The Gavel

According to the non-partisan Brookings Institution, the Iraqis are failing to meet the benchmarks laid out by President Bush himself in January and included in the House and Senate passed Iraq Accountability Act. If the President vetoes this bill, he vetoes accountability…. Continue

As noted this morning, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is holding a hearing: “The FDA’s Vital Mission and Challenges for the Future.” The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) plays a large and influential role in the health and safety of the… Continue

The Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law has just approved a subpoena for James B. Comey, a former deputy attorney general, in the continuing investigation into the firings of US Attorneys. As Subcommittee Chairwoman Linda T. Sánchez explains, Mr. Comey has… Continue

On May 10, U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings will appear before the Committee on Education and Labor to testify about the department’s oversight of programs under its control, including the college loan programs and the Reading First program for young children. Another… Continue

At 1:00 this afternoon, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold a hearing on the mission of the FDA. News today gives ample reason for increased oversight, making the front pages of both the Washington Post and USA Today. Pet Deaths… Continue

From the Committee on Homeland Security: TSA Continues to Ignore Congress and GAO Air Cargo Still Vulnerable April 30, 2007 (Washington, DC) — Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), and Rep…. Continue

A sampling of House committee hearings and markups this week: Fiscal 2008 Appropriations: Defense House Appropriations – Subcommittee on Defense Subcommittee Hearing April 30, 1:30 p.m Spyware Prevention and Securing Aircraft Cockpits House Judiciary – Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security… Continue

“To put this in a simple army metaphor, the Commander-in-Chief seems to have gone AWOL, that is 'absent without leave.' He neither acts nor talks as though he is in charge. Rather, he engages in tit-for-tat games…I hope the President seizes this… Continue

MONDAY Speaker Pelosi spoke on the floor in memory of Chairwoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, who passed away last weekend: TUESDAY Rep. Rosa DeLauro testified before the Education and Labor Committee on the need for legislation to close the pay gap between men and… Continue

Following up on Tuesday’s hearing, today Chairman Henry Waxman asked the White House and Defense Department officials up the chain of command to provide the Oversight Committee with any communications relating to the death of Corporal Pat Tillman. * Letter to Secretary… Continue