House Oversight & Govt Reform: Heroes and Goats (CCP)

This is the weekly review of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.    Anybody getting tired of hearing about Valerie Plame yet? Well, there's a little more going on than that, so even if you are, come on down!

Week Ahead - Hearings Monday, March 19: Full Committee hearing to Examine Allegations of Political Interference with Government Climate Change Science (Part II) 10:00 am, in 2154 Rayburn House Office Building This is a continuation of the previous hearing.  Witnesses have not been posted on the Committee website yet, but I expect they are going to continue investigating the role of senior White House officials in editing scientific reports and other actions taken to minimize the significance of global warming.   Tuesday, March 20: Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement hearing on "Federal Financial Statements for FY 2006: Fiscal Outlook, Management Weaknesses and Consequences" 2:00 pm, in 2154 Rayburn House Office Building Wednesday, March 21: Subcommittee on Domestic Policy hearing on "Foreclosure, Predatory Mortgage and Payday Lending in America’s Cities" 2:00 pm, in 2154 Rayburn House Office Building Thursday, March 22: Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs hearing on "Iraq: IEDs and Munitions, Are They Secured?" 10:00 am, in 2154 Rayburn House Office Building Thursday, March 22: Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia hearing on H.R. 1124, "To Extend the District of Columbia Access Act of 1999" 2:00 pm, in 2154 Rayburn House Office Building

 
Week in Review: 03/12/07 - 03/16/07

Hearings

March 13: Full Committee business meeting on the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Over 500,000 people living in the District of Columbia lack direct voting representation in the Senate and House.  This has been the case for over 200 years now.    This Act will designate DC as a Congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives.  As somewhat of a concession to the Republicans, an additional House seat will be awarded to the state of Utah as an at-large seat.  So if the bill passes, the total number of Representatives would be 437.    An important safeguard was written into the Act - a nonseverability clause - such that "a court can not enjoin or strike down the bill's provision creating a new seat in the District of Columbia without also enjoining or striking down the new at-large seat for Utah.    So it's all or nothing - if DC doesn't get the seat, then Utah won't either. March 16: Full Committee hearing on the Disclosure of CIA Agent Valerie Plame Wilson's Identity and White House Procedures for Safeguarding Classified Information Witnesses: Ms. Valerie Plame Wilson, former employee, Central Intelligence Agency Dr. James Knodell, Director, Office of Security, The White House Mr. Bill Leonard, Director, Information Security Oversight Office, National Archives and Records Administration Mr. Mark Zaid, Attorney Ms. Victoria Toensing, diGenova & Toensing, LLP I thoroughly enjoyed watching this one, as did many Kossacks. During the 4-hour hearing we filled 8 live blog diaries, with 3440 comments.   Afterwards, there was much more discussion and analysis.  Recommend diaries: The Hearing's Revelations -- Why They Matter by SusanHu Victoria Toensing is a very very bad lawyer by litigatormom No WH Investigation Into Plame Leak: Waxman Demands Answers by MediaFreeze I don't have much to add that hasn't already been said.  But just to keep score... Since the Republics could only muster up 2 out of their 17 committee members to attend the hearing we are out of goats... All images are screen captures from the webcast on the Committee's website (still available at link).

Passage of Sunshine Bills
Shining on the dark recesses of the Bush Administration. You can run but you can't hide!
 

H.R.985: To amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify which disclosures of information are protected from prohibited personnel practices; to require a statement in nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements to the effect that such policies, forms, and agreements are consistent with certain disclosure protections, and for other purposes. (AKA Whistleblower Act) Sponsor: Rep Waxman, Henry A. [CA-30] Cosponsors (29)   Latest Major Action: 3/15/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. H.AMDT.46 to H.R.985 Amendments submitted pursuant to Westmoreland motion to recommit with instructions. Sponsor: House Oversight and Government Reform Latest Major Action: 3/14/2007 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Oversight and Government Reform amendments Agreed to by voice vote. approved by a vote of 331-94, offers improved protections to federal whistleblowers who report wrongdoing to authorities. Federal employees and contractors are privy to information that enables them to play an essential role in ensuring government accountability. H.R.1254: To amend title 44, United States Code, to require information on contributors to Presidential library fundraising organizations. Sponsor: Rep Waxman, Henry A. [CA-30] Cosponsors (15) Latest Major Action: 3/15/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. approved by a vote of 390-34, will require organizations that raise money for presidential libraries to disclose information about their donors. This will eliminate a major loophole that allows presidential supporters to secretly give millions in support of a president’s legacy while that president remains in office. H.R.1255: To amend chapter 22 of title 44, United States Code, popularly known as the Presidential Records Act, to establish procedures for the consideration of claims of constitutionally based privilege against disclosure of Presidential records. Sponsor: Rep Waxman, Henry A. [CA-30] Cosponsors (14) Latest Major Action: Approved by House vote: 333-93. Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. approved by a vote of 333-93, makes clear that presidential records belong to the American people, not the president who created them. The Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2007 will nullify a Bush executive order which gave former presidents – and their heirs – nearly unlimited authority to withhold or delay the release of their own records. If it becomes law, this legislation will ensure that a complete historical record is available to researchers. H.R.1309 : To promote openness in Government by strengthening section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act), and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Clay, Wm. Lacy [MO-1] (introduced 3/5/2007)  Cosponsors (2) Latest Major Action: 3/15/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. approved by a vote of 308-117, will strengthen the Freedom of Information Act and improve public access to government information. One key element of this legislation would restore the presumption of disclosure under FOIA that was eliminated by the Bush Administration in 2001.

Legislation - NEW
Here are the bills & resolutions introduced last week - listed under the Subcommittee which has jurisdiction over the matter.  

Domestic Policy H.R.1475 : To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase and equalize the exclusion from gross income for parking and transportation fringe benefits and to provide for a common cost-of-living adjustment, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep McGovern, James P. [MA-3] H.R.1479 : To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of qualified acupuncturist services under part B of the Medicare Program, and to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for coverage of such services under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Sponsor: Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22]   H.R.1500 : To provide for the stabilization of prices for gasoline, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4] H.R.1542 : To provide for paid sick leave to ensure that Americans can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families. Sponsor: Rep DeLauro, Rosa L. [CT-3]

Government Management, Organization, and Procurement H.AMDT.49 to H.R.1362 An amendment to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment inserting prohibition on contracts to educational institutions not supporting U.S. defense efforts. Sponsor: House Oversight and Government Latest Major Action: 3/15/2007 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Oversight and Government Reform amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia H.R.1518 : To allow employees of Federally-qualified health centers to obtain health coverage under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code. Sponsor: Rep Davis, Danny K. [IL-7]   H.R.1520 : To establish the Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission, the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] H.RES.245 : Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali. Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Joe [SC-2]   H.RES.250 : Honoring Dr. Edwin J. Feulner on the occasion of his 30th anniversary as President of the Heritage Foundation. Sponsor: Rep Hensarling, Jeb [TX-5]

Legislation - UPDATES H.R.1433 : To provide for the treatment of the District of Columbia as a Congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Norton, Eleanor Holmes [DC] (introduced 3/9/2007) Cosponsors (13) Latest Major Action: 3/15/2007 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 13. H.RES.89: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a day should be established as Dutch-American Friendship Day to celebrate the historic ties of the United States and the Netherlands. Sponsor: Rep Hoekstra, Peter [MI-2] (introduced 1/23/2007)   Cosponsors (59) Latest Major Action: 3/12/2007 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 - 0 (Roll no. 138). H.RES.136: Commending the Girl Scouts of the United States of America on the occasion of their 95th anniversary, for providing quality age-appropriate experiences that prepare girls to become the leaders of tomorrow and for raising issues important to girls. Sponsor: Rep McCarthy, Carolyn [NY-4] (introduced 2/7/2007)   Cosponsors (68) Latest Major Action: 3/12/2007 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 395 - 0 (Roll no. 137). H.RES.198: Recognizing the significance of Black History Month. Sponsor: Rep Green, Al [TX-9] (introduced 2/27/2007)      Cosponsors (80) Latest Major Action: 3/12/2007 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

•  Tips for Sunshine

  Another great resource for seeing what Congress is up to...

  OpenCongress: In case you want to look up any other information about the 110th Congress, this new website (still in Beta) is the place to go.  For example, the page for Oversight and Govt Reform is here.  

  From their site, About OpenCongress -

  OpenCongress brings together official government data with news and blog coverage to give you the real story behind what's happening in Congress. Small groups of political insiders and lobbyists already know what's really going on in Congress. We think everyone should be an insider.
  OpenCongress is a free, open-source, non-profit, and non-partisan web resource with a mission to make Congress more transparent and to encourage civic engagement. OpenCongress is a joint project of the Sunlight Foundation and the Participatory Politics Foundation.

  Sunlight Foundation is a great site too!

  by On The Bus on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 06:35:15 PM PDT

  •  Did you pick the right comittee

    or whaaaaaaaT???

    Thanks as usual OTB! Your addition to our fine Sunday night lineup is much appreciated!

    by buhdydharma on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 06:59:36 PM PDT

    •  Keeping me damn busy!

      Which is a very good thing, but I missed all the fun in your diary tonight.  

      Thanks for stopping over buhdy!  You're my hero too.

      by On The Bus on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 10:04:27 PM PDT

  •  Wow -- great job, and I missed the chance

    to Recommend.

    :/

    Damn!

    Never, never brave me, nor my fury tempt:
      Downy wings, but wroth they beat;
    Tempest even in reason's seat.

    by GreyHawk on Mon Mar 19, 2007 at 09:34:06 PM PDT

•  Holy Frijole!

  This is an amazing diary.  Thank you for all of your effort in compiling this valuable information.  Clearly, I have been negligent in checking your roundup in the past.

  Thank you!  I will be more diligent henceforward.

  by gchaucer2 on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 06:51:28 PM PDT

  •  A great addition to your reading list

    This is the best peek into government workings I know.  It's one of the best series on Daily Kos, and deserves wider readership.

    by Dallasdoc on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 07:02:26 PM PDT

    •  Thanks!

      I usually don't check Kos on Sunday but brought the laptop home because of the snowstorm.  I can't believe what a terrific resource this is.  I will be a regular from now on.

      by gchaucer2 on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 07:04:58 PM PDT

      •  Subscribe to On the Bus's diaries

        You won't miss them, as I unfortunately did last week.

        by Dallasdoc on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 07:06:28 PM PDT

        •  You're making me blush now :-)

          Thanks Dd!!!

          by On The Bus on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 07:16:18 PM PDT

          •  Blush on

            this diary is a gold mine and thanks for putting in on subscription.  

            by gchaucer2 on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 07:19:45 PM PDT

        •  Just subscribed and thanks

          for the heads up.  How dumb am I?  I didn't know it was so easy.  I love this kind of info all in one handy place.

          by gchaucer2 on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 07:18:40 PM PDT

  •  Thank you!

    I appreciate it.  

    by On The Bus on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 07:09:43 PM PDT

•  H.R.1255

  Looks wonderful.  I hope it does as well in the Senate.

  Thanks for doing this.  I"m subscribed to the diary, so read it every time even if I don't always comment.  Fantastic job that you've been doing on it.

  by Alma on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 06:57:30 PM PDT

•  Sounds like the pace is picking up

  1. H.R.1500 : To provide for the stabilization of prices for gasoline, and for other purposes.

  Sponsor: Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4]

  1. H.R.1542 : To provide for paid sick leave to ensure that Americans can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families.

  Sponsor: Rep DeLauro, Rosa L. [CT-3]

  I look forward to hearing more on both of these.  Funny how such things never seem to merit news coverage.

  Thanks, as always, for the wonderful insight into government's workings.  I'd wondered when Henry Waxman was going to deliver, but last week showed that the main show has begun.

  by Dallasdoc on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 06:59:22 PM PDT

•  Plain English?

  I dream of having plain English, beginners' summaries of great diaries like this one.

  P.S. What does 'goat' mean? I only know the insult..like 'libertine'?

  Does it mean something like "shill"?

  Here's the problem: The GOP, some of them, really believe they are doing the right thing and that we are taking the nation and world on a course towards disaster.

  by LNK on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 07:25:40 PM PDT

  •  Goats are losers

    I think the context comes from sports where the game is tied in the final seconds and a player has the chance to score a point to win the game and be the hero.  If he misses then he is the goat and takes the blame for losing.  

    I don't know if that makes sense in the context of this diary.  But we definitely have heroes in Congress.      

    Thanks for stopping by tonight.  I had to go out to dinner so I'm sorry I didn't respond earlier.

    by On The Bus on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 09:52:03 PM PDT

    •  Oh, goat as in scapegoat, only actually 'guilty'

      rather than, 'sacrificial lamb'....
      I can't get the metaphors straight, but now I understand.

      Funny that it's now heroes and goats/losers.

      To me, the Dems were just doing their normal jobs while the GOP cast of characters were trying to derail the process.

      by LNK on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 11:42:18 PM PDT

•  Heroes and Goats

  Love it.

  Kind of insulting to the goats of the world though. Can't call 'em righteously - we'd lose our (G) rating. ;)

  by Unique Material on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 07:26:27 PM PDT

•  Since I moved from Boston

  to Virginia I have missed seeing "Lynchie" and I was rewarded. He did a fairly good job.

  by shanti2 on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 08:41:42 PM PDT

•  dutch-american friendship day?

  omigosh! i hope the termites have not gotten to my wooden shoes!! now, where are my sandpaper and polish?  thanks for the warning, otb!

  by nonnie9999 on Sun Mar 18, 2007 at 09:27:15 PM PDT

•  terrific spot

  I just subscibed and recommened it. Don't want to chance missing it. Now I'll be a lot better informed on what happening beneath the radar.

  by raybobus on Mon Mar 19, 2007 at 02:05:40 AM PDT

•  Wonderful job!

  What a lot of work you've done here, thank you. I'm so sorry I missed the chance to rec this diary -- but I have subscribed.
  And what a fantastic job our Dems are doing, I'm so proud of them.

  by cherryXXX69 on Tue Mar 20, 2007 at 12:21:32 AM PDT

  •  Thanks!

    I'm honored to have your subscription.  

    Waxman is da man! It's been really eye-opening to see this Committee work on everything from the mundane to the sublime. Glad to say that there's a lot going on. I just hope I can keep up with them!  

    by On The Bus on Tue Mar 20, 2007 at 01:25:37 PM PDT