to Capitol Hill in June 1997, Maloney was
congressional liaison at the law firm Robertson, Monagle and Eastaugh
and is a former political director at the Carlye Gregory Company, a
Republican consulting firm
Maloney replaces Mark Johnson, now director for congressional
affairs at Fluor Corp.
Also new to Bryant's office is Andrea Spring, who has been named a
legislative assistant. She has worked as a legislative intern to Rep. Jo
Ann Emerson, R-Mo., and in 1993-94 was managing editor of Campaigns and
Elections magazine. Spring replaces Jeff Vanness, now a graduate student
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Allison Dixon is the new deputy press secretary for Sen. Jeff
Sessions, R-Ala. Since January, she had been a legislative assistant to
Rep. Mike Parker, R-Miss. Before that, she worked in marketing for Up
With People, an international community service organization.
There are no more items to read.
You are in NEWS
Enter number(s), a command, or MENU
!
!
!
SCHEDULE DATABASE
!
!
!
!
1 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
HOUSE FLOOR Sept. 24
*Senate/House floor*
* Tentative *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; House Floor)
Item Key: 160
HOUSE FLOOR * Tentative *
Sept. 24
CONVENES AT 10AM.
HR3736
A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make
changes relating to H-1B nonimmigrants. -- BEGIN
CONSIDERATION.
Conference report on:
HR3616 A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1999 for
military activities of the Department of Defense, for
military construction, and for defense activities of the
Department of Energy, to prescribe personnel strengths for
such fiscal year for the armed forces, and for other
purposes. BEGIN CONSIDERATION.
HR4112
An original bill making appropriations for the legislative
branch for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1999, and for
other purposes. - BEGIN CONSIDERATION.
2 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
SENATE FLOOR Sept. 24
*Senate/House floor*
* Tentative *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Senate Floor)
Item Key: 162
SENATE FLOOR * Tentative *
Sept. 24
CONVENES AT 9:30AM.
S2176
A bill to amend sections 3345 through 3349 of title 5, U.S.
Code, commonly referred to as the "Vacancies Act," to
clarify statutory requirements relating to vacancies in and
appointments to certain federal offices, and for other
purposes. -- BEGIN CONSIDERATION (CLOTURE VOTE AT 9:30AM).
S2279
A bill to amend title 49, U.S. Code, to authorize the
programs of the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal
years 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002, and for other purposes. --
CONTINUE CONSIDERATION
3 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
READINESS CHALLENGES TO ARMY AND MARINE CORPS
*Senate Committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Armed Services -- Subcommittee on Readiness)
Item Key: 34
READINESS CHALLENGES TO ARMY AND MARINE CORPS * Revised *
Readiness Subcommittee (Chairman Inhofe, R-Okla.) of Senate Armed
Services Committee will hold a hearing on military readiness issues and
challenges facing Army and Marine Corps forces.
Sept. 24 10:00 am SH-216 Hart Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
PANEL:
Gen. David Bramlett - former commanding general of U.S.
Army FORSCOM; Gen. Thomas Schwartz - commanding general of
U.S. Army FORSCOM
PANEL:
Maj. Gen. Wayne Rollings - commanding general, II Marine
Expeditionary Force; Gen. Ray Smith - commanding general,
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune; Maj. Gen. Emil Beddard -
commanding general, 2nd Marine Division; Maj. Gen. William
Nyland - commanding general, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing; Brig.
Gen. Paul Lee - commanding general, 2nd Force Service
Support Group
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
4 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
STATISTICAL POLICY; NAMING BILLS; PENDING NOMINATIONS
Full Committee Markup & Vote
*Senate Committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Governmental Affairs)
Item Key: 39
STATISTICAL POLICY; NAMING BILLS; PENDING NOMINATIONS * Revised
*
Full Committee Markup & Vote
Senate Governmental Affairs Committee (Chairman Thompson, R-Tenn.) will
mark up pending legislation and vote on pending nominations.
Sept. 24 2:15 pm SD-342 Dirksen Bldg.
Agenda:
S2404 - A bill to establish designations for U.S. Postal Service
buildings located in Coconut Grove, Opa Locka, Carol City,
and Miami, Fla.
S2370 - A bill to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service
located at tall Timbers Village Square, U.S. Highway 19
South, in Thomasville, Ga., as the "Lieutenant Henry O.
Flipper Station."
S2310 - A bill to designate the U.S. Post Office located at 297
Larkfield Road in East Northport, N.Y., as the "Jerome
Anthony Ambro, Jr. Post Office Building."
HR3999 - A bill to designate the U.S. Postal Service building located
at 5209 Greene Street, Philadelphia, Pa., as the "David P.
Richardson, Jr., Post Office Building."
HR3939 - A bill to designate the U.S. Postal Service building located
at 658 63rd Street, Philadelphia, Pa., as the "Edgar C.
Campbell, Sr., Post Office Building."
HR3810 - A bill to designate the U.S. Post Office located at 202
Center Street in Garwood, N.J., as the "James T. Leonard,
Sr. Post Office."
HR3808 - A bill to designate the U.S. Post Office located at 47526
Clipper Drive in Plymouth, Mich., as the "Carl D. Pursell
Post Office."
HR3630 - A bill to redesignate the facility of the U.S. Postal
Service located at 9719 Candelaria Road NE. in Albuquerque,
N.M., as the "Steve Schiff Post Office."
HR2799 - A bill to redesignate the building of the U.S. Postal
Service located at 324 South Laramie Street, in Chicago,
III., as the "Reverend Milton R. Brunson Post Office
Building."
HR2798 - A bill to redesignate the building of the U.S. Postal
Service located at 2419 West Monroe Street, in Chicago,
III., as the "Nancy B. Jefferson Post Office Building."
HR2623 - A bill to designate the U.S. Post Office located at 16250
Highway 603 in Kiln, Miss., as the "Ray J. Favre Post Office
Building."
S1404 - A bill to establish a Federal Commission on Statistical
Policy to study the reorganization of the federal
statistical system, to provide uniform safeguards for the
confidentiality of information acquired for exclusively
statistical purposes and to improve the efficiency of
federal statistical programs and the quality of federal
statistics by permitting limited sharing of records among
designated agencies for statistical purposes under strong
safeguards.
Nominations:
Patricia A. Broderick - to be associate judge, Superior
Court, District of Columbia
Neil E. Kravitz - to be associate judge, Superior Court,
District of Columbia
Natalia Combs-Greene - to be associate judge, Superior
Court, District of Columbia
Kenneth Prewitt - to be director of the Census
Robert M. Walker - to be deputy director, Federal Emergency
Management Agency
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
5 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
CALIFORNIA INDIAN GAMBLING
*Senate Committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Indian Affairs)
Item Key: 15
CALIFORNIA INDIAN GAMBLING *
Revised
*
Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Chairman Campbell, R-Colo.) will hold a
hearing on pending legislation.
Sept. 24 2:00 pm SR-485 Russell Bldg.
Agenda:
HR1805 - A bill to amend the Auburn Indian Reservation Act to
establish restrictions related to gaming on and use of land
held in trust for the United Auburn Indian Community of the
Auburn Rancheria of California, and for other purposes.
Witnesses scheduled:
PANEL:
Rep. John T. Doolittle, R-Calif. PANEL:
Kevin Gover - assistant secretary of Interior for Indian
affairs; Jessica Tavares - president, Auburn Indian
Rancheria
Note: This hearing was originally scheduled for Sept. 30
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
6 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
JUDICIARY BILLS
Full Committee Markup
*Senate Committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Judiciary)
Item Key: 40
JUDICIARY BILLS * Revised *
Full Committee Markup
Senate Judiciary Committee (Chairman Hatch, R-Utah) will markup pending
legislation.
Sept. 24 9:30 am SD-226 Dirksen Bldg.
Agenda:
S2151 - A bill to clarify federal law to prohibit the dispensing or
distribution of a controlled substance for the purpose of
causing, or assisting in causing, the suicide, euthanasia or
mercy killing of any individual.
S2099 - A bill to provide for enhanced federal sentencing guidelines
for counterfeiting offenses, and for other purposes.
S2235 - A bill to amend part Q of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe
Streets Act of 1968 to encourage the use of school resource
officers.
S2253 - A bill to establish a matching grant program to help state
and local jurisdictions purchase bullet resistant equipment
for use by law enforcement departments.
HR379 - A bill for the relief of Larry Errol Pieterse.
HR998 - A bill for the relief of Lloyd B. Gamble.
HR2744 - A private bill for the relief of Chong Ho Kwak.
HR378 - A bill for the relief of Heraclio Tolley.
S1551 - A bill for the relief of Kerantha Poole-Christian.
S1202 - A bill providing relief for Sergio Lozana, Fauricio Lozano,
and Ana Lozano.
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
7 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
CAPITOL SECURITY ISSUES
*Senate Committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Rules & Administration)
Item Key: 32
CAPITOL SECURITY ISSUES * Revised
*
Senate Rules and Administration Committee (Chairman Warner, R-Va.) will
hold a hearing on security issues at the Capitol. This hearing addresses
these issues following the deaths of two capitol police officers July 24
when an armed intruder opened fire in the Capitol.
Sept. 24 9:30 am SR-301 Russell Bldg. CLOSED\will OPEN
Witnesses scheduled:
CLOSED SESSION:
PANEL:
Gregory S. Casey - sergeant at arms, Senate; Wilson
Livingood - sergeant at arms, House of Representatives; Alan
M. Hantman, architect of the Capitol
PANEL:
Larry E. Torrence - acting assistant director, National
Security Division, FBI; Robert M. Blitzer - section chief,
Domestic Terrorism Unit, National Security Division, FBI
PANEL:
Gary Abrecht - chief of police, Capitol Police; Bob Greeley
- director, Physical Division, Capitol Police; Alan M.
Hantman, architect of the Capitol; Sam Raines - security and
force consultant, Booz, Allen and Hamilton
PANEL:
Robert Gramling - General Accounting Office; Joyce Doria -
vice president, Booz, Allen and Hamilton; Jack Meyer -
principal, Booz, Allen and Hamilton
PANEL:
Kenneth Lopez - - director of security, Library of Congress;
Alan M. Hantman, architect of the Capitol
OPEN SESSION:
PANEL:
Gregory S. Casey - sergeant at arms, Senate; Wilson
Livingood - - sergeant at arms, House of Representatives; Alan
M. Hantman, architect of the Capitol
PANEL:
Gary Abrecht - chief of police, Capitol Police
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
8 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
OVERSIGHT OF GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT PRODUCTION
Full Committee Markup
*Senate Committees*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Rules & Administration)
Item Key: 25
OVERSIGHT OF GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT PRODUCTION * New *
Full Committee Markup
Senate Rules and Administration Committee (Chairman Warner, R-Va.) will
mark up pending legislation.
Sept. 24 Im:00 mediately following fu 1 committee hearing on Capitol
security, SR-301 Russell Bldg.
Agenda:
S2288 - A bill to provide for the reform and continuing legislative
oversight of the production, procurement, dissemination and
permanent public access of the government's publications,
and for other purposes.
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
9 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE BOARD
Oversight Hearing
*House Committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Banking & Financial Services -- Subcommittee on
Capital Markets, Securities and Government-Sponsored Enterprises)
Item Key: 31
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE BOARD * Revised
*
Oversight Hearing
Capital Markets, Securities and Government Sponsored Enterprises
Subcommittee (Chairman Baker, R-La.) of House Banking and Financial
Services Committee will hold an oversight hearing on a General
Accounting Office study of the Federal Housing Finance Board. The board
supervises the regional Federal Home Loan Banks, whose members are local
savings associations and other institutions that make long-term
home-mortgage loans. The GAO study reviews the board's role as a
regulator of the safety and soundness of member institutions.
Sept. 24 11:00 am 2128 Rayburn Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
Richard S. Carnell - assistant secretary of the Treasury
for financial institutions; Nancy Kingsbuty - acting
assistant comptroller general, General Accounting Office;
Bruce Morrison - chairman, Federal Housing Finance Board
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
10 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
COMMERCE COMMITTEE BILLS
Full Committee Markup
*House Committees*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Commerce)
Item Key: 48
COMMERCE COMMITTEE BILLS * New *
Full Committee Markup
House Commerce Committee (Chairman Bliley, R-Va.) will mark up pending
legislation.
Sept. 24 10:30 am 2123Rayburn Bldg.
Agenda:
HR3888 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to improve
the protection of consumers against "slamming" by
telecommunications carriers, and for other purposes.
HR3783 - A bill to amend section 223 of the Communications Act of
1934 to require persons who are engaged in the business of
selling or transferring, by means of the World Wide Web,
material that is harmful to minors to restrict access to
such material by minors, and for other purposes.
HR563 - A bill to establish a toll-free number in the Department of
Commerce to assist consumers in determining if products are
American-made.
HR4353 - A bill to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to improve the
competitiveness of American business and promote foreign
commerce, and for other purposes.
HR4321 - A bill to protect consumers and financial institutions by
preventing personal financial information from being
obtained from financial institutions under false pretenses.
HR3610 - A bill to authorize and facilitate a program to enhance
training, research and development, energy conservation and
efficiency, and consumer education in the oilheat industry
for the benefit of oilheat consumers and the public, and for
other purposes.
S439 - A bill to provide for Alaska state jurisdiction over small
hydroelectric projects, to address voluntary licensing of
hydroelectric projects on fresh waters in the state of
Hawaii, to provide an exemption for portion of a
hydroelectric project located in the state of New Mexico,
and for other purposes.
HR4081 - A bill to extend the deadline under the Federal Power Act
applicable to the construction of a hydroelectric project in
the state of Arkansas.
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
11 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
FEDERAL HEALTH BENEFIT RATE INCREASES
*House Committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Government Reform & Oversight -- Subcommittee on
Civil Service)
Item Key: 21
FEDERAL HEALTH BENEFIT RATE INCREASES * Revised *
Civil Service Subcommittee (Chairman Mica, R-Fla.) of House Government
Reform and Oversight Committee will hold a hearing on rate increases for
federal employee health benefits.
Sept. 24 11:00 am 2203 Rayburn Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
William Flynn III - associate director, Retirement and
Insurance Services, Office of Personnel Management; Steve
Gammarino - - vice president, Federal Employee Program, Blue
Cross/Blue Shield; Terry Latanich - senior vice president,
Merck Medco Managed Care
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
12 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
TERRITORIAL DISPUTES IN WESTERN SAHARA
*House Committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; International Relations - Subcommittee on Africa)
Item Key: 16
TERRITORIAL DISPUTES IN WESTERN SAHARA * Revised *
Africa Subcommittee (Chairman Royce, R-Calif.) of House International
Relations Committee will hold a hearing on the progress of conducting a
U.N.-supervised referendum to determine the political status of
polisarios (Sahrawi tribe) in western Sahara. The polisarios were
removed from the region by the Moroccan military during a 1975 takeover
and now reside in southern Algeria.
Sept. 24 10:00 am 2172 Rayburn Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
PANEL:
Ronald Neumann - deputy assistant secretary of State for
Near Eastern affairs
PANEL:
John Damis - chair, Division of Political Science, Portland
State University, Portland, Ore.; Moulud Said - polisario
representative to the United States; Brig. Gen. Al Zapanta
(retired) - U.N. Mission for the Referendum in Western
Sahara (MINURSO)
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
13 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
FUNDING FOR DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAMS
*House Committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; National Security -- Subcommittee on Military
Personnel)
Item Key: 23
FUNDING FOR DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAMS * Revised *
Military Personnel Subcommittee (Chairman Buyer, R-Ind.) of House
National Security Committee will hold a hearing on the adequacy of the
funding request for Defense Department health program.
Sept. 24 3:00 pm 2118 Rayburn Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
PANEL:
Lt. Gen. Ronald Blanck - surgeon general, Department of the
Army; Vice Adm. Richard Nelson - surgeon general, Department
of the Navy; Lt. Gen. Charles Roadman - surgeon general,
Department of the Air Force
PANEL:
Rudy de Leon - under secretary of Defense for personnel and
readiness; William J. Lynn III - under secretary of Defense,
Comptroller/Chief Financial Officer
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
14 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Oversight Hearing
*House Committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Resources -- Subcommittee on Forests and Forest
Health)
Item Key: 20
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK * Revised
*
Oversight Hearing
National Parks and Public Lands Subcommittee (Chairman Hansen, R-Utah)
of House Resources Committee will hold an oversight hearing on the Grand
Canyon National Park.
Sept. 24 10:00 am 1334 Longworth Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
PANEL:
Robert Arnberger - superintendent, Grand Canyon National
Park; Robert S. Lynch - chairman of the board, Central
Arizona Project Association; Mark Grisham - executive
director, Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association; Brian
I. Merrill - chief of operations, Western Rivers
Expeditions; William C. Reffalt - The Wilderness Society and
The Grand Canyon Trust
PANEL:
Elling B. Halvorson - president, Papillon Airways, Inc.;
Robin T. Harrison, P.E. - consultant; John R. Alberti - JR
Engineering; K.K. Ahuja - professor and regents researcher,
Georgia Institute of Technology
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
15 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
RULES FOR FLOOR DEBATE
*House Committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98; Rules)
Item Key: 45
RULES FOR FLOOR DEBATE * Revised *
House Rules Committee (Chairman Solomon, R-N.Y.) will meet to consider
rules for floor debate for pending legislation.
Sept. 24 10:00 am H-313 Capitol Bldg.
Agenda:
HR2621 - A bill to extend trade authorities procedures with respect
to reciprocal trade agreements, and for other purposes.
HR4579 - A bill to provide tax relief for individuals, families and
farming and other small businesses, to provide tax
incentives for education, to extend certain expiring
provisions, and for other purposes.
HR4578 - A bill to amend the Social Security Act to establish the
Protect Social Security Account into which the secretary of
the Treasury shall deposit budget surpluses until a reform
measure is enacted to ensure the long-term solvency of the
OASDI trust funds.
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
16 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
FY99 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS
*Joint Committees*
* Revised *
*Conference committees*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 12
FY99 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS * Revised *
Conferees will meet on legislation that would make FY99 appropriations
for energy and water programs.
Sept. 24 Time and room TBA VERY TENTATIVE
Agenda:
HR4060 - An original bill making appropriations for energy and water
development for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1999, and
for other purposes.
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
17 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
NATIONAL SCIENCE POLICY STUDY
*Other news events*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 47
NATIONAL SCIENCE POLICY STUDY * New *
Science Committee Vice Chairman Rep. Vern Ehlers, R-Mich., will be
joined by House Speaker Rep. Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., in unveiling the
National Science Policy Study, which will guide the development of a
long-term science and technology policy for the United States. House
Science Committee Chairman Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr., R-Wis.,
distinguished members of the scientific community, and students from
Thomas Jefferson High School will also be in attendance. Copies of the
study will be available at the press conference, and will not be
released prior to the event.
Sept. 24 12:30 pm 2325 Rayburn Bldg.
Contact: Jennifer Siciliano
([email protected]) Mike Catanzaro
([email protected]) (202) 225-4275
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
18 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
YEAR 2000 PROBLEM
*Other news events*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 49
YEAR 2000 PROBLEM * New *
Discovery Institute, a Seattle, Wash., think tank, will hold a one-day
conference to explore the public policy implications of the Y2K
millennium computer bug, "Y2K Versus American Prosperity: Liability and
the Links."
Sept. 24 8:40 am Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Contact: Rob Crowther, 206-292-0401 Ext. 106
Highlights:
9am: Rep. Steve Horn, R-Calif.
9:40am: Steve Forbes
10:40am: Panel discussion on liability in a digital and
networked economy
12:10pm: Luncheon speaker - - Steven Kolodney of the National
Association of State Information Resource Executives
12:40pm: Sen. Robert Bennett
1:35pm: Janet Abrams of the White House Office of Year 2000
conversion
3:10pm: Panel discussion on what government and business
should expect of each other
4:10pm: Panel discussion on the "hard choices."
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
19 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
MEDICARE ISSUES
*Other news events*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 50
MEDICARE ISSUES * New *
American Association of Health Plans President Karen Ignagni will
participate in a roundtable discussion on the future of Medicare.
Sept. 24 9:00 am 6th floor, 1129 20th St. NW
Contact: Aylin Gonen, 202-778-8451
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
20 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
OPPOSITION TO FAST TRACK
*Other news events*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 51
OPPOSITION TO FAST TRACK * New
*
The United Steelworkers Union will hold a rally in an attempt to stop
congressional action on "fast track" trade authority. Participants
include House Minority Leader Rep. Richard A. Gephardt, D-Mo., Rep. Jack
Quinn, R-N.Y., and Sens. Byron L. Dorgan, D-N.D. and Paul Wellstone,
D-Minn., along with AFL-CIO President John Sweeney.
Sept. 24 10:00 am Capitol Bldg., West Front
Contact: Gary Hubbard, 202-778-4384.
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
21 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
ELECTION INSIGHTS
*Other news events*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 52
ELECTION INSIGHTS * New *
The Womans National Democratic Club will hold a luncheon with Rep.
Martin Frost, D-Texas, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign
Committee, discussing election insights.
Sept. 24 1:00 pm Womans National Democratic Club, 1526 New Hampshire
Ave. NW
Contact: Nancy Young, 202-232-7363.
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
22 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS CONFERENCE
*Other news events*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 53
WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS CONFERENCE * New *
The National Association of Women Business Owners will hold its annual
public policy conference. Second of three days.
Sept. 24 7:30 am Hyatt Regency Washington, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW
Contact: Emilee Truelove, 703-671-5483
Highlights:
7:30am: Breakfast with Labor Secretary Alexis Herman
9am: Remarks by Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y.
9:20am: Remarks by Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.
9:45am: Remarks by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas
10am: Remarks by Senate Small Business Committee Chairman
Christopher Bond, R-Mo.
10:15am: Remarks by Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La.
10:45am: Remarks by Rep. Sue Kelly, R-N.Y.
11:10am: Remarks by House Small Business Committee Chairman
James Talent, R-Mo.
11:30am: Remarks by House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga.
12:30pm: Remarks by House Republican Conference Secretary
Jennifer Dunn, R-Wash.
Information verified as of 07:58pm 09/23/98
23 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
FAA DEBATE RESUMES BUT MANAGED CARE LOOMS
*Schedule highlights*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 1
FAA DEBATE RESUMES BUT MANAGED CARE LOOMS
By CQ Staff
The Senate likely will resume work today on a bill (S2279) debated
briefly yesterday to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration for
four years and provide $10.1 billion in fiscal 1999.
The House passed its version (HR4057) to reauthorize FAA programs at
$10.1 billion in fiscal 1999.
As of last night, nearly 50 amendments - many related to regional
airport concerns -- were filed, but Commerce, Science and Transportation
Committee Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., said the list should be reduced
dramatically by midafternoon and an effort will be made to finish work
tonight.
McCain said the measure needs to be signed into law by the end of
the month, warning that not doing so would delay billions of dollars in
airport improvement grants for every state.
Both the House and Senate bills would increase funding for airport
safety and security efforts. The measures would authorize $5.6 billion
for FAA operations, $2.1 billion for the Facilities and Equipment
program and roughly $2.3 billion for the Airport Improvement Program.
The bill before the Senate would reauthorize agency operations for
four years at a $42.4 billion funding level.
Prospects for the bill heightened earlier this week after Charles S.
Robb, D-Va., dropped objections related to language increasing the
number flights out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and
permitting some to exceed the existing 1,250-mile "perimeter." The bill
would permit 12 daily flights that could exceed the limit and additional
12 daily flights inside the perimeter.
On the perimeter rule, Robb may offer an amendment that would delay
expansion of flights from the airport until the local airport authority
reviews the issue. Opponents might argue that waiting for a review would
only delay a reasonable expansion of service.
INTERNET TAXATION: If leaders make progress on negotiations about
managed care legislation, the Senate could try again to take up a bill
(S442) establishing a moratorium on Internet taxation.
In a bid to pressure Republicans to allow debate on their managed
care legislation (S1890), Democrats yesterday objected to a GOP attempt
to bring up the Internet bill. Majority Leader Trent Lott, Miss., has
said he has already made "fair and reasonable" offers for considering
managed care legislation, but he says he cannot afford to allow the
Senate to debate it for more than a few days at most given other
pressing work.
Democrats have pledged to force the issue one way or another.
Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said the managed care issue is
"hovering like a circling bird" over all legislation on the floor.
24 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
HOUSE FLOOR: HIGH-TECH VISA BILL SCHEDULED BUT MAY BE BUMPED FOR STUDY
*Schedule highlights*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 5
HOUSE FLOOR: HIGH-TECH VISA BILL SCHEDULED BUT MAY BE BUMPED FOR STUDY
By CQ Staff
House leaders have included on today's floor schedule a bill to
increase a special class of visas for foreign workers that is pitting
the high-tech industry and business interests against organized labor
and the Clinton administration.
But the bill may be bumped from the agenda so House members can have
a chance to review the results of negotiations between the
administration and the legislation's prime backer in the Senate, Spencer
Abraham, R-Mich.
The bill (HR3736), which also was pushed from last week's floor
agenda, would increase the number of "H-1B" visas available for foreign
workers with high-tech expertise.
This year's allotment of 65,000 high-tech visas expired in May. The
bill would grant an additional 20,000 visas for the rest of the year,
and increase the number of six-year H1-B visas to 95,000 in fiscal 1999
and then up to 115,000 during fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2002.
Opponents of the bill, including some Republicans, argue that
employees who enter the United Sates under the program could displace
U.S. workers. However, Majority Leader Dick Armey, Texas, yesterday
predicted the bill would pass.
The business community is complaining about a shortage of high-tech
workers and is pushing the measure vigorously.
25 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
SENATE FLOOR: REPUBLICANS HOPE TO DISSIPATE WAVE OF 'ACTING' APPOINTEES
*Schedule highlights*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 2
SENATE FLOOR: REPUBLICANS HOPE TO DISSIPATE WAVE OF 'ACTING' APPOINTEES
By CQ Staff
The first order of Senate business this morning will be a vote at on
invoking cloture and proceeding to legislation (S2176) that would
specify which individuals could be appointed by a president on an
"acting" basis to jobs requiring Senate confirmation and set strict
limits on their tenure.
Republicans assert that President Clinton has been naming people to
serve in acting capacities longer than the 120-day limit set by the 1868
Vacancies Act.
Bill sponsor Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., says 64 positions in the
administration subject to confirmation are filled by temporary
appointees, about two-thirds of whom have served more than 120 days --
without any nomination being submitted to the Senate for consideration.
The 120-day limit does not apply once the name of the person is
officially sent to the Senate.
Senate concern was ignited last December when President Clinton
appointed Bill Lann Lee acting assistant attorney general for civil
rights after Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee blocked floor
action on his nomination. Lee is still serving, but, because the full
Senate has not acted on his nomination, he is not in violation of the
Vacancies Act.
The Justice Department has argued that its officials are not covered
by the Vacancies Act -- a position Senate GOP leaders reject. S2176
would clarify that all executive branch positions that are not
explicitly governed by other statutes fall under the Vacancies Act.
The measure would allow a federal department's top deputy to fill a
vacancy on an acting basis for 150 days, up from the current 120. Any
other official already confirmed by the Senate for another position
could hold an acting appointment for a similar period. Unless a
permanent nomination is submitted, the post would be vacated after 150
days and no one could exercise the duties of the position until a
nominee was formally selected and submitted.
Many Democrats, including Minority Leader Tom Daschle, S.D., argue
that the legislation is unnecessary. Daschle said acting officials need
to be used in some offices because the Senate has been slow in
confirming nominations.
26 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
HOUSE FLOOR: CHAMBER TO MULL CONFERENCE REPORT ON DEFENSE SPENDING
*Schedule highlights*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 4
HOUSE FLOOR: CHAMBER TO MULL CONFERENCE REPORT ON DEFENSE SPENDING
By CQ Staff
House floor action is scheduled today on the conference report on
the fiscal 1999 defense authorization bill, which contains compromises
worked out last week concerning satellite exports to China and
gender-integrated training in the armed forces.
Reacting to recent reports that U.S. satellite exports to China have
helped Beijing develop its ballistic missile capability, conferees
agreed to several changes in U.S. policy that are included in the $270.5
billion measure (HR3616).
It would shift jurisdiction for licensing U.S. satellites from the
Commerce Department back to the State Department, where it had been
until President Clinton changed the policy in 1996.
It also would force the president to get congressional approval
before granting satellite export waivers to American companies, and it
would ban exports of missile equipment or technology to China unless the
president pledges that they will not undermine the U.S. space launch
industry or bolster China's weapons capabilities.
On military training, conferees agreed to house male and female
recruits separately but effectively left to the service chiefs the
question of whether to train them separately. Conferees also agreed on
non-binding sense of Congress language that the sexes should be
separated during training.
27 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
HOUSE FLOOR: ADOPTION LIKELY FOR LEGISLATIVE BRANCH CONFERENCE REPORT
*Schedule highlights*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 3
HOUSE FLOOR: ADOPTION LIKELY FOR LEGISLATIVE BRANCH CONFERENCE REPORT
By CQ Staff
The House today is expected to adopt the conference report on the
fiscal 1999 legislative branch appropriations bill.
The measure (HR4112) would provide about $2.35 billion for the
House, Senate and various congressional agencies and offices, such as
the Library of Congress, General Accounting Office and Congressional
Budget Office.
The total is 2.7 percent above fiscal 1998 levels and includes $83
million for the Capitol Police, a 12 percent increase. For the first
time, it provides enough money to allow additional pay for officers who
work nights, holidays and Sundays.
The vote comes a day after Russell Eugene Weston Jr. appeared in
court for the first time since being charged in the deaths of two
Capitol Police officers during a July 24 shootout at the Capitol.
The conference agreement does not include funding for additional
security improvements, including the construction of a visitors' center,
that have been requested by the police and the Architect of the Capitol.
That funding likely will be considered in a supplemental "emergency"
funding bill that could move before Congress adjourns.
The conference report will not be open to amendments on the floor.
28 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
LAW/JUDICIARY: BILL WOULD CRIMINALIZE THEFT OF PRIVATE FINANCIAL
DOCUMENTS
*Schedule highlights*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 7
LAW/JUDICIARY: BILL WOULD CRIMINALIZE THEFT OF PRIVATE FINANCIAL
DOCUMENTS
By CQ Staff
It would become a federal crime to use fraudulent methods to obtain
an individual's financial records under legislation (HR4321) to be
marked up in the House Commerce Committee.
Under the bill, violators would face up to five years in prison for
a first offense, with fines of $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for
companies. The penalties could be doubled for repeat offenders. The bill
would subject a person or company that knowingly receives such
information to identical penalties.
Jim Leach, R-Iowa, said the legislation responds to so-called
information brokers, who use a variety of means to collect personal
financial data, then sell it. Some Democrats complained that the bill
should allow consumers to sue banks that improperly or negligently allow
the release of financial information.
INTERNATIONAL BRIBERY: Another bill (HR4353) before the panel would
modify U.S. law to implement an international agreement barring bribery
of foreign officials. The measure would make current U.S. law conform to
a 1997 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development treaty by
extending existing U.S. anti-bribery laws to non-U.S. citizens, foreign
corporations and international organizations. The treaty was signed by
33 developed countries and ratified by the Senate on July 31.
One provision that could generate opposition would make officials at
two intergovernmental satellite organizations -- Intelsat and Inmarsat
-- liable for accepting bribes to give unfair advantages to private
companies competing for global mobile satellite services. Ranking
Democrat John D. Dingell, Mich., hinted he may offer an amendment to
strip that provision. Dingell said the language was added without
consultation of the Senate, the Clinton administration or officials at
either satellite organization.
Intelsat and Inmarsat, which are controlled by 140 countries, are
insulated from competition by law and are free from regulatory
authority, tax liabilities and antitrust restrictions. The Senate
Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee approved similar
legislation (S2375) June 25.
29 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
COMMERCE: MEASURES AIMED AT 'SLAMMING,' 'SPAMMING' AND INTERNET ACCESS
*Schedule highlights*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 6
COMMERCE: MEASURES AIMED AT 'SLAMMING,' 'SPAMMING' AND INTERNET ACCESS
By CQ Staff
The House Commerce Committee today will mark up eight bills that
cover a range of consumer, privacy and business issues.
One measure (HR3888) would address a practice in the long-distance
telephone industry known as "slamming" -- when a long-distance provider
switches a customer into the service without notification or permission.
The bill would require companies to verify that subscribers agreed to
switch their long-distance carrier and that the new long-distance
provider notify consumers of the change. Under the measure, violators
could face a fine of up to $40,000 for the first offense.
The legislation also aims to curb the sending of unsolicited e-mail,
known as "spamming." The bill would require those who send unsolicited
e-mail to provide their name, mailing address and e-mail address.
The measure would require an unsolicited e-mail message to say that
it is "unsolicited commercial e-mail" and that further unsolicited
transmissions may be stopped by replying to the message and placing the
word "remove" in the subject line.
The Senate passed its version of the bill (S1618) on May 12.
INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY: The panel also will consider a bill (HR3783)
aimed at cracking down on commercial adult Internet sites that do not
block access to minors. The bill would require web sites containing
material "harmful to minors" to use an adult verification method -- such
as a credit card, an access code or a personal identification number --
to keep minors off their sites. Failure to make a good faith effort to
do so could result in fines up to $50,000 and a six-month prison term.
The measure would call on the FCC to meet every two years to
determine which methods web sites could use to comply with the adult
verification requirements.
The Senate incorporated the companion measure (S1482), sponsored by
Daniel R. Coats, R-Ind., into its version of the fiscal 1999 Commerce,
Justice, State spending bill (S2260).
30 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS: ONE AGENCY CONSIDERED FOR COMPILING GOVERNMENT
DATA
*Schedule highlights*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 10
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS: ONE AGENCY CONSIDERED FOR COMPILING GOVERNMENT
DATA
By CQ Staff
The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee today will consider
legislation that would consolidate the government's statistics gathering
operation by creating a commission to examine how the current disparate
agencies can share information and avoid duplication.
Under the bill (S1404) the panel would recommend if and how federal
statistical agencies -- such as the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor
Statistics and the Bureau of Economic Analysis -- should be streamlined
into one agency.
The bill would establish uniform confidentiality protections and
encourage data-sharing among federal agencies for statistical analysis.
Sponsor Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., cited the need for such legislation
because "the current federal statistical system is in disarray."
Because more than 70 federal agencies are responsible for gathering
and analyzing statistics, Brownback said many expend resources
"attempting to gather the same information from the same sources. This
duplication is unnecessarily burdensome on both taxpayers and
respondents."
At a hearing in March, Rep. Steve Horn, R-Calif., who also supports
such consolidation, said, "Cost savings from either organizational
consolidation or data-sharing is a real possibility. This could be a
double victory -- higher quality and lower costs."
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
A House Government subcommittee today will mark up a bill aimed at
revamping the U.S. Postal Service that includes proposals for more
financial flexibility to encourage profits and stricter administrative
oversight.
While loosening financial restrictions on the Postal Service, the
bill (HR22) before House Government Reform and Oversight Subcommittee on
Postal Service it also would eliminate the agency's exclusive control
over some aspects of basic mail delivery. The bill would give the
service more authority to set stamp prices and permit it to make a
profit for services in which it has direct competition. The bill also
would establish two inspector general offices to oversee internal
operations.
Democrats are expected to offer amendments that would require the
Postal Service to study such issues as diversity in the workplace and
worker dislocation caused by increased automation. Subcommittee ranking
Democrat Chaka Fattah, Pa., may request that one seat on the governing
board that oversees the Postal Service be reserved for a representative
of labor unions.
The underlying bill would allow the agency to borrow money and grant
it flexibility in other financial decisions that currently are
controlled by the Treasury Department.
The bill would create two categories for postal rates. A
non-competitive group would include regular letters, postcards,
magazines and other basic mail for which no real delivery alternative
exists. A competitive category would include priority mail,
international mail, parcel post and other special mail services also
provided by private competitors.
For basic mail and non-competitive services, the bill would set a
five-year cap on stamp prices and allow the Postal Service to adjust
them each year within the cap. Currently, stamp prices can be increased
only to reflect higher prices in the cost of delivering mail.
Under the bill, the Postal Rate Commission would be able to set the
five-year price caps according to economic assessments such as the gross
domestic product and other financial indicators.
Current federal assistance to the Postal Service for providing
special services to the blind and the disabled would end, along with
assistance to expedite voter registration in post offices.
31 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
LAW/JUDICIARY: MEASURE WOULD EXPAND SCHOOL-BASED POLICE GRANT PROGRAM
*Schedule highlights*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 9
LAW/JUDICIARY: MEASURE WOULD EXPAND SCHOOL-BASED POLICE GRANT PROGRAM
By CQ Staff
The Senate Judiciary Committee will mark up a bill (S2235) to build
upon a school-based partnership grant program administered by the
Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
Grants are given to encourage the use of school resources officers.
The legislation would require school resources officers to be career law
enforcement officers directed by their agencies to collaborate with
schools in educating students about crime and violence prevention.
Resources officers would be encouraged to focus on gangs and
drug-related activities, as well as to educate potential school-age
victims in crime prevention and personal safety.
The bill would expand the range of programs that could receive
grants. The current program gives money to specific youth crime
prevention programs.
BULLET-PROOF VESTS: The committee also will consider a bill (HR2253)
that would build upon a grant program to help law enforcement agencies
purchase bulletproof vests for their officers. The bill would expand the
program to include bullet-resistant equipment for officers' vehicles,
shields and other equipment.
The bill would provide a $40 million matching grant program for
state, county, local and tribal law enforcement agencies. Jurisdictions
that do not receive any funding under another grant program, the local
law enforcement block grant program, would be given preference. At least
half of the funds available would be awarded to jurisdictions with less
than 100,000 residents.
The bill also authorizes $3 million over 3 years for the Justice
Department to conduct research and development of new bullet-resistant
technologies, such as bonded acrylic, polymers and polycarbons.
32 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
LAW/JUDICIARY: COMMITTEE TO MARK UP BILLS ON COUNTERFEITING, GRANTS
*Schedule highlights*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 8
LAW/JUDICIARY: COMMITTEE TO MARK UP BILLS ON COUNTERFEITING, GRANTS
By CQ Staff
The Senate Judiciary Committee will mark up a bill (S2099) that
would increase penalties for counterfeiting if computer technology is
used.
With increased use of personal computers, scanners, digital imaging
software, full color copiers and laser and inkjet printers, bill sponsor
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo., said that small amounts of counterfeit
cash are produced more easily.
The bill would change sentencing guidelines so that increases are
determined by the amount of counterfeit bills produced and a point
system based upon the offender's criminal record.
The bill would raise the sentence by two levels for any conviction
involving $2,000 in counterfeit currency or less. For offenses involving
more than $2,000 in counterfeit money, increases already are in place
depending upon the amount. Beyond those guidelines, the bill would add a
sentencing enhancement of at least two levels for counterfeiting
offenses that involve the use of a computer printer or a color
photocopier.
Bill supporters argue that counterfeiters with no prior record and
who produce small amounts of phony cash often are given probation rather
than a prison sentence. The legislation would make it easier for a
criminal to reach a sentencing level that would require a prison
sentence of 12-to 18-months.
33 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS: SENATE PANEL WILL TRY AGAIN TO MARK UP PRINTING
MEASURE
*Schedule highlights*
(SCHEDULE 09/24/98)
Item Key: 11
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS: SENATE PANEL WILL TRY AGAIN TO MARK UP PRINTING
MEASURE
By CQ Staff
The Senate Rules and Administration Committee will mark up a
controversial bill today that aims to overhaul the government's system
for printing and disseminating information to the public.
Since a markup last week was canceled abruptly, lawmakers have been
negotiating intensely to revive the bill (S2288). However, details of
any compromise remain elusive.
At issue is how the Government Printing Office (GPO) will move to
adopt new technologies, and ensure that government publications are
widely available and that private companies have a chance to bid on
printing contracts. The bill sets up procedures and requirements to
ensure public access to government publications. It also changes
procurement rules but retains competitive private-sector bids for
printing government documents. And it calls for agencies, courts and
other government entities to make documents available to the GPO for
electronic posting on the Internet.
Representatives from the information technology and printing
industries have protested that the bill changes too many of the
government's procurement rules and enlarges the GPO bureaucracy. At the
hearing last week, Xerox executive Mike Farren, representing the
Information Technology Technology Industry Council, said the legislation
is "at odds" with fast-paced technological changes. A less centralized
system, he said, would serve the public and taxpayers better. Spending
$26 billion annually, the federal government is largest consumer of
information technology, Farren said.
Another company, ABC Advisors Inc., a private information company
that disseminates bid solicitations to a national clientele, opposes the
legislative language for the bid solicitation process. Currently, ABC
pays the GPO $54,000 to receive faxed copies of the urgent solicitations
or hard copies that their courier shuttles for non-immediate bids. It
then scans the documents, codes the information and relays it to its
clientele either by fax or a proprietary online service. The company
would like the bill to ensure that the GPO will charge an access fee if
it posts calls for bids on the Internet. Some see the idea, backed by
Rep. Bud Shuster, R-Pa., as "private relief legislation."
34 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
HOUSE FLOOR Sept. 25
*Future Senate/House floor*
* Tentative *
(SCHEDULE 09/25/98; House Floor)
Item Key: 161
HOUSE FLOOR * Tentative *
Sept. 25
CONVENES AT 9AM.
HR4006
A bill to clarify federal law to prohibit the dispensing or
distribution of a controlled substance for the purpose of
causing, or assisting in causing, the suicide or euthanasia,
of any individual. -- MAY BEGIN CONSIDERATION.
HR4578
A bill to amend the Social Security Act to establish the
Protect Social Security Account into which the secretary of
the Treasury shall deposit budget surpluses until a reform
measure is enacted to ensure the long-term solvency of the
OASDI trust funds. -- BEGIN CONSIDERATION.
HR2621
A bill to extend trade authorities procedures with respect
to reciprocal trade agreements, and for other purposes. --
BEGIN CONSIDERATION.
HR4579
A bill to provide tax relief for individuals, families and
farming and other small businesses, to provide tax
incentives for education, to extend certain expiring
provisions, and for other purposes. -- BEGIN CONSIDERATION.
Conference report on:
HR6
A bill to extend the authorization of programs under the
Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes. -- MAY
BEGIN CONSIDERATION.
HR4103
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of
Defense for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1999, and for
other purposes. -- MAY BEGIN CONSIDERATION.
35 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
SENATE FLOOR Sept. 25
*Future Senate/House floor*
* Tentative *
(SCHEDULE 09/25/98; Senate Floor)
Item Key: 163
SENATE FLOOR
* Tentative *
Sept. 25
S2333
An original bill making appropriations for the government of
the District of Columbia and other activities chargeable in
whole or in part against the revenues of said district for
the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1999, and for other
purposes. -- MAY BEGIN CONSIDERATION
Conference report on:
HR4103
An original bill making appropriations for the Department of
Defense for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1999, and for
other purposes. -- MAY BEGIN CONSIDERATION.
HR4112
An original bill making appropriations for the legislative
branch for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1999, and for
other purposes. -- BEGIN CONSIDERATION
36 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS
*Future Senate committees*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 10/01/98; Armed Services)
Item Key: 54
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS * New *
Senate Armed Services Committee (Chairman Thurmond, R-S.C.) will hold a
hearing on current plans for Department of Energy national security
programs.
Oct. 1 9:30 pm SR-222 Russell Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
Ambassador Bill Richardson - secretary of Energy
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
37 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES NOMINATIONS
Full Committee Vote
*Future Senate committees*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 10/06/98; Energy & Natural Resources)
Item Key: 59
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES NOMINATIONS * New *
Full Committee Vote
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Chairman Murkowski,
R-Alaska) will vote on pending nominations.
Oct. 6, Oct. 6 Time TBA SD-366 Dirksen Bldg.
Nominations: Pending nominations
Oct. 6 Theodore J. Glauthier to be deputy secretary of Energy
NOTE: The committee was scheduled to vote on this
nomination on Sept. 23 but did not take any action at that
time. It may be considered at a later date.
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
38 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES NOMINATIONS
Confirmation Hearing
*Future Senate committees*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 10/01/98; Energy & Natural Resources)
Item Key: 60
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES NOMINATIONS * New
*
Confirmation Hearing
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Chairman Murkowski,
R-Alaska) will hold a confirmation hearing on any last-minute nominees
submitted by the Administration.
Oct. 1 Time TBA SD-366 Dirksen Bldg.
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
39 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
AMBASSADORIAL NOMINATIONS
Confirmation Hearing
*Future Senate committees*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 09/25/98; Foreign Relations)
Item Key: 65
AMBASSADORIAL NOMINATIONS * New *
Confirmation Hearing
Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Chairman Helms, R-N.C.) will hold a
confirmation hearing on pending nominations.
Sept. 25 9:30 am SD-419 Dirksen Bldg.
Nominations: Robert Randolph to be assistant administrator
of the Agency for International Development
B Lynn Pascoe to be ambassador to Malaysia
Diane Edith Watson to be ambassador to the Federated States
of Micronesia
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
40 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
LABOR DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
*Future House committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/28/98; Education & Workforce -- Subcommittee on Oversight
and Investigations)
Item Key: 87
LABOR DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT * Revised *
Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee (Chairman Hoekstra, R-Mich.)
of House Education and the Workforce Committee will hold a hearing on
budget practices, financial analysis and management and financial
accounting systems at the Department of Labor.
Sept. 28 1:30 pm 2261 Rayburn Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
Carlotta C. Joyner - director, Education and Employment
Issues, General Accounting Office; Patricia A. Dalton -
deputy inspector general, Department of Labor; Kenneth M.
Bresnahan - acting chief financial officer, Department of
Labor; James McMullen - director, Office of Budget, Office
of Administration and Management, Department of Labor
Note: This hearing was originally scheduled for July 28.
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
41 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
VETERANS HEALTH CARE OVERSIGHT
*Future House committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/25/98; Government Reform & Oversight -- Subcommittee on
Human Resources)
Item Key: 90
VETERANS HEALTH CARE OVERSIGHT * Revised
*
Human Resources Subcommittee (Chairman Shays, R-Conn.) of House
Government Reform and Oversight Committee will hold an oversight
hearing on the health care programs of the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
Sept. 25 10:30 am 2154 Rayburn Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
PANEL:
Thomas Garthwaite - deputy under secretary of Veterans
Affairs for health; Denis Fitzgerald - network director,
Veterans Integrated Service Network, Boston, Mass.; Nancy
Wilson - former director, Office of Performance Management,
Department of Veterans Affairs
PANEL:
Bruce Woolette - Department of Dentistry, Veterans Health
Administration Medical Center (VAMC) Togus, Maine; Jack
Bachman - Department of Dentistry, VAMC, Togus, Maine; Neal
Williams - disabled Vietnam veteran and member, Military
Order of the Purple Heart; Robert Hite - national field
representative, American Legion; Linda Schwartz - president,
Project Partnership
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
42 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
FREE ASSOCIATION COMPACTS
Joint Hearing
*Future House committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 10/01/98; International Relations -- Subcommittee on Asia and
the Pacific)
Item Key: 97
FREE ASSOCIATION COMPACTS * Revised
*
Joint Hearing
Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee (Chairman Bereuter, R-Neb.) of House
International Relations Committee and House Resources Committee
(Chairman Young, R-Alaska) will hold a joint oversight hearing on
compacts of free association with the Marshall Islands, Federated States
of Micronesia, and Palau.
Oct. 1 2:00 pm 1324 Longworth Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
PANEL:
Stanley Roth - assistant secretary of State for east Asian
and Pacific affairs; John Berry - assistant secretary of
Interior for policy, management and budget; Kurt M. Campbell
- deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Asia
PANEL:
Hersey Kyota - ambassador to the United States, Republic of
Palau; Jesse B. Marehalau - ambassador to the United States,
Federated States of Micronesia; Banny DeBrum - ambassador to
the United States, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Note: This hearing was previously scheduled for Sept. 22.
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
43 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
REPORT ON U.K.-NORTHERN IRELAND HUMAN RIGHTS
*Future House committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/29/98; International Relations -- Subcommittee on
International Operations and Human Rights)
Item Key: 99
REPORT ON U.K.-NORTHERN IRELAND HUMAN RIGHTS * Revised *
International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee (Chairman Smith,
R-N.J.) of House International Relations Committee will hold a hearing
on the report of a special rapporteur to the United Kingdom, Great
Britain and Northern Ireland concerning human rights violations in the
area.
Sept. 29 10:30 am 2172 Rayburn Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
Param Cumaraswamy - special repporteur on the independence
of judges and lawyers, U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
44 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
AFRICA RESOLUTIONS
Subcommittee Markup
*Future House committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE date TBA; International Relations -- Subcommittee on Africa)
Item Key: 102
AFRICA RESOLUTIONS * Revised *
Subcommittee Markup
Africa Subcommittee (Chairman Royce, R-Calif.) of House International
Relations Committee will mark up legislation under its jurisdiction.
Time TBA 2255 Rayburn Bldg. TENTATIVE WEEK OF SEPT. 28
Agenda:
HCONRes 309 - A concurrent resolution condemning the forced abduction
of
Ugandan children and their use as soldiers.
HRes 518 - A resolution calling for free and transparent elections in
Gabon.
Note: This markup was originally scheduled for Sept. 17.
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
45 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
OPERATION OF AIRPORT IN WEST VIRGINIA
*Future House committees*
* New *
(SCHEDULE 09/25/98; Judiciary -- Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Law)
Item Key: 104
OPERATION OF AIRPORT IN WEST VIRGINIA * New *
Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee (Chairman Gekas, R-Pa.)
of House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on pending legislation.
Sept. 25 1:00 pm 2237 Rayburn Bldg.
Agenda:
Sept. 25
SJRes 51 - A joint resolution granting the consent of Congress to the
Potomac Highlands Airport Authority Compact entered into
between the states of Maryland and West Virginia.
Witnesses scheduled:
Sept. 25 Sen Paul S. Sarbanes, D-Md.; Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, R-Md.
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
46 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
RELEASE OF EVIDENCE IN CLINTON CASE
*Future House committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/25/98; Judiciary)
Item Key: 105
RELEASE OF EVIDENCE IN CLINTON CASE * Revised *
House Judiciary Committee (Chairman Hyde, R-III.) will meet to consider
and vote on the release to the public of additional evidence turned over
to Congress by Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr that was collected
during his investigation of possible wrongdoing by President Clinton.
Sept. 25 10:00 am 2141 Rayburn Bldg. CLOSED
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
47 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
COMMERCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE BILLS
Subcommittee Markup
*Future House committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/25/98; Judiciary -- Subcommittee on Commercial and
Administrative Law)
Item Key: 107
COMMERCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE BILLS * Revised
*
Subcommittee Markup
Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee (Chairman Gekas, R-Pa.)
of House Judiciary Committee will mark up pending legislation.
Sept. 25 Fo:00 llowing subcommittee h aring on SJ Res 51, 2237
Rayburn Bldg.
Date TBA Time TBA 2141 Rayburn Bldg.
Agenda:
Sept. 25
SJRes 51 - A joint resolution granting the consent of Congress to the
Potomac Highlands Airport Authority Compact entered into
between the states of Maryland and West Virginia.
NOTE: This was previously on the agenda for Sept. 17.
HR4572 - A bill clarifying that the limitation on state income
taxation of governmental pension income applies to
possessions of the United States.
NOTE: This was previously on the agenda for Sept. 17.
HR4049 - A bill to amend titles 5 and 28, U.S. Code, to provide for a
limitation on sanctions imposed by agencies and courts in
certain circumstances.
NOTE: This was previously on the agenda for Sept. 17.
HR4096 - A bill to amend title 5, U.S. Code, to provide for
Congressional review of rules establishing or increasing
taxes.
NOTE: This was previously on the agenda for Sept. 17.
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
48 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
FREE ASSOCIATION COMPACTS
Joint Hearing
*Future House committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 10/01/98; Resources)
Item Key: 119
FREE ASSOCIATION COMPACTS *
Revised
*
Joint Hearing
House Resources Committee (Chairman Young, R-Alaska) and Asia and
Pacific Subcommittee (Chairman Bereuter, R-Neb.) of House International
Relations Committee will hold a joint oversight hearing on compacts of
free association with the Marshall Islands, Federated States of
Micronesia, and Palau.
Oct. 1 2:00 pm 1324 Longworth Bldg.
Witnesses scheduled:
PANEL:
Stanley Roth - assistant secretary of State for east Asian
and Pacific affairs; John Berry - assistant secretary of
Interior for policy, management and budget; Kurt M. Campbell
- deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Asia
PANEL:
Hersey Kyota - ambassador to the United States, Republic of
Palau; Jesse B. Marehalau - ambassador to the United States,
Federated States of Micronesia; Banny DeBrum - ambassador to
the United States, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Note: This hearing was previously scheduled for Sept. 22.
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
49 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
FY99 TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS
*Future conference committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/28/98)
Item Key: 138
FY99 TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS * Revised
*
Conferees will meet on legislation making FY99 appropriations for
programs of the Transportation Department.
Sept. 28 Time and room TBA VERY TENTATIVE
Agenda:
HR4328 - An original bill making appropriations for the Department of
Transportation and related agencies for the fiscal year
ending Sept. 30, 1999, and for other purposes.
Senate Conferees:
SHELBY, R-Ala.; DOMENICI, R-N.M.; SPETER, R-Pa.; BOND,
R-Mo.; GORTON, R-Wash.; BENNETT, R-Utah; FAIRCLOTH, R-N.C.;
STEVENS, R-Alaska; LAUTENBERG, D-N.J.; BYRD, D-W.Va.;
MIKULSKI, D-Md.; REID, D-Nev.; KOHL, D-Wis.; MURRAY,
D-Wash.; and INNOUYE, D-Hawaii
House Conferees:
WOLF, R-Va.; DELAY, R-Texas; REGULA, R-Ohio; ROGERS, R-Ky.;
PACKARD, R-Calif.; CALLAHAN, R-Ala.; TIAHRT, R-Kan.;
ADERHOLT, R-Ala.; LIVINGSTON, R-La.; SABO, D-Minn., TORRES,
D-Calif.; OLVER, D-Mass.; PASTOR, D-Ariz.; CRAMER, D-Ala.;
OBEY, D-Wis.
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
50 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
FY99 AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS
*Future conference committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE 09/25/98)
Item Key: 146
FY99 AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS * Revised *
Conferees will meet on legislation making FY99 appropriations for the
programs of the Department of Agriculture and related agencies.
Sept. 25 Time and room TBA VERY TENTATIVE
Agenda:
HR4101 - An original bill making appropriations for Agriculture,
Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related
agencies programs, for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30,
1999, and for other purposes.
Senate Conferees:
COCHRAN, R-Miss.; SPECTER, R-Pa.; BOND, R-Mo.; GORTON,
R-Wash.; McCONNELL, R-Ky.; BURNS, R-Mont.; STEVENS,
R-Alaska; BUMPERS, D-Ark.; HARKIN, D-Iowa; KOHL, D-Wis.;
LEAHY, D-Vt.; BOXER, D-Calif.; BYRD, D-W.Va.
House Conferees:
SKEEN, R-N.M.; WALSH, R-N.Y.; DICKEY, R-Ark.; KINGSTON,
R-Ga.; NETHERCUTT, R-Wash.; BONILLA, R-Texas; LATHAM,
R-Iowa; LIVINGSTON, R-La.; KAPTUR, D-Ohio; FAZIO, D-Calif.;
SERRANO, D-N.Y.; DELAURO, D-Conn.; and OBEY, D-Wis.
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
51 of 51 items
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
FY99 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS
*Future conference committees*
* Revised *
(SCHEDULE date TBA)
Item Key: 147
FY99 ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS * Revised *
Conferees will meet on legislation that would make FY99 appropriations
for energy and water programs.
Date TBA Time and room TBA
Agenda:
HR4060 - An original bill making appropriations for energy and water
development for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1999, and
for other purposes.
HR4060 - An original bill making appropriations for energy and water
development for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1999, and
for other purposes.
Senate Conferees:
DOMENICI, R-N.M., COCHRAN, R-Miss., GORTON, R-Wash.,
McCONNELL, R-Ky., BENNETT, R-Utah, BURNS, R-Mont., CRAIG,
R-Idaho, STEVENS, R-Alaska, REID, D-Nev., BYRD, D-W.Va.,
HOLLINGS, D-S.C., MURRY,D-Wash., KOHL, D-Wis.,
DORGAN,D-N.D., INOUYE, D-Hawaii
House Conferees:
McDADE, R-Pa.; ROGERS, R-Ky.; KNOLLENBERG, R-Mich.;
FRELINGHUYSEN, R-N.J.; PARKER, R-Miss.; CALLAHAN, R-Ala.;
DICKEY, R-Ark.; LIVINGSTON, R-La.; FAZIO, D-Calif.;
VISCLOSKY, D-Ind.; EDWARDS, D-Texas; PASTOR, D-Ariz.; OBEY,
D-Wis.
Note: Conferees MAY meet on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Information verified as of 08:08pm 09/23/98
There are no more items to read.
You are in SCHEDULE
Enter number(s), a command, or MENU
!
Approximate Connect Time: 0 Hour(s) 2 Minute(s)
ATTACHMENT 1
ATT CREATION TIME/DATE: 0 00:00:00.00
TEXT:
RFC-822-headers:
Received: from conversion.pmdf.eop.gov by PMDF.EOP.GOV (PMDF V5.1-9 #29131)
id <[email protected]>; Thu, 24 Sep 1998 03:49:08 EDT
Received: from Storm.EOP.GOV by PMDF.EOP.GOV (PMDF V5.1-9 #29131)
with ESMTP id <[email protected]>; Thu,
24 Sep 1998 03:48:59 -0400 (EDT)
Received: from ns1.cq.com ([198.67.16.10])
by STORM.EOP.GOV (PMDF V5.1-12 #29131)
with ESMTP id <[email protected]>; Thu,
24 Sep 1998 03:48:20 -0400 (EDT)
Received: by ns1.cq.com; id DAA08697; Thu, 24 Sep 1998 03:26:59 -0400 (EDT)
Received: from hub.cq.com(198.67.5.98) by ns1.cq.com via smap (3.2)
id xma008695; Thu, 24 Sep 1998 03:26:41 -0400
Received: from veeger.CQ.COM (veeger.cq.com [198.67.5.2])
by hub.cq.com (8.8.2/8.6.12) with SMTP id DAA08927; Thu,
24 Sep 1998 03:55:48 -0400 (EDT)
Received: from veeger.CQ.COM via Pony Express VMS Mail FPI (v9.5.0-moe002)
; Thu, 24 Sep 1998 03:47:11 -0500 (EST)
X-VMS-To: wins%"[email protected]",wins%"[email protected]",
wins%"[email protected]"
END ATTACHMENT 1
ARMS Email System
RECORD TYPE: FEDERAL (TRP NOTES MAIL)
CREATOR: cqwa15375 ([email protected]@INET@LNGTWY [ UNKNOWN 1)
CREATION DATE/TIME:24-SEP-1998 03:56:00.00
SUBJECT: Nitealert Report - Nassif
TO: Robert J. Nassif ( Robert J. Nassif@EOP [ UNKNOWN 1)
READ:UNKNOWN
TEXT:
!
!
Nite-Alert Created for Rob Nassif - Office of Mgmt & Budget
!
24-SEP-1998 02:50:05
!
!
Searching the BILLTRACK database
! For New Legislative Action on bills with your search terms
!
in the title or summary of the bill
!
!
Using the word list NASSIF
!
CQ's WASHINGTON ALERT 09/24/98
MIDDAY UPDATE
*Afternoon News Highlights*
(NEWS 09/23/98; 174 lines)
Item Key: 15455
MIDDAY UPDATE
By CQ Staff
HOUSE TO VOTE FRIDAY OR SATURDAY ON FAST TRACK, TAX CUT:
The House will vote Friday or Saturday on legislation to renew
presidential fast-track trade authority, regardless of whether it has
the votes to pass, Majority Leader Dick Armey, Texas, said today. The
bill (HR2621) was pulled last November as President Clinton and GOP
leaders faced sure defeat, which they feared would send negative signals
to the world about congressional commitment to free trade. Despite White
House objections to moving forward this time, Armey said he and other
House leaders believe it is more important to show that the House is
willing to take the vote. Also slated for floor action Friday or
Saturday is the House Republicans' $80 billion tax cut bill (HR4579),
which Armey predicted "will pass big" with a "generous supply" of
Democratic votes.
There are no more items to excerpt.
You are in FLOORWATCH
Enter number(s), a command, or MENU
!
!
Searching the CQ WEEKLY REPORT MAGAZINE
!
Using the word list NASSIF
!
!
ATTACHMENT 1
ATT CREATION TIME/DATE: 0 00:00:00.00
TEXT:
RFC-822-headers:
Received: from conversion.pmdf.eop.gov by PMDF.EOP.GOV (PMDF V5.1-9 #29131)
id <[email protected]> for [email protected]; Thu,
24 Sep 1998 02:57:43 EDT
Received: from Storm.EOP.GOV by PMDF.EOP.GOV (PMDF V5.1-9 #29131)
with ESMTP id <[email protected]> for [email protected]; Thu,
24 Sep 1998 02:57:37 -0400 (EDT)
Received: from nsl.cq.com ([198.67.16.10])
by STORM.EOP.GOV (PMDF V5.1-12#29131)
with ESMTP id <[email protected]> for [email protected]; Thu,
24 Sep 1998 02:57:32 -0400 (EDT)
Received: by ns1.cq.com; id CAA07477; Thu, 24 Sep 1998 02:36:12 -0400 (EDT)
Received: from hub.cq.com(198.67.5.98) by ns1.cq.com via smap (3.2)
id xma007465; Thu, 24 Sep 1998 02:35:52 -0400
Received: from veeger.CQ.COM (veeger.cq.com [198.67.5.2])
by hub.cq.com (8.8.2/8.6.12) with SMTP id DAA08304 for <[email protected]>;
Thu, 24 Sep 1998 03:05:03 -0400 (EDT)
Received: from veeger.CQ.COM via Pony Express VMS Mail FPI (v9.5.0-moe002)
; Thu, 24 Sep 1998 02:56:29 -0500 (EST)
X-VMS-To: wins%"[email protected]"
END ATTACHMENT 1