The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“House Committee Meetings” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Daily Digest section on pages D1183 on Nov. 15, 2018.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
Committee Meetings
MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES
Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee held a markup on H.R. 3593, the ``Securing Our Borders and Wilderness Act''; H.R. 5025, to amend the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act to limit the imposition of penalties against a person fishing on a United States flag fishing vessel in certain areas of the Pacific Ocean based on a report by an observer on such a vessel; H.R. 6507, the ``Oil Region National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act''; H.R. 6602, to reauthorize the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route, and for other purposes; H.R. 6652, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain facilities, easements, and rights-of-way to the Kennewick Irrigation District, and for other purposes; H.R. 6939, the ``Restoring Local Input and Access to Public Lands Act of 2018''; S. 245, the ``Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-
Determination Act Amendments of 2017''; and S. 669, the ``Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act''. H.R. 3593 and H.R. 6652 were ordered reported, as amended. H.R. 5025, H.R. 6507, H.R. 6602, H.R. 6939, S. 245, and S. 669 were ordered reported, without amendment.
EXAMINING MISCONDUCT AND RETALIATION AT THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ``Examining Misconduct and Retaliation at the U.S. Forest Service''. Testimony was heard from Vicki Christiansen, Chief, U.S. Forest Service; Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General, Department of Agriculture; and a public witness.
EXPLORING VA'S OVERSIGHT OF CONTRACT DISABILITY EXAMINATIONS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing entitled ``Exploring VA's Oversight of Contract Disability Examinations''. Testimony was heard from Margarita Devlin, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and Elizabeth H. Curda, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security Team, Government Accountability Office.
A CONTINUED REVIEW OF GI BILL PAYMENT DELAYS
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing entitled ``A Continued Review of GI Bill Payment Delays''. Testimony was heard from Paul R. Lawrence, Undersecretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefit Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and a public witness.
Joint Meetings
BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS REFORM
Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform: Committee began a markup of the Committee's report, recommendations, and legislative language, but did not complete action thereon, and will meet again at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, November 27, 2018.
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