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Chairman Miller Cites Contempt Case to Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
July 31, 2008
From the Education and Labor Committee:

Bush Administration Snubs Another Congressional Committee Subpoena

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation declines production of long overdue report of agency's management and governance practices

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Court Ruling a Great Victory for the American People, the Rule of Law and Balance of Power
July 31, 2008
As public officials, we take an oath of office to uphold the Constitution seriously and today's landmark ruling by the U.S. District Court is a great victory for the American people, the rule of law and balance of power. We must restore our nation's fundamental system of checks and balances, and today's ruling begins to restore that balance.

As I told the House of Representatives in February when we passed the resolution authorizing this court case, congressional oversight is an institutional obligation to ensure against abuse of power.

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Judge Bates Rules On Miers/Bolton Case
July 31, 2008
US judge: White House aides can be subpoenaed

Matt Apuzzo, Associated Press - July 31, 2008

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Oversight Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military
July 31, 2008
The Oversight Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs is currently holding a hearing, "Sexual Assault in the Military." Panel one will be Reps. Louise Slaughter (NY-28) and Jane Harman (CA-36); panel two will be Ingrid Torres, MSW, CSW and Mary Lauterbach, Mother of Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach; panel three will include representatives of the Defense Department, the Army, and the GAO.
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House Passes Final Legislation Protecting Kids from Toxic Toys
July 30, 2008
The House has just passed the final agreement on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, H.R. 4040, by a vote of 424-1.
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Chairman Edwards Responds to White House Veto Threat on Vets Approps
July 30, 2008
From Chairman Chet Edwards of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies:

Chairman Chet Edwards Response to White House Veto Threat of the 2009 Veterans Appropriations Bill

(Washington, D.C.) -- U.S Representative Chet Edwards (D-Waco), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, released the following statement in response to the veto threat issued by the White House on the Fiscal Year 2009 bill scheduled for a House vote this week.

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House Urges End to Human Rights Abuses in China as Olympics Begin
July 30, 2008
The House has just passed a resolution calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to immediately end abuses of the human rights of its citizens, to cease repression of Tibetan and Uighur citizens, and to end its support for the Governments of Sudan and Burma to ensure that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games take place in an atmosphere that honors the Olympic traditions of freedom and openness. It passed by a vote of 419-1-1.

Speaker Pelosi spoke in favor:

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Bush Drilling Proposal a Hoax Unworthy of Serious Debate on Gas Prices
July 30, 2008
The President knows, as his own Administration has stated, that the impact of any new drilling will be insignificant -- promising savings of only pennies per gallon many years down the road. Americans know that thanks to the two oilmen in the White House, consumers are now paying $4 a gallon for gas. But what Americans should realize is that what the President is calling for is drilling as close as three miles off of America's pristine beaches and in other protected areas.
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Judiciary Committee Approves Karl Rove Contempt of Congress Resolution
July 30, 2008
From the Judiciary Committee:

Judiciary Committee Approves Karl Rove Contempt of Congress Resolution

(Washington, DC)- Today, the House Judiciary Committee approved a report and resolution recommending that the House of Representatives cite former White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Karl Rove, for contempt of Congress for failing to appear before the Committee as required by subpoena. The report and resolution passed by a vote of 20-14.

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Oversight Hearing on Electrical Systems in Iraq
July 30, 2008
The Oversight Committee is currently holding a hearing, "Deficient Electrical Systems at U.S. Facilities in Iraq." The hearing will examine electrical problems leading to the injuries and deaths of military personnel and the Department of Defense's management and oversight of contractors. Chairman Henry Waxman has been investigating the situation for several months, see his letter to Secretary of Defense Gates.