The Gavel

Today Chairman Henry Waxman wrote to Secretary Leavitt requesting documents related to political interference with the work of the Office of the Surgeon General. Former Surgeon General Carmona testified before the Oversight Committee on July 10 that political appointees edited his public… Continue

Today, attorney George T. Manning, representing former White House Counsel Harriet Miers, rescinded his prior confirmation that Ms. Miers would attend the House Judiciary Committee’s hearing on Thursday in response to a subpoena and would assert executive privilege to certain questions posed… Continue

As noted when it was announced, the Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing, “The Use and Misuse of Presidential Clemency Power for Executive Branch Officials.” Witnesses will include Ambassador Joseph Wilson; Roger Adams, US Department of Justice Pardon Attorney; Douglas A. Berman,… Continue

The House is currently debating the rule for the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, H.R. 2669, with debate on the bill beginning immediately after. The bill will provide the single largest increase in college aid since the GI bill in 1944…. Continue

Yesterday Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff was reported to have made the following remarks: Homeland Security chief warns of ‘increased risk' E.A. Torriero, Chicago Tribune – July 11, 2007 Chertoff bases ‘gut feeling’ on history, Al Qaeda statements Fearing complacency among the… Continue

The House Democratic leadership tonight announced that the House will vote later this week on a bill to change course in Iraq. The legislation, sponsored by Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, would begin the responsible redeployment of U.S. troops within 120… Continue

Today the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing, “The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 (H.R. 1424).” Text of The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 >>… Continue

Six months after the President escalated the war in Iraq, American troops have plunged even deeper into that country's civil war, with no end in sight or a clear exit strategy. The President wants more of the same and he refuses to… Continue

From the Judiciary Committee: Conyers, Sánchez Confirm Harriet Miers for Public Hearing, Announce Vote to Authorize RNC Subpoena (Washington, DC)- Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. and Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee Chairwoman Linda Sánchez confirmed that former White House… Continue

The Oversight Committee is currently holding a hearing, “The Surgeon General's Vital Mission: Challenges for the Future.” The hearing is focusing on the importance of the Surgeon General's Office, the need to preserve the Surgeon General's independence, and recent limitations on the… Continue