The Gavel

Chairman Henry Waxman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, who produced the initial report on Vice President Cheney’s disregard for rules governing the handling of classified information, has written has a letter to White House Counsel Fred Fielding indicating that contrary… Continue

The Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security is currently holding a hearing, “Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws – The Issues.” Watch the hearing live >> Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Scott gives opening remarks: Chairman Scott: “Mandatory minimum sentences have been studied extensively… Continue

The House has passed the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act, H.R. 1281, which would prohibit and punish deceptive practices that aim to keep voters away from the polls on Election Day. This bill protects every American citizen's right to vote… Continue

The Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties is currently holding a hearing, “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Response to Air Quality Issues Arising from the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001: Were There Substantive Due Process Violations?” Former… Continue

From the Education and Labor Committee: Rep. Miller and Top Democrats Introduce Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Legislation would remedy recent Supreme Court decision to severely limit workers' ability to bring pay discrimination claims WASHINGTON–Legislation to ensure that victims of pay discrimination… Continue

From the Judiciary and Armed Services Committees: SKELTON/CONYERS Introduce Habeas Reform Legislation Washington, DC — House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) introduced legislation today which would uphold the principle of habeas corpus… Continue

The Oversight Committee is currently holding a hearing, “The Government’s Response to the Nation’s Emergency Room Crisis.” Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD-07) is chairing the proceedings. Watch the hearing live via committee webcast or on C Span 3. Rep. Cummings: “The many dedicated… Continue

As noted here yesterday, Chairman Henry Waxman of the Oversight Committee has written to Vice President Cheney regarding the fact that he exempted his office from the presidential order that establishes government-wide procedures for safeguarding classified national security information. The Vice President… Continue

“Global warming and climate change are formidable issues that the entire world is confronting, and the United States Congress must lead by example. This plan is an essential first step, because it not only will make the House a better place to… Continue

The Judiciary Committee is currently holding a hearing, “The Continuing Investigation into the U.S. Attorneys Controversy and Related Matters.” Former Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty will testify. Read his opening remarks >> Watch the hearing live via committee webcast or on C… Continue