Media

The House has just passed H.R. 1401, the Rail and Mass Transit Security Act of 2007, by a vote of 299-124, with one Member voting present. This bill is designed to close the security gaps facing rail and mass transit and includes provisions on such issues as training, grants, security planning, research and development, and shipments of sensitive materials. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop a national plan for protecting railways, mass transit and inter-city buses from attacks, and authorizes $6 billion over four years for grants to protect these transportation systems. It also extends "whistleblower" protections to federal employees and contractors and employees of rail, transit and bus systems.

Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (MS-02):

The Financial Services Committee has just concluded yet another hearing related to Hurricane Katrina and our government's response to natural disaster: "Perspectives on Natural Disaster Insurance."

See witness list >>

Rep. Gene Taylor (MI-04) gives opening remarks as a witness on his suggestions for government action with lessons from Hurricane Katrina:

A Republican Budget Committee document, highlighted by conservative media with no scrutiny, has contended that the Democratic budget we are considering in the House this week raises taxes on the American people. In fact, they claim it proposes the largest tax increase in U.S. history. The following projections of adjustments to federal revenues or, in other words, the additional taxes levied on the American people, can be found on page 113 of the budget:

An announcement:

House Judiciary Subcommittees Address Executive Branch Power

Crime and Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittees hold hearings to investigate the use of Presidential Pardons and Executive Branch Accountability

(Washington, DC)- The House Judiciary Committee announced that two subcommittees will hold hearings this week to consider Executive Branch Authority in ciriminal pardons and responses to Congressional inquiries. The Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee will hold a hearing on Thursday at 10 a.m. titled, "The Appropriate Use of the Presidential Pardoning Power." At 1 p.m., the Commercial and Administrative Law (CAL) Subcommittee will hold a hearing titled, "Ensuring Executive Branch Accountability."

The Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, chaired by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-14), is currently holding a hearing: "Subprime and Predatory Mortgage Lending: New Regulatory Guidance, Current Market Conditions and Effects on Regulated Financial Institutions."

See witness list and watch live >>

Chairwoman Maloney's opening remarks:

Chairwoman Maloney: "By some estimates, 2.2 million homeowners homeowners with subprime loans made through 2006 will lose their homes."

Rep. Lacy Clay (MO-01) questions witnesses on the roots of the problem and the role of race in home loan interest rates: