[House Report 115-1112]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Union Calendar No. 879
115th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 115-1112
_______________________________________________________________________
ACTIVITY REPORT
of the
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
of the
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
for the period
JANUARY 3, 2017 THROUGH DECEMBER 18, 2018
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
December 31, 2018.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
33-937 WASHINGTON : 2018
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on the Judiciary,
Washington, DC, December 31, 2018.
Hon. Karen Haas,
Clerk, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Madam Clerk, Pursuant to clause 1(d) of rule XI of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, I am transmitting the
report on the activities of the Committee on the Judiciary of
the U.S. House of Representatives in the 115th Congress.
Sincerely,
Bob Goodlatte,
Chairman.
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Committee Membership............................................. VI
Jurisdiction of the Committee.................................... 1
Rule X--Organization of Committees............................... 1
Committee Activity............................................... 2
Tabulation of Activity............................ 2
Printed Hearings.................................. 4
Activities Conducted Pursuant to Clauses 2(n),
(o), or (p) of House Rule XI............................... 6
Committee Authorization and Oversight Plan....................... 7
Activities Conducted Pursuant to Committee Oversight Plan........ 26
Full Committee................................................... 29
Jurisdiction...................................... 29
Legislative Activities............................ 29
Oversight Activities.............................. 45
Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice............... 51
Jurisdiction...................................... 51
Legislative Activities............................ 51
Oversight Activities.............................. 52
Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet.. 55
Jurisdiction...................................... 55
Oversight Activities.............................. 55
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and
Investigations................................................. 59
Jurisdiction...................................... 59
Legislative Activities............................ 59
Oversight Activities.............................. 60
Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.................. 65
Jurisdiction...................................... 65
Oversight Activities.............................. 65
Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law.. 67
Jurisdiction...................................... 67
Legislative Activities............................ 67
Oversight Activities.............................. 69
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY\1\
BOB GOODLATTE, Virginia, Chairman
JERROLD NADLER, New York F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, Jr.,
ZOE LOFGREN, California Wisconsin
SHEILA JACKSON LEE, Texas LAMAR SMITH, Texas
STEVE COHEN, Tennessee STEVE CHABOT, Ohio
HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, Jr., GeorgiaRRELL E. ISSA, California
THEODORE E. DEUTCH, Florida STEVE KING, Iowa
LUIS V. GUTIERREZ, Illinois LOUIE GOHMERT, Texas
KAREN BASS, California JIM JORDAN, Ohio
CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, Louisiana TED POE, Texas
HAKEEM S. JEFFRIES, New York TOM MARINO, Pennsylvania
DAVID CICILLINE, Rhode Island TREY GOWDY, South Carolina
ERIC SWALWELL, California RAUL R. LABRADOR, Idaho
TED LIEU, California DOUG COLLINS, Georgia
JAMIE RASKIN, Maryland KEN BUCK, Colorado
PRAMILA JAYAPAL, Washington JOHN RATCLIFFE, Texas
BRAD SCHNEIDER, Illinois MARTHA ROBY, Alabama
VALDEZ VENITA ``VAL'' DEMINGS, FloridaATT GAETZ, Florida
MIKE JOHNSON, Louisiana
ANDY BIGGS, Arizona
JOHN RUTHERFORD, Florida
KAREN HANDEL, Georgia
KEITH ROTHFUS, Pennsylvania
----------
\1\Membership of Committee current through date of this report.
Union Calendar No. 879
115th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 115-1112
======================================================================
ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY OF THE UNITED STATES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 3, 2017 THROUGH
DECEMBER 18, 2018
_______
December 31, 2018.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Goodlatte, from the Committee on the Judiciary,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
JURISDICTION OF THE COMMITTEE
The jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary is set
forth in clause 1(1) of rule X of the Rules of the House of
Representatives for the 115th Congress, which reads:
RULE X--ORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEES
COMMITTEES AND THEIR LEGISLATIVE JURISDICTIONS
1. There shall be in the House the following standing
committees, each of which shall have the jurisdiction and
related functions assigned by this clause and clauses 2, 3, and
4. All bills, resolutions, and other matters relating to
subjects within the jurisdiction of the standing committees
listed in this clause shall be referred to those committees, in
accordance with clause 2 of rule XII, as follows:
(l) Committee on the Judiciary.
(1) The judiciary and judicial proceedings, civil and
criminal.
(2) Administrative practice and procedure.
(3) Apportionment of Representatives.
(4) Bankruptcy, mutiny, espionage, and
counterfeiting.
(5) Civil liberties.
(6) Constitutional amendments.
(7) Criminal law enforcement and criminalization.
(8) Federal courts and judges, and local courts in
the Territories and possessions.
(9) Immigration policy and non-border enforcement.
(10) Interstate compacts generally.
(11) Claims against the United States.
(12) Meetings of Congress; attendance of Members,
Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner; and their
acceptance of incompatible offices.
(13) National penitentiaries.
(14) Patents, the Patent and Trademark Office,
copyrights, and trademarks.
(15) Presidential succession.
(16) Protection of trade and commerce against
unlawful restraints and monopolies.
(17) Revision and codification of the Statutes of the
United States.
(18) State and territorial boundary lines.
(19) Subversive activities affecting the internal
security of the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\Through December 18, 2018.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE ACTIVITY\2\
Tabulation of Activity
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE
Public Legislation:
House bills............................................... 1253
House joint resolutions................................... 66
House concurrent resolutions.............................. 24
House resolutions......................................... 118
Senate bills.............................................. 20
Senate joint resolutions.................................. 0
Senate concurrent resolutions............................. 0
______
Subtotal.............................................. 1481
Private Legislation:
House bills............................................... 35
House resolutions......................................... 0
Senate bills.............................................. 0
Subtotal.............................................. 35
______
Total............................................. 1516
HEARINGS
Full Committee................................................ 22
Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice............ 11
Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the
Internet.................................................. 9
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and
Investigations............................................ 14
Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security............... 5
Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust
Law....................................................... 14
______
Total............................................. 75
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS MARKED UP
Full Committee................................................ 87
Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice............ 0
Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the
Internet.................................................. 0
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and
Investigations............................................ 0
Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security............... 1
Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust
Law....................................................... 0
______
Total............................................. 88
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS REPORTED TO THE HOUSE
House bills................................................... 46
House joint resolutions....................................... 2
House concurrent resolutions.................................. 0
House resolutions............................................. 7
Senate bills and resolution................................... 0
______
Total............................................. 55
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS (REFERRED) PASSING THE HOUSE
House bills................................................... 113
House joint resolutions....................................... 3
House concurrent resolutions.................................. 1
House resolutions............................................. 7
Senate bills and resolutions.................................. 14
______
Total............................................. 138
PUBLIC LAWS
H.R.6, the ``Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid
Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities,'' Public Law No:
115-271.
H.R.304, the ``Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications
Act of 2017,'' Public Law No: 115-83.
H.R.339, the ``Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act,''
Public Law No: 115-53.
H.R.390, the ``Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability
Act of 2018,'' Public Law No: 115-300.
H.R.510, the ``Rapid DNA Act of 2017,'' Public Law No: 115-50.
H.R.1370, the ``Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign
Authorization Act of 2017,'' Public Law No: 115-96.
H.R.1616, the ``Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting
Act of 2017,'' Public Law No: 115-76.
H.R.1865, the ``Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex
Trafficking Act of 2017,'' Public Law No: 115-164.
H.R.1892, the ``Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018,'' Public Law No:
115-123.
H.R.2228, the ``Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of
2017,'' Public Law No: 115-113.
H.R.2229, the ``All Circuit Review Act,'' Public Law No: 115-195.
H.R.2266, Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster
Relief Requirements Act, 2017, Public Law No: 115-72.
H.R.3249, the ``Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program
Authorization Act of 2018,'' Public Law No: 115-185.
H.R.3364, the ``Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions
Act,'' Public Law No: 115-44.
H.R.3731, the ``Secret Service Recruitment and Retention Act of
2018,'' Public Law No: 115-160.
H.R.4708, the ``Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign
Authorization Act,'' Public Law No: 115-125.
H.R.4854, the ``Justice Served Act of 2018,'' Public Law No: 115-
257.
H.R.6758, the ``Study of Underrepresented Classes Chasing
Engineering and Science Success Act of 2018,'' Public Law No: 115-273.
H.R.6870, To rename the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act
of 2012 in honor of Representative Louise McIntosh Slaughter, Public
Law No: 115-277.
H.R.6896, the ``United States Parole Commission Extension Act of
2018,'' Public Law No: 115-274.
H.J.RES.40, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8
of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Social
Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS
Improvement Amendments Act of 2007, Public Law No: 115-8.
H.J.RES.76, Granting the consent and approval of Congress for the
Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland, and the District of
Columbia to enter into a compact relating to the establishment of the
Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, Public Law No: 115-54.
S.178, the ``Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act,'' Public
Law No: 115-70.
S.305, the ``Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017,'' Public
Law No: 115-15.
S.717, the ``POWER Act,'' Public Law No: 115-237.
S.772, the ``Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act,''
Public Law No: 115-166.
S.782, the ``PROTECT Our Children Act of 2017,'' Public Law No:
115-82.
S.1595, the ``Hizballah International Financing Prevention
Amendments Act of 2018,'' Public Law No: 115-272.
S.1766, the ``SAFER Act of 2017,'' Public Law No: 115-107.
S.2152, the ``Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim
Assistance Act of 2018,'' Public Law No: 115-299.
S.2245, the ``KIWI Act,'' Public Law No: 115-226.
S.2559, the ``Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act,'' Public Law No:
115-261.
Printed Hearings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of
Serial No. Hearing Forum Hearing Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
115-1......... 2/14/17 Courts............. Judicial
Transparency and
Ethics
115-2......... 3/1/17 Full............... Section 702 of the
FISA Amendments
Act
115-3......... 2/16/17 Regulatory Reform.. H.R. 372, the
``Competitive
Health Insurance
Reform Act of
2017''
115-5......... 2/16/17 Constitution....... State of Religious
Liberty in America
115-6......... 3/2/17 Constitution....... Oversight of the
Judgement Fund
115-4......... 3/8/17 Full............... Department of
Homeland
Security's
Proposed
Regulations
Reforming the
Investor Visa
Program
115-11........ 3/16/17 Courts............. Bringing Justice
Closer to the
People: Examining
Ideas for
Restructuring the
9th Circuit
115-7......... 3/16/17 Crime.............. Combating Crimes
Against Children:
Assessing the
Legal Landscape
115-10........ 3/21/17 Full............... Examining Systemic
Management and
Fiscal Challenges
within the
Department of
Justice
115-12........ 3/23/17 Regulatory Reform.. H.R. 1667, the
``Financial
Institution
Bankruptcy Act of
2017'' (print bill
text)
115-13........ 3/28/17 Immigration........ Restoring
Enforcement of our
Nation's
Immigration Laws
115-8......... 3/28/17 Crime.............. To Examine the
State of Forensic
Science in the
United States
115-14........ 3/30/17 Constitution....... H.R. 1689, the
``Private Property
Rights Protection
Act'' (print bill
text)
115-9......... 4/4/17 Crime.............. Oversight of the
Drug Enforcement
Administration and
the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms, and
Explosives
115-15........ 4/4/17 Constitution....... First Amendment
Protections on
Public College and
University
Campuses
115-17........ 4/26/17 Crime.............. Oversight of the
Federal Bureau of
Prisons and the
U.S. Marshals
Service
115-16........ 5/17/17 Crime.............. Challenges Facing
Law Enforcement in
the 21st Century
115-18........ 6/8/17 Crime.............. Oversight of
Department of
Justice Grant
Programs
115-19........ 6/8/17 Reg Reform......... A Time to Reform:
Oversight of the
Activities of the
Justice
Department's
Civil, Tax and
Environment and
Natural Resources
Divisions and the
U.S. Trustee
Program
115-35........ 6/13/2017 Courts............. Examining the
Supreme Court's TC
Heartland Decision
115-21........ 6/13/2017 Constitution....... Lawsuit Abuse and
the Telephone
Consumer
Protection Act
115-36........ 6/15/2017 Full............... Data Stored Abroad:
Ensuring Lawful
Access and Privacy
Protection in the
Digital Era
115-22........ 6/23/2017 Constitution....... Examining Ethical
Responsibilities
Regarding Attorney
Advertising
115-37........ 6/22/2017 Crime.............. Juvenile Justice
Reform in the
Modern Era
115-38........ 6/27/2017 Crime.............. H.R. 2851, Stop the
Importation and
Trafficking of
Synthetic
Analogues Act of
2017 (don't print
bill text)
115-26........ 6/29/2017 Reg Reform......... Recent Trends in
International
Antitrust
Enforcement
115-39........ 7/13/2017 Courts............. The Impact of Bad
Patents on
American
Businesses
115-40........ 7/19/2017 Immigration........ Agricultural
Guestworkers:
Meeting the
Growing Needs of
American
Agriculture
115-41........ 7/20/2017 Crime.............. Gangs in Our
Communities:
Drugs, Human
Trafficking, and
Violence
115-20........ 7/25/2017 Reg Reform......... No Regulation
Without
Representation:
H.R. 2887 and the
Growing Problem of
States Regulating
Beyond Their
Borders (print
bill text)
115-27........ 7/27/2017 Reg Reform......... Antitrust Concerns
and the FDA
Approval Process
115-42........ 7/27/2017 Full............... The Need for the
Balanced Budget
Amendment
115-23........ 9/12/2017 Reg Reform......... Occupational
Licensing:
Regulation and
Competition
115-25........ 9/28/2017 Reg Reform......... Rulemakers Must
Follow the Rules,
Too: Oversight of
Agency Compliance
with the
Congressional
Review Act
115-43........ 10/3/2017 Crime.............. Online Sex
Trafficking and
the Communications
Decency Act
115-30........ 10/26/2017 Immigration........ Oversight of the
United States
Refugee Admissions
Program
115-44........ 11/1/2017 Constitution....... H.R.490, the
Heartbeat
Protection Act of
2017 (print bill
text)
115-31........ 11/1/2017 Immigration........ Oversight of the
Executive Office
for Immigration
Review
115-24........ 11/1/2017 Reg Reform......... Net Neutrality and
the Role of
Antitrust
115-45........ 11/7/2017 Full............... Examining Anti-
Semitism on
College Campuses
115-46........ 11/7/2017 Courts............. Sovereign Immunity
and the
Intellectual
Property System
115-47........ 11/14/2017 Full............... Oversight of the
Department of
Justice
115-48........ 11/30/2017 Courts............. The Role and
Impact of
Nationwide
Injunctions by
District Courts
115-72........ 12/7/2018 Full............... Oversight of the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation
115-49........ 12/13/2017 Full............... Oversight Hearing
with Deputy
Attorney General
Rod Rosenstein
115-50........ 1/26/2018 Full............... FIELD HEARING:
Music Policy
Issues: A
Perspective from
Those Who Make It
115-32........ 2/15/2018 Immigration........ The Effect of
Sanctuary City
Policies on the
Ability to Combat
the Opioid
Epidemic
115-51........ 2/27/2018 Crime.............. Implementation of
the Survivors'
Bill of Rights Act
115-28........ 2/27/2018 Reg Reform......... Competition in the
Pharmaceutical
Supply Chain: the
Proposed Merger of
CVS Health and
Aetna
115-52........ 3/6/2018 Constitution....... Examining Class
Action Lawsuits
Against
Intermediate Care
Facilities for
Individuals with
Intellectual
Disabilities (ICF/
IID)
115-53........ 3/20/2018 Crime.............. Preventable
Violence in
America: An
Examination of Law
Enforcement
Information
Sharing and
Misguided Public
Policy
115-54........ 3/20/2018 Courts............. Assessing the
Effectiveness of
the Transitional
Program for
Covered Business
Method Patents
115-29........ 4/12/2018 Reg Reform......... Legislative Hearing
on: H.R. 5468, the
``Permitting
Litigation
Efficiency Act of
2018,'' and H.R.
4423, the ``North
Texas Water Supply
Security Act of
2017''
115-71........ 4/17/2018 Courts............. Safeguarding Trade
Secrets in the
United States
115-55........ 4/17/2018 Crime.............. Oversight of the
Federal Bureau of
Prisons
115-56........ 4/26/2018 Full............... Filtering Practices
of Social Media
Platforms
115-57........ 5/8/2018 Full............... Challenges and
Solutions in the
Opioid Abuse
Crisis
115-33........ 5/18/2018 Reg Reform......... Accountability for
OPEC: H.R. ------,
the ``No Oil
Producing and
Exporting Cartels
Act.''
115-58........ 5/22/2018 Full............... Oversight of the
United States
Patent and
Trademark Office
115-59........ 6/8/2018 Constitution....... Questions Regarding
the U.S. Census
115-34........ 6/19/2018 Full............... Oversight of the
FBI and DOJ
Actions in Advance
of the 2016
Election
115-60........ 6/21/2018 Courts............. Examining The Need
for New Federal
Judges
115-61........ 6/28/2018 Full............... Oversight of FBI
and DOJ Actions
Surrounding the
2016 Election
115-62........ 7/12/2018 Full............... Joint Hearing on,
``Oversight of FBI
and DOJ Actions
Surrounding the
2016 Election:
Testimony by FBI
Deputy Assistant
Director Peter
Strzok''
115-63........ 7/16/2018 Full............... Field Hearing:
Oversight of the
ATF National
Canine Division
115-64........ 7/17/2018 Full............... Facebook, Google
and Twitter:
Examining the
Content Filtering
Practices of
Social Media
Giants
115-65........ 7/24/2018 Full............... Examining the
Wayfair decision
and its
Ramifications for
Consumers and
Small Businesses
115-66........ 9/26/2018 Reg Reform......... Bankruptcy
Administration
Improvement Act of
2017
115-67........ 9/27/2018 Crime.............. Post-PASPA: An
Examination of
Sports Betting in
America
115-68........ 9/27/2018 Constitution....... The State of
Intellectual
Freedom in America
115-69........ 9/27/2018 Full............... Copyright
Alternative in
Small-Claims
Enforcement Act of
2017
115-70........ 9/28/2018 Constitution....... Examining Sober
Living Homes
115-73........ 12/11/2018 Full............... Transparency &
Accountability:
Examining Google
and its Data
Collection, Use
and Filtering
Practices
115-74........ 12/12/2018 Reg Reform......... Oversight of the
Antitrust
Enforcement
Agencies
115-75........ 12/20/2018 Full............... Oversight of the
Department of
Homeland Security
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activities Conducted Pursuant to Clauses 2(N), (O), or (P) of House
Rule XI
Clause 2 of rule XI of the House charges the Committee to
hold regular hearings on the topic of waste, fraud, abuse, or
mismanagement in Government programs which that committee may
authorize. The Committee fulfilled its responsibilities under
rule XI by conducting the following oversight activities. Each
of these activities is discussed in more detail in later
sections of this report:
Judicial Transparency and Ethics (Serial No. 115-
1)
Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act (Serial No.
115-2)
Oversight of the Judgement Fund (Serial No. 115-6)
Department of Homeland Security's Proposed
Regulations Reforming the Investor Visa Program (Serial No.
115-4)
Bringing Justice Closer to the People: Examining
Ideas for Restructuring the 9th Circuit (Serial No. 115-11)
Examining Systemic Management and Fiscal
Challenges within the Department of Justice (Serial No. 115-10)
Restoring Enforcement of our Nation's Immigration
Laws (Serial No. 115-13)
To Examine the State of Forensic Science in the
United States (Serial No. 115-8)
Oversight of the Drug Enforcement Administration
and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
(Serial No. 115-9)
Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the
U.S. Marshals Service (Serial No. 115-17)
Oversight of Department of Justice Grant Programs
(Serial No. 115-18)
A Time to Reform: Oversight of the Activities of
the Justice Department's Civil, Tax and Environment and Natural
Resources Divisions and the U.S. Trustee Program (Serial No.
115-19)
Lawsuit Abuse and the Telephone Consumer
Protection Act (Serial No. 115-21)
The Impact of Bad Patents on American Businesses
(Serial No. 115-39)
Antitrust Concerns and the FDA Approval Process
(Serial No. 115-27)
The Need for the Balanced Budget Amendment (Serial
No. 115-42)
Rulemakers Must Follow the Rules, Too: Oversight
of Agency Compliance with the Congressional Review Act (Serial
No. 115-25)
Online Sex Trafficking and the Communications
Decency Act (Serial No. 115-43)
Oversight of the United States Refugee Admissions
Program (Serial No. 115-30)
Oversight of the Executive Office for Immigration
Review (Serial No. 115-31)
Net Neutrality and the Role of Antitrust (Serial
No. 115-24)
Oversight of the Department of Justice (Serial No.
115-47)
The Role and Impact of Nationwide Injunctions by
District Courts (Serial No. 115-48)
Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(Serial No. 115-72)
Oversight Hearing with Deputy Attorney General Rod
Rosenstein (Serial No. 115-49)
Implementation of the Survivors' Bill of Rights
Act (Serial No. 115-51)
Competition in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain:
The Proposed Merger of CVS Health and Aetna (Serial No. 115-28)
Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (Serial
No. 115-55)
Oversight of the United States Patent and
Trademark Office (Serial No. 115-58)
Questions Regarding the U.S. Census (Serial No.
115-59)
Oversight of the FBI and DOJ Actions in Advance of
the 2016 Election (Serial No. 115-34)
Oversight of FBI and DOJ Actions Surrounding the
2016 Election (Serial No. 115-61)
Joint Hearing on, ``Oversight of FBI and DOJ
Actions Surrounding the 2016 Election: Testimony by FBI Deputy
Assistant Director Peter Strzok'' (Serial No. 115-62)
Field Hearing: Oversight of the ATF National
Canine Division (Serial No. 115-63)
Examining the Wayfair decision and its
Ramifications for Consumers and Small Businesses (Serial No.
115-65)
Examining Sober Living Homes (Serial No. 115-70)
Transparency & Accountability: Examining Google
and its Data Collection, Use and Filtering Practices (Serial
No. 115-73)
Oversight of the Antitrust Enforcement Agencies
(Serial No. 115-74)
Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security
(Serial No. 115-75)
COMMITTEE AUTHORIZATION AND OVERSIGHT PLAN
Adopted February 15, 2017
In accordance with Rule X of the House of Representatives,
the Committee on the Judiciary is responsible for determining
whether the laws and programs within its jurisdiction are
implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent of
Congress and whether they should be continued, curtailed,
eliminated, or enhanced. Accordingly, in the 115th Congress the
Committee will review all laws and programs within its
jurisdiction to assess their application, administration,
execution, and effectiveness. The Committee will also review
the organization and operation of Federal agencies and entities
within its jurisdiction for the administration and execution of
laws and programs within its jurisdiction.
The Committee will review the mission and operations of all
agencies and programs within its jurisdiction as it prepares to
reauthorize the components of the Departments of Justice and
Homeland Security and other agencies as appropriate. In doing
so, the Committee will identify wasteful, inefficient, or
duplicative programs that should be streamlined or eliminated,
as well as those that could be enhanced. Through such
oversight, the Committee seeks to determine how these agencies
and entities can achieve more impactful and effective programs
with an eye toward improving the efficiency and effectiveness
of Federal programs and agencies. The Committee also seeks to
eliminate fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. As a result of this
oversight, the Committee anticipates streamlining and
eliminating spending on agencies and programs within its
jurisdiction, if appropriate.
This document outlines the current plans of the Committee
on the Judiciary for authorization and oversight activities in
the 115th Congress. Part I includes a description of programs
and agencies the Committee intends to reauthorize in the 115th
Congress and notes which such programs and agencies received
funding in fiscal year 2016 despite having lapsed
authorizations. Part II includes oversight to be conducted by
the Committee to help determine whether to authorize certain
programs and agencies or eliminate them.
PART I
The following programs and agencies will be considered for
reauthorization in the 115th Congress. Programs or agencies
designated with an asterisk received funding during fiscal year
2016 despite having no current authorization for appropriation.
Administrative Office of the Courts
Extension of temporary office of bankruptcy judges in certain judicial
districts
The volume of bankruptcy cases commenced in the U.S.
continues to grow as individuals and businesses attempt to cope
with the effects of the recent recession . . . The lapse date
for these temporary judgeships is May 25, 2017.
Authority to redact certain limited information from financial
disclosure reports
The Judiciary seeks continued authority for judges and
judicial employees to redact certain limited information from
their financial disclosure reports in order to protect their
safety and the safety of their families pursuant to the Ethics
in Government Act (5 U.S.C. app. Sec. (b)(3)(A)-(E)). The
current authority expires December 31, 2017.
Department of Justice
General Administration*
General Administration (GA) supports the Attorney General
and the Department of Justice's senior policy level officials
in managing Department resources and developing policies for
legal, law enforcement, and criminal justice activities. GA
consists of four decision units: Department Leadership,
Intergovernmental Relations and External Affairs, Executive
Support and Professional Responsibility, and the Justice
Management Division.
The Department Leadership decision unit includes the
Offices of the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General,
Associate Attorney General, Privacy and Civil Liberties, Rule
of Law, and Access to Justice. Intergovernmental Relations and
External Affairs includes the Offices of Public Affairs,
Legislative Affairs, and Tribal Justice. Executive Support and
Professional Responsibility includes the Offices of Legal
Policy, Professional Responsibility, Information Policy, and
the Professional Responsibility Advisory Office. Finally, the
Justice Management Division provides advice to senior DOJ
officials and develops departmental policies in the areas of
management and administration, ensures compliance by DOJ
components with departmental and other federal policies and
regulations, and provides a full range of management and
administration support services.
Justice Information Sharing Technology*
Justice Information Sharing Technology (JIST) programs fund
DOJ's enterprise investments in information technology (IT). As
a centralized fund under the control of the Department of
Justice Chief Information Officer (DOJ CIO), it ensures that
investments in IT systems, cyber security, and information
sharing technology are well planned and aligned with the
Department's overall IT strategy and enterprise architecture.
Administrative Review and Appeals*
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) contains
the corps of Immigration Judges, the Board of Immigration
Appeals, and the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing
Officer. EOIR presides over administrative immigration hearings
such as benefits adjudications, removal, bond, and employer
sanctions proceedings. Timely and fair adjudication of cases in
immigration courts is an essential part of effective
immigration enforcement as well as benefits adjudications.
Funding for EOIR personnel and programs must keep pace with
other immigration enforcement activities in order for the
entire immigration enforcement system to function properly.
Office of the Inspector General*
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an independent
office within the Department of Justice that is charged with
investigating allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and
misconduct by DOJ employees, contractors, and grantees and
promoting economy and efficiency in DOJ operations.
General Legal Activities
Office of the Solicitor General*
The Office of the Solicitor General supervises and
processes all appellate matters and represents the U.S. and
federal agencies in the Supreme Court.
Tax Division*
The Tax Division represents the U.S. in virtually all
litigation arising under the internal revenue laws. This work
includes both a civil component as well as assistance to U.S.
Attorneys in prosecuting criminal tax violations. In addition,
the Division's attorneys lend their financial crimes expertise
to the enforcement of other laws with financial aspects.
Criminal Division*
The Criminal Division is responsible for supervising the
application of all federal criminal laws except those
specifically assigned to other divisions. Its mission is to
identify and respond to critical and emerging national and
international criminal threats, and to lead the enforcement,
regulatory, and intelligence communities in a coordinated,
nationwide response to reduce those threats. The Division
provides expert guidance and advice to U.S. Attorneys and other
federal, state, and local prosecutors and investigative
agencies, as well as foreign criminal justice systems. It also
oversees the use of the most sophisticated investigative tools
available to federal law enforcement, including all federal
electronic surveillance requests in criminal cases, and secures
the return of fugitives and other assistance from foreign
countries.
In addition to other initiatives, the Criminal Division
uses its resources to prosecute the most significant financial
crimes, including mortgage fraud, corporate fraud, and
sophisticated investment fraud; coordinate multi-district
financial crime cases; and assist U.S. Attorneys' Offices in
financial crime cases with significant money laundering and
asset forfeiture components.
Civil Division*
The Civil Division represents the United States, its
departments and agencies, Members of Congress, Cabinet
officers, and other federal employees in litigation in federal
and state courts. Each year, it successfully defends the United
States against billions of dollars in unmeritorious claims. In
its affirmative litigation, the Division brings suits on behalf
of the United States, primarily to recoup money lost through
fraud, loan defaults, and the abuse of federal funds. As a
result of the work of the Civil Division, hundreds of millions
of dollars are returned to the Treasury, Medicare, and other
programs annually.
Environment and Natural Resources Division*
The Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD)
enforces the Nation's civil and criminal environmental laws;
defends environmental challenges to federal laws and actions;
and performs a variety of other important legal activities
related to the environment and our nation's natural resources.
ENRD's responsibilities include litigating disputes under the
Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(Superfund), the Endangered Species Act, and other federal
environmental statutes; defending against environmental
challenges to federal programs and activities; representing the
United States in matters concerning the protection, use, and
development of national natural resources and public lands; and
litigating on behalf of individual Indians and Indian tribes.
Civil Rights Division*
The Civil Rights Division is responsible for enforcing
federal statutes that guarantee the civil rights of all
Americans and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race,
sex, disability, religion, and national origin. The Division
enforces federal laws that protect Americans' civil rights and
freedom from discrimination in education, employment, credit,
housing, certain federally funded and conducted programs, and
voting.
The Division has eleven sections: Appellate, Coordination
and Compliance, Criminal, Disability Rights, Educational
Opportunities, Employment Litigation, Housing and Civil
Enforcement, Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related
Unfair Employment Practices, Special Litigation, Policy and
Strategy, and Voting.
INTERPOL Washington*
INTERPOL Washington facilitates cooperation and information
sharing among police agencies in different countries. It is the
link between more than 18,000 federal, state, and local law
enforcement authorities and the 187 other member countries for
INTERPOL-related matters. The main goals of INTERPOL Washington
are facilitating international law enforcement cooperation;
transmitting information of a criminal justice, humanitarian or
other law enforcement related nature between law enforcement
agencies; responding to law enforcement requests; coordinating
and integrating information for investigations of an
international nature, and identifying patterns and trends in
criminal activities. INTERPOL Washington also actively screens
all inbound international flights for passports that are
reported as lost or stolen to INTERPOL and generates over 200
hits monthly that require human analysis.
Antitrust Division*
The mission of the Antitrust Division is to promote
economic competition through enforcing and providing guidance
on antitrust laws and principles. In addition to enforcing the
antitrust laws, the Antitrust Division also acts as an advocate
for competition, seeking to promote competition in sectors of
the economy that are or may be subject to government
regulation.
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys*
There are 94 U.S. Attorneys located throughout the United
States, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana
Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The U.S.
Attorneys who lead each office are the chief law enforcement
representatives of the Attorney General. Each enforces federal
criminal law, handles most of the civil litigation in which the
United States is involved, and initiates proceedings for the
collection of fines, penalties, and forfeitures owed to the
United States.
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission*
The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United
States (FCSC) is a quasi-judicial, independent agency within
the Department of Justice which adjudicates claims of U.S.
nationals against foreign governments, under specific
jurisdiction conferred by Congress, pursuant to international
claims settlement agreements, or at the request of the
Secretary of State.
Fees and Expenses of Witnesses*
The mission of the Fees and Expenses of Witnesses (FEW)
appropriation is to provide funding for all fees and expenses
associated with the provision of testimony on behalf of the
Federal Government. Funding is also provided to pay for private
and foreign counsel. The FEW appropriation is centrally managed
by the Justice Management Division's Budget Staff, and funds
are allocated to the General Legal Activities and the Executive
Office for U.S. Attorneys for administration of expert
witnesses that provide technical or scientific testimony and
are compensated based on negotiations with the respective
federal government attorney.
Community Relations Service*
The Community Relations Service's mission is to assist
state and local governments, private and public organizations,
community groups and law enforcement in quelling conflicts and
tensions arising from differences of race, color, and national
origin. The Community Relations Service is also authorized to
work with state and local governments and groups to restore
community stability and harmony while preventing, resolving,
and responding to alleged violent hate crimes.
Assets Forfeiture Fund*
The Assets Forfeiture Fund (AFF) was established pursuant
to the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984. The U.S.
Marshals Service (USMS) administers the program by managing and
disposing of properties seized by and forfeited to federal law
enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorneys nationwide, and the
Attorney General is authorized to use the AFF to pay necessary
expenses associated with forfeitures. The Fund may also be used
to finance certain general investigative expenses, as those
enumerated in 28 U.S.C. 524(c).
The Asset Forfeiture Fund, first and foremost, is used to
pay victims of specific crimes for which the proceeds were
subject to forfeiture. After those costs, the Department of
Justice (DOJ) uses the funds to pay for the management costs
associated with disposing and forfeiting property. Finally, the
Fund is used to fund law enforcement at the state and local
level who assist with federal law enforcement priorities. The
Fund is also vital to ensuring that state and local law
enforcement continue to participate in the numerous joint task
forces established by the Federal government.
U.S. Marshals Service*
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) administers the Asset
Forfeiture Program of the Justice Department; conducts
investigations involving escaped federal prisoners,
unregistered sex offenders, and other fugitives; ensures safety
at Federal judicial proceedings; assumes custody of individuals
arrested by all federal agencies; houses and transports
prisoners; and manages the Witness Security Program.
National Security Division*
The National Security Division (NSD) was first authorized
by Congress in the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization
Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-177). The NSD consists of the
elements of DOJ (other than the Federal Bureau of
Investigation) engaged primarily in support of the intelligence
and intelligence-related activities of the Federal government,
including: (1) the Assistant Attorney General for National
Security, (2) the Office of Intelligence Policy and Review, (3)
the counterterrorism section, (4) the counterespionage section,
and (5) any other offices designated by the Attorney General.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program*
The OCDETF program is a centerpiece of DOJ's intra- and
inter-agency drug enforcement strategy. It coordinates and
channels all elements of federal law enforcement--including
components of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the
Department of the Treasury--in its efforts against the most
powerful and dangerous national and transnational criminal
organizations engaged in drug trafficking and money laundering,
and those organizations primarily responsible for the nation's
illegal drug supply.
Federal Bureau of Investigation*
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the Nation's
largest federal law enforcement agency, charged with
investigating terrorism, cybercrimes, public corruption, white-
collar crime, organized crime, civil rights violations, and
other federal offenses. The FBI is also the primary federal
domestic counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence agency.
Drug Enforcement Administration*
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the lead
federal agency tasked with reducing the illicit supply and
abuse of narcotics and drugs through drug interdiction and
seizing of illicit revenues and assets from drug trafficking
organizations.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives*
The mission of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms,
and Explosives (ATF) is to reduce violent crime, prevent
terrorism, and protect the United States through enforcing laws
and regulating the firearms and explosives industries. ATF
plays an important role in addressing the gaps in information
available to the National Instant Criminal Background Check
System (NICS) regarding mental health adjudications,
commitments and other prohibiting backgrounds.
Federal Prison System*
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is responsible for the
custody and care of federal offenders in prisons and community-
based facilities. BOP is currently responsible for housing
approximately 196,000 federal offenders, which includes
sentenced inmates as well as persons awaiting trial and/or
sentencing.
State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Activities*
DOJ's three State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance
components administer billions of dollars' worth of federal
grants every year. The Committee will review each office and
the programs it administers in order to authorize programs and
activities, or adjust authority, as necessary.
Created in 1994, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity
to reduce violence against women and to administer and
strengthen services to victims of domestic violence, dating
violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Office of Community
Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), which was created in
1994, is responsible for advancing the practice of community
policing by the nation's state, local, territorial, and tribal
law enforcement agencies through information and grant
resources.
Finally, the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which was
established in 1984, oversees the majority of grant resources
at DOJ. It works in partnership with the justice community to
identify crime-related challenges confronting the justice
system and to provide information, training, coordination, and
strategies and approaches for addressing such challenges. OJP
is comprised of five bureaus: the Bureau of Justice Assistance
(BJA), the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the Office of
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Bureau of
Justice Statistics (BJS), and the Office of Victims of Crime
(OVC). OJP works in partnership with the justice community to
identify crime-related challenges confronting the justice
system and to provide information, training, coordination, and
strategies and approaches for addressing such challenges. OJP
administers grant funding in the areas of Research, Evaluation
and Statistics; Juvenile Justice Programs; and State and Local
Law Enforcement Assistance.
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees
lawful immigration to the United States. USCIS is funded
primarily by immigration and naturalization benefit fees
charged to applicants and petitioners.
E-Verify Pilot Program
Section 401 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant
Responsibility Act of 1996 authorizes the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) to ``conduct 3 pilot programs of
employment eligibility confirmation'' including the E-Verify
program, which allows employers to electronically check the
employment eligibility of potential employees. Section 401(b)
of that Act, as amended, currently provides that ``[u]nless the
Congress otherwise provides, the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall terminate a pilot program on April 28, 2017.''
EB-5 Regional Center Program
The EB-5 Regional Center Program was established in Section
610 of P.L. 102-395, and reserves certain immigrant investor
visas for those who invest in certain targeted employment
areas. Section 610(b), as amended, provides that 3,000 visas
shall be annually set aside for the EB-5 Regional Center
Program until April 28, 2017.
Conrad 30 Waiver Program
Section 220 of the Immigration and Nationality Technical
Corrections Act of 1994 established the Conrad 30 Waiver
Program for J-1 visa holders, which describes individuals that
have come to the United States to receive graduate medical
education or training. Under this program, a limited number of
J-1 visitors may receive a waiver of the 2-year residency
requirement that would normally apply before such individuals
could seek an immigrant visa, permanent residence, or a non-
immigrant work visa. Section 220(c), as amended, provides that
an individual must have received a J-1 visa before April 28,
2017, in order to be eligible for such waiver.
Non-minister Special Immigrant Religious Worker Program
Section 101(a)(27)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (INA) is sometimes referred to as the non-minister special
immigrant religious worker program. The INA defines a ``special
immigrant'' to include certain immigrants, and such immigrants'
spouses and children, who are affiliated with a religious
denomination. For such individuals who are not entering the
United States to carry on the vocation of a minister, the
individual must seek entry before April 28, 2017.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest
investigative arm of DHS. Comprised of several components from
the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the
U.S. Customs Service, the agency combines the investigative,
detention and removal, and intelligence functions of the former
INS with the investigative and intelligence functions of the
former Customs Service. ICE's mission is to promote homeland
security and public safety through the criminal and civil
enforcement of federal laws governing immigration, customs, and
trade.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has extended a
zone of security beyond U.S. physical borders. Aspects of CBP
under the jurisdiction of the House Judiciary Committee include
CBP's non-border immigration enforcement functions,
intellectual property enforcement functions, the Entry/Exit
Transformation Office (EXT) and the Arrival and Departure
Information System (ADIS), and the visa waiver program.
Office of Biometric Identity Management
The Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM)
(formerly United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator
Technology, or US-VISIT) supports DHS's responsibility to
protect the nation by providing biometric identification
services that help federal, state, and local government
decision makers accurately identify the people they encounter
and determine whether those people pose a risk to the U.S. OBIM
supplies the technology for collecting and storing biometric
data, provides analysis, updates its watchlist, and ensures the
integrity of the data. The Committee has long supported
sufficient funding to meet the entry-exit requirements mandated
first by Congress in 1996 in order to identify who is entering
and exiting the U.S. and how long they stay in the country.
OBIM is part of the National Protection and Programs
Directorate.
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC)
provides training to law enforcement professionals to help them
fulfill their responsibilities safely and proficiently. FLETC's
mission is to train all those who protect the homeland, and
therefore, its training audience also includes state, local,
and tribal departments throughout the U.S. Additionally,
FLETC's impact extends outside our Nation's borders through
international training and capacity-building activities.
U.S. Secret Service
The Secret Service is tasked with dual law enforcement
missions: protection of national and visiting foreign leaders
and conducting criminal investigations. Criminal investigation
activities encompass financial crimes, bank fraud, mortgage
fraud, identity theft, counterfeiting, and computer fraud.
Secret Service protection extends to the President, Vice
President, and their families, among others.
Department of Health & Human Services
Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS)*
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides
assistance and services to refugees, asylees, unaccompanied
alien minors, victims of human trafficking, and certain
Amerasian, Iraqi, Afghan, Cuban, and Haitian immigrants. ORR
assists these populations by providing a range of services,
including cash and medical assistance, housing assistance, and
economic and social integration services.
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET
U.S. Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (US-
IPEC)*
Intellectual property theft presents a substantial threat
and imposes significant harm, including major economic damage,
to the U.S. To address this problem, the Committee authorized,
through the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for
Intellectual Property (PRO-IP) Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-403), the
creation of an Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator
(IPEC) within the Executive Office of the President. The IPEC
chairs an interagency intellectual property enforcement
advisory committee, coordinates the development of the Joint
Strategic Plan against counterfeiting and infringement and
provides other assistance in the coordination of intellectual
property enforcement efforts.
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs*
The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)
implements executive regulatory oversight activities under
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review),
Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory
Review), among other authorities; reviews collections of
information from the public; provides guidance concerning the
acquisition, use and management of Federal information
resources; and, coordinates policy direction on Federal
statistical activities.
Federal Trade Commission
Bureau of Competition*
The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Competition shares
jurisdiction to enforce the nation's antitrust laws with the
Antitrust Division of DOJ.
Other Entities
Administrative Conference of the United States*
The Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS)
is an independent, nonpartisan agency that was created to
analyze the federal administrative law process and to provide
Congress, the President, the Judicial Conference of the United
States, and federal agencies with recommendations and guidance.
Commission on Civil Rights*
The Commission on Civil Rights was established by the Civil
Rights Act of 1957 (P.L. 85-315), to serve as a bipartisan,
fact-finding agency to investigate and report on the status of
civil rights, and inform the development of national civil
rights policy.
Office of Government Ethics*
The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) is responsible for
providing the overall direction of executive branch policies
designed to prevent conflicts of interest and to ensure high
ethical standards. In partnership with executive branch
agencies and departments, OGE develops ethics training courses
and other educational materials for government employees,
conducts on-site reviews of existing ethics programs, and
provides advice and guidance on the Standards of Ethical
Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch.
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board*
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) is
an independent agency within the executive branch established
by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act
to analyze and review actions the executive branch takes to
protect the U.S. from terrorism, ensuring that the need for
such actions is balanced with the need to protect privacy and
civil liberties, and to ensure that liberty concerns are
appropriately considered in the development and implementation
of laws, regulations, and policies related to efforts to
protect the Nation against terrorism. The continued role of the
Board includes the review of various government surveillance
programs and the related activities of the Intelligence
Community.
State Justice Institute*
The State Justice Institute was established by federal law
in 1984 to award grants to improve the quality of justice in
State courts, facilitate better coordination between State and
Federal courts, and foster innovative, efficient solutions to
common issues faced by all courts.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Fee Setting Authority
The authority of the Under Secretary of Commerce for
Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office (Director) to set or adjust any fee to recover
the aggregate estimated costs to the Office for processing,
activities, services, and materials relating to patents
terminates on September 16, 2018.
PART II
The Committee's oversight and investigative activities will
be coordinated between the Full Committee and the Subcommittees
in order to facilitate comprehensive and strategic oversight of
the programs and agencies within its jurisdiction. Oversight
activities will include hearings, briefings, correspondence,
reports, public statements and site visits.
Full Committee
U.S. Department of Justice. In conjunction with the
Subcommittees, the Committee will conduct oversight of the U.S.
Department of Justice, including all Department components and
agencies.
Budget Oversight and Management Performance. The Committee
will conduct oversight and identify U.S. Department of Justice
grant programs that should be streamlined or eliminated, as
well as those that could be enhanced. The Committee will also
conduct oversight of all agencies and programs within its
jurisdiction to uncover waste, fraud, or abuse and to identify
programs that are inefficient, duplicative, or outdated, or
that are more appropriately administered by State or local
governments. The Committee will also consider the extent to
which federally funded or administered agencies and activities
can more efficiently handle certain tasks on a national level
and whether they save, reduce, or render more effective State
or local government expenditures or activities. In addition,
the Committee will consider whether any federal programs within
its jurisdiction should be enhanced, concomitant with cuts to
or the elimination of less effective programs.
Protecting Congress' Constitutional Powers: The committee
will conduct oversight to examine the separation of powers
between the branches of government and to consider ways to
restore and reestablish the powers and authorities granted to
Congress in Article I of the Constitution.
The U.S. Copyright Office: The Committee will continue to
conduct oversight of the Copyright Office as it completes its
transition to a digital environment. Oversight will include
review of its recordation system, public access to its
registration records, and the process by which the Register of
Copyrights should be selected.
Copyright Law and Policy: The Committee will examine the
provisions of the Copyright Act to ensure it addresses the
challenges faced by copyright owners, users, and consumers in
the digital environment.
Office of the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement
Coordinator (IPEC): The Committee will examine how the IPEC is
functioning and whether it has the authority and resources
necessary for it to be effective. To the extent this involves
non-copyright-related intellectual property issues, this will
be coordinated closely with the Subcommittee on the Courts,
Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee.
Intellectual Property Enforcement Agencies: The Committee
will review the intellectual property enforcement efforts of
the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Customs and Border
Protection division and the Department of Justice. To the
extent this involves non-copyright-related intellectual
property issues, these will be primarily handled by the
Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the
Internet.
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security & Investigations
U.S. Department of Justice: The Subcommittee will conduct
oversight of the law enforcement agencies of the U.S.
Department of Justice.
A. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The
Subcommittee will conduct oversight of the FBI. In
addition to its traditional criminal investigatory
jurisdiction, the Subcommittee will also conduct
oversight of the FBI's counter-terrorism and counter-
intelligence authorities.
B. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): The
Subcommittee will review the operations of the DEA,
including domestic and international drug enforcement,
money laundering and narco-terrorism investigations.
C. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and
Explosives (ATF): The Subcommittee will review the
mission and operations of the ATF, including federal
firearms enforcement, explosives investigations, and
tobacco and alcohol trafficking operations.
D. U.S. Marshals Service (USMS)/Office of the Federal
Detention Trustee (OFDT): The Subcommittee will review
the mission and operations of the USMS, including
fugitive apprehensions, court and witness security, and
its responsibilities under the Sex Offender
Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). The
Subcommittee will also conduct oversight on the
operations of OFDT.
E. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP): The
Subcommittee will review the mission and operation of
the federal prison system, including prisoner
rehabilitation, reentry programs, and management of a
growing offender population.
F. Federal Prison Industries, Inc.: The Subcommittee
will also conduct oversight of the Federal Prison
Industries (FPI), a government corporation that employs
offenders incarcerated in federal prisons and provides
job training opportunities to prisoners by producing
goods and services for federal agencies.
Criminal Division: The Subcommittee will conduct oversight
of the Justice Department's Criminal Division.
National Security Division: The Subcommittee will conduct
oversight of the Justice Department's National Security
Division.
Office of Justice Programs (OJP): The Subcommittee will
review the mission and operations of OJP and its component
organizations and the administration of law enforcement
assistance grants in order to identify programs that should be
streamlined or eliminated, and those that could be enhanced.
Office on Violence Against Women (OVW): The Subcommittee
will review the mission and operations of OVW and the
administration of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants.
Community Oriented Policing Services Office (COPS): The
Subcommittee will review the mission and operations of COPS and
the administration of community policing grants.
Federal Grants: The Subcommittee will conduct oversight on
the receipt of federal grants by state and local jurisdictions
found to be in violation of section 1373 of title 8, United
States Code.
Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA): The
Subcommittee will conduct oversight on the operations of EOUSA.
Office of the Pardon Attorney: The Subcommittee will
conduct oversight of the Office of the Pardon Attorney.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The
Subcommittee will conduct oversight of DHS law enforcement
components, including the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Federal Air Marshals Service.
U.S. Sentencing Commission: The Subcommittee will review
the mission and operations of the U.S. Sentencing Commission
with particular attention to the role of the Commission
following the Supreme Court's decision in U.S. v. Booker, 543
U.S. 220 (2005) and its progeny. The Subcommittee will also
examine the extent to which federal courts are imposing
sentences that diverge from those recommended by the sentencing
guidelines.
National Security: The Subcommittee will review the use of
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and U.S. PATRIOT
Act authorities by Intelligence Community (IC) agencies, and
the reauthorization of section 702 of FISA.
Terrorism: The Subcommittee will review the threat to our
national security from terrorist activity including the
recruitment and training or self-radicalization of home-grown
terrorists. The Subcommittee will examine the adequacy of
federal criminal laws that deter and punish terrorism.
GAO Report on DOJ Funding Sources: The Subcommittee will
review the alternative sources of funding at DOJ, including
fines, fees, and penalties, that make up approximately 15
percent of DOJ's budgetary resources.
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
(OJJDP): The Subcommittee will review the mission and
operations of OJJDP.
Criminal Division--Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering
Section: The Subcommittee will conduct oversight of the Asset
Forfeiture and Money Laundering section of the Justice
Department's Criminal Division.
Encryption and Handheld Electronic Devices: The
Subcommittee will conduct oversight on both the benefits of
strong encryption and concerns expressed by law enforcement
that encryption hinders their efforts to investigate crime.
Crimes against Children: The Subcommittee will review laws
and law enforcement tools designed to combat child
exploitation, including reauthorization of the Adam Walsh Act,
and the proliferation of child pornography on the Internet.
Protection of U.S. Citizens' Constitutional Rights: The
Subcommittee, along with the Subcommittee on the Constitution
and Civil Justice, will examine the adequacy of current
protections for U.S. citizens' Constitutional rights vis-a-vis
law enforcement and national security efforts.
Mens Rea: The Subcommittee will continue working to ensure
federal criminal statutes have appropriate criminal intent, or
mens rea, requirements. This will remain a significant part of
the committee's effort to enact reform to the federal criminal
justice system.
Forensics: The Subcommittee will continue working to ensure
federal prosecutors, law enforcement, and the defense bar have
the ability to fully investigate their cases, exclude innocent
suspects, implicate the guilty, and achieve true justice at
trial, through the Rapid DNA Act and other initiatives.
Policing Strategies: The Subcommittee, through the
Committee's Policing Strategies Working Group, will continue
working with state and local governments and groups to foster
positive police-community relations, and ensure law enforcement
has the tools it needs to do its job.
Electronic Communications Privacy Act: The Subcommittee
expects to continue its work to update this decades-old statute
in light of the digital revolution that has taken place since
the statute's enactment.
International Data Issues: The subcommittee will continue
to conduct oversight on the issue of law enforcement access to
data stored overseas, including the needs of law enforcement,
Americans' civil liberties, and pending litigation.
Cybersecurity: The Subcommittee will review the laws and
law enforcement tools designed to combat and prevent cyber-
attacks.
Firearms: The Subcommittee will continue to examine ways to
reduce firearms-related violence, including examining current
federal law and state compliance with requirements to post
information to the NICS database.
Criminal Code: The Subcommittee will examine issues related
to Criminal Code reform, including improving and streamlining
Title 18 and whether all criminal statutes in the U.S. Code
should be consolidated and/or listed in Title 18.
Over-criminalization: The Subcommittee will continue to
examine ways to address the problem of over-criminalization and
over-federalization.
Criminal Street Gangs: The Subcommittee may consider
enforcement and prevention issues concerning criminal street
gangs, and the issue of how gang affiliations may be broken to
reduce the number of both street and prison gangs.
Crime Prevention: The Subcommittee may examine the extent
to which federal policies and funding are adequate to support
crime prevention strategies at the Federal, State, local, and
tribal levels.
International and Domestic Human Trafficking: The
Subcommittee will review law enforcement and other activities
within its jurisdiction that address international and domestic
trafficking in human beings, including reauthorization of the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Misconduct by Executive Branch Officials: The Committee
will continue to conduct oversight into allegations of
misconduct by Executive Branch officials. The Committee will
also continue to conduct oversight into allegations of leaks of
classified information as well as allegations of improper
interference with our democratic institutions or efforts to
improperly or illegally interfere with our elections.
Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice
Protection of U.S. Citizens' Constitutional and Civil
Rights: In general, the Subcommittee will examine the adequacy
of current protections for U.S. citizens' constitutional and
civil rights.
Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice: The
Subcommittee will examine the enforcement record and priorities
of the Civil Rights Division. The Subcommittee will focus on
the Division's activities in the areas of education,
employment, credit, fair housing, public accommodations, law
enforcement practices, voting rights and the integrity of
federal elections, and federally funded and conducted programs.
Fiscal Responsibility: The Subcommittee will examine
constitutional reforms to address government spending.
Federalism/Congressional Authority: The Subcommittee plans
to examine the proper balance between the finite powers
allocated to the federal government in the U.S. Constitution
and the powers reserved to the states.
Exercise of Constitutional Authority: The Subcommittee will
conduct oversight of the exercise of constitutional authority
by the legislative, judicial, and executive branches.
Civil Justice: The Subcommittee will review the policies
and practices of the civil justice system and consider whether
reform is needed.
Community Relations Service: The Subcommittee will conduct
oversight of the operations of the Community Relations Service.
Office of Government Ethics: The Subcommittee will consider
the priorities and operation of the Office of Government
Ethics. The Subcommittee will also investigate any threat to
the independence or efficacy of the Office of Government
Ethics.
Property Rights: The Subcommittee will consider whether
there is a need to address existing protections for citizens'
private property rights.
Religious Liberty: The Subcommittee will consider the
federal role in the protection of Americans' rights under the
Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses.
Free Speech: The Subcommittee will examine restraints on
free speech, including efforts by some colleges and
universities to limit protests, speeches, distribution of
literature, petitions, and other expressive activities to
``free speech zones.''
Life Issues: The Subcommittee will examine the
constitutionality and enforcement of federal and state statutes
that relate to abortion.
War on Terrorism: The Subcommittee will consider
constitutional issues associated with the War on Terrorism.
Detention of Suspected Terrorists: The Subcommittee will
conduct oversight on matters related to the long-term detention
of suspected terrorists, including the protection of the
related constitutional rights of U.S. citizens.
United States Commission on Civil Rights: The Subcommittee
will review the work of the Commission, its management, and its
implementation.
The Judgment Fund: The Subcommittee will examine payments
made from the Judgment Fund, its management, and how it is
administered.
Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security
Deportation of Child Trafficking Victims: The Subcommittee
will conduct oversight on the number of child trafficking
victims that are summarily returned to Mexico after a flawed
screening by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Executive Orders signed by President Trump: The
Subcommittee will conduct oversight of Executive Orders
regarding immigration and border security signed by President
Trump, including constitutional and policy issues.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The
Subcommittee will conduct oversight of the components within
DHS that are responsible for enforcing and ensuring the
integrity of United States immigration laws, including ICE and
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Immigrant Investor Program: The Subcommittee will conduct
oversight of the immigrant investor program, including its
adherence to the intent of Congress and the impact of new
proposed regulations.
H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Program: The Subcommittee will
conduct oversight of the H-1B visa program, including on its
effect on American workers and students.
H-2A/H-2B Nonimmigrant Visa Program: The Subcommittee will
conduct oversight of the H-2A and H-2B visa programs, including
on the quality and timeliness of processing by USCIS and the
Department of Labor.
Detainers: The Subcommittee will conduct oversight on the
constitutional and policy questions surrounding the issuance of
ICE detainers.
Budgetary Resources: The Subcommittee expects to conduct
oversight of the sufficiency of budgetary resources with regard
to immigration functions at USCIS and ICE.
Legal Immigration: The Subcommittee expects to conduct
oversight over our current legal immigration laws and programs,
including whether relevant federal agencies are efficiently
administering and enforcing these laws and programs, issues
relating to backlogs, family reunification, whether excessive
regulations are stifling the use of these programs, the impact
on U.S. citizens, comparisons with our global competitors, and
related issues.
Illegal Immigration: The Subcommittee will conduct
oversight of the causes and methods of illegal immigration and
how to better prevent it in the future.
Refugee Program: The Subcommittee will conduct oversight of
the refugee program.
Visa Security: The Subcommittee will conduct oversight of
the sufficiency of the screening of visa applicants.
Fiscal Impacts of Immigration: The Subcommittee expects to
conduct hearings on the fiscal effects of legal and illegal
immigration, including their impact on the Social Security
system and other federal programs.
Immigration Enforcement: The Subcommittee intends to
examine the sufficiency of current immigration enforcement laws
and programs, including whether relevant federal agencies'
policies and enforcement records are sufficient and consistent
with current federal statutes, the level of cooperation with
other countries, the proper roles for the federal government,
states and localities in enforcing our immigration laws, and
the status of implementation of the congressionally-mandated
exit tracking system.
Fraud: The Subcommittee expects to conduct hearings on
fraud associated with petitions for visas and other immigration
benefits, including allegations of fraud in the asylum and
credible fear determination processes. The Subcommittee also
intends to conduct oversight of identity fraud and identity
theft in the immigration context.
Influx of Unaccompanied Alien Children and Family Units:
The Subcommittee expects to conduct oversight of the
Administration's handling of the influx of unaccompanied alien
children and family units along our southern border and
proposed legislative changes.
Criminal Issues: The Subcommittee expects to conduct
hearings on the impact of crimes committed by immigrants,
trends in gang violence among immigrant communities, and the
sufficiency of efforts to remove violent criminals.
Executive Office for Immigration Review: The Subcommittee
will conduct oversight of the Department of Justice's
adjudication of immigration cases.
Federal Grants: The Subcommittee will conduct oversight on
the receipt of federal grants by state and local jurisdictions
found to be in violation of section 1373 of title 8, United
States Code.
Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: The Subcommittee will
conduct oversight of the USPTO, including the status of pending
patent and trademark applications and developments with patent
and trademark quality. The Subcommittee will also continue to
exercise oversight to ensure that the USPTO has full access to
the fees it collects from applicants and appropriately
exercises its fee-setting authority.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and Implementation of the
America Invents Act: The Subcommittee will conduct oversight of
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's implementation of the
America Invents Act, which contained numerous changes to our
nation's patent system.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Global Intellectual
Property Rights Attache Program: The Subcommittee will conduct
oversight on the Global Intellectual Property Rights Attache
program's efforts to promote high standards of IP protection
and enforcement internationally for the benefit of U.S.
stakeholders.
International Intellectual Property Laws: The Subcommittee
will conduct oversight of the impact of international
intellectual property laws, regulations, and policies upon
American interests. In addition, the Subcommittee will conduct
oversight of international trade agreements and their
negotiations, especially as they relate to potential trademark
issues. To the extent this involves copyright-related
intellectual property issues, this will be coordinated closely
with the Full Committee.
Federal Judiciary: The Subcommittee will conduct oversight
of the federal judiciary, including judicial ethics and
disclosure, the PACER system, and operation of the federal
court system. In addition, the Subcommittee will examine the
resources available to Article III courts, including judicial
salaries and security for federal judges.
The Service of Judicial Process on Foreign Entities: The
Subcommittee will examine the difficulty of serving judicial
process on foreign entities in order to ensure that the rights
of all U.S. citizens can be protected in an increasingly global
economy.
Technology Issues: The Subcommittee will examine
developments in technology and the Internet affecting public
policy, including issues surrounding Internet governance.
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
(ICANN): The Subcommittee will conduct oversight of ICANN,
including the functions that the U.S. conveyed to the global
multi-stakeholder community in 2016, and the impacts this
system will have on intellectual property rights holders.
State Justice Institute: The State Justice Institute (SJI)
provides matching grants to state courts that allow them to
develop methods to work more efficiently and productively. The
Subcommittee intends to review SJI operations.
Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law
Administrative Process and Procedure: The Subcommittee will
conduct oversight on the topic of regulatory reform in general,
including examining specific regulations, as well as issues
related to the Administrative Procedure Act, the Congressional
Review Act, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, trends in regulatory
citizen suits, regulatory litigation, judicial doctrines of
deference to agency determinations, the overall costs and
benefits of federal regulation in general and their impact on
specific communities, regulatory budgeting, the extent to which
agencies compete for policymaking primacy with the Legislative
Branch, and the role that the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget
plays in the federal rulemaking process. In addition, the
Subcommittee will examine regulatory litigation and
enforcement.
Executive Orders: The Subcommittee will conduct oversight
of Executive Orders regarding administrative law and agency
practice, including constitutional and policy issues.
Bankruptcy: The Subcommittee expects to conduct oversight
of the Bankruptcy Code and bankruptcy system, including their
responsiveness to the needs of financially troubled businesses,
individuals and municipalities. The Subcommittee may conduct
oversight of bankruptcy judgeship needs, asbestos trusts and
U.S. Trustee fees.
State Taxation Affecting Interstate Commerce: The
Subcommittee will conduct oversight of issues related to state
taxation that affect interstate commerce, particularly with
respect to appropriate nexus standards.
Agencies: The Subcommittee will conduct oversight of the
Justice Department's Civil Division, Environment and Natural
Resources Division, Antitrust Division, Tax Division, Executive
Office for United States Trustees and U.S. Trustee Program, and
Office of the Solicitor General and their respective budgets.
It will also conduct oversight of the Department's compliance
with the Freedom of Information Act and the Office of
Management and Budget's Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs.
Administrative Conference of the United States: The
Subcommittee expects to conduct oversight of the Administrative
Conference of the United States.
Arbitration: The Subcommittee may conduct oversight of
issues arising under the Federal Arbitration Act.
Legal Services Corporation: The Subcommittee will review
the mission and operations of the Legal Services Corporation.
Interstate Compacts: The Subcommittee may conduct oversight
to determine the extent of compliance with the constitutional
process by which States seek Congressional approval of
interstate compacts.
Divergence in U.S. Merger Review and Enforcement: The
Subcommittee may examine disparities in the tools available to
the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice with
regard to mergers and whether these disparities result in
different substantive standards.
International Divergence in Antitrust Enforcement: The
Subcommittee may conduct oversight of international competition
laws.
Antitrust Exemptions: The Subcommittee may conduct
oversight of industry antitrust exemptions to determine whether
such exemptions continue to serve the public interest.
Net Neutrality: The Subcommittee may examine Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) regulations regarding net
neutrality and the role of antitrust laws in enforcing the
principles of net neutrality.
Effects on Competition Caused by Government Participation
in Markets as a Provider of Goods and Services: The
Subcommittee may examine instances where government
participates in a particular market and whether such
participation impacts competition.
China and Antitrust Enforcement Policies: The Subcommittee
may examine China's anti-competitive enforcement actions and
how the antitrust enforcement agencies are coordinating with
other federal government agencies and their Chinese
counterparts regarding such enforcement efforts.
Section 5 of the Federal Trade Communications Act: The
Subcommittee may examine the Federal Trade Commission's use of
its authority under section 5 of the Federal Trade
Communications Act.
Telecommunications Act of 1996: The Subcommittee may
conduct a review of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Mergers: The Subcommittee will examine mergers on a case-
by-case basis.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): The
Subcommittee may examine the CFPB, including with regard to its
activities concerning arbitration.
Process Reforms for Congressional Review and Approval of
Interstate Compacts: The Subcommittee may examine the process
by which interstate compacts are approved by Congress.
Settlements Requiring Payments to Nongovernmental Entities:
The Subcommittee will continue its oversight of Justice
Department settlements requiring payments to non-victim third
parties.
Activities Conducted Pursuant to Committee Oversight Plan
The following hearings were held pursuant to the
Committee's Oversight Plan. These hearings, as well as other
hearings and markups of legislation, are described in more
detail in a later section of this report.
Full Committee
3/1/17 Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act
3/8/17 Department of Homeland Security's Proposed
Regulations Reforming the Investor Visa Program
3/21/17 Examining Systemic Management and Fiscal
Challenges Within the Department of Justice
6/15/2017 Data Stored Abroad: Ensuring Lawful
Access and Privacy Protection in the Digital Era
7/27/2017 The Need for the Balanced Budget
Amendment
11/7/2017 Examining Anti-Semitism on College
Campuses
11/14/2017 Oversight of the Department of Justice
12/7/2018 Oversight of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation
12/13/2017 Oversight Hearing With Deputy Attorney
General Rod Rosenstein
1/26/2018 FIELD HEARING: Music Policy Issues: A
Perspective from Those Who Make It
4/26/2018 Filtering Practices of Social Media
Platforms
5/8/2018 Challenges and Solutions in the Opioid
Abuse Crisis
5/22/2018 Oversight of the United States Patent
and Trademark Office
6/19/2018 Oversight of the FBI and DOJ Actions in
Advance of the 2016 Election
6/28/2018 Oversight of FBI and DOJ Actions
Surrounding the 2016 Election
7/12/2018 Joint Hearing on, ``Oversight of FBI and
DOJ Actions Surrounding the 2016 Election: Testimony by FBI
Deputy Assistant Director Peter Strzok''
7/16/2018 Field Hearing: Oversight of the ATF
National Canine Division
7/17/2018 Facebook, Google and Twitter: Examining
the Content Filtering Practices of Social Media Giants
7/24/2018 Examining the Wayfair Decision and Its
Ramifications for Consumers and Small Businesses
12/11/2018 Transparency & Accountability:
*Examining Google and Its Data Collection, Use and Filtering
Practices
12/20/2018 Oversight of the Department of Homeland
Security
Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice
2/16/17 State of Religious Liberty in America
3/2/17 Oversight of the Judgement Fund
4/4/17 First Amendment Protections on Public
College and University Campuses
6/13/2017 Lawsuit Abuse and the Telephone Consumer
Protection Act
6/23/2017 Examining Ethical Responsibilities
Regarding Attorney Advertising
3/6/2018 Examining Class Action Lawsuits Against
Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals With Intellectual
Disabilities (ICF/IID)
6/8/2018 Questions Regarding the U.S. Census
9/27/2018 The State of Intellectual Freedom in
America
9/28/2018 Examining Sober Living Homes
Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet
2/14/17 Judicial Transparency and Ethics
3/16/17 Bringing Justice Closer to the People:
Examining Ideas for Restructuring the 9th Circuit
6/13/2017 Examining the Supreme Court's TC
Heartland Decision
7/13/2017 The Impact of Bad Patents on American
Businesses
11/7/2017 Sovereign Immunity and the Intellectual
Property System
11/30/2017 The Role and Impact of Nationwide
Injunctions by District Courts
3/20/2018 Assessing the Effectiveness of the
Transitional Program for Covered Business Method Patents
4/17/2018 Safeguarding Trade Secrets in the United
States
6/21/2018 Examining the Need for New Federal
Judges
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations
3/16/17 Combating Crimes Against Children:
Assessing the Legal Landscape
3/28/17 To Examine the State of Forensic Science
in the United States
4/4/17 Oversight of the Drug Enforcement
Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms,
and Explosives
4/26/17 Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Prisons
and the U.S. Marshals Service
5/17/17 Challenges Facing Law Enforcement in the
21st Century
6/8/17 Oversight of Department of Justice Grant
Programs
6/22/2017 Juvenile Justice Reform in the Modern
Era
7/20/2017 Gangs in Our Communities: Drugs, Human
Trafficking, and Violence
10/3/2017 Online Sex Trafficking and the
Communications Decency Act
2/27/2018 Implementation of the Survivors' Bill of
Rights Act
3/20/2018 Preventable Violence in America: An
Examination of Law Enforcement Information Sharing and
Misguided Public Policy
4/17/2018 Oversight of the Federal Bureau of
Prisons
9/27/2018 Post-PASPA: An Examination of Sports
Betting in America
Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security
3/28/17 Restoring Enforcement of Our Nation's
Immigration Laws
7/19/2017 Agricultural Guestworkers: Meeting the
Growing Needs of American Agriculture
10/26/2017 Oversight of the United States Refugee
Admissions Program
11/1/2017 Oversight of the Executive Office for
Immigration Review
2/15/2018 The Effect of Sanctuary City Policies on
the Ability To Combat the Opioid Epidemic
Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law
6/8/17 A Time To Reform: Oversight of the
Activities of the Justice Department's Civil, Tax and
Environment and Natural Resources Divisions and the U.S.
Trustee Program
6/29/2017 Recent Trends in International Antitrust
Enforcement
7/27/2017 Antitrust Concerns and the FDA Approval
Process
9/12/2017 Occupational Licensing: Regulation and
Competition
9/28/2017 Rulemakers Must Follow the Rules, Too:
Oversight of Agency Compliance With the Congressional Review
Act
11/1/2017 Net Neutrality and the Role of Antitrust
2/27/2018 Competition in the Pharmaceutical
*Supply Chain: the Proposed Merger of CVS Health and Aetna
12/12/2018 Oversight of the Antitrust Enforcement
Agencies
FULL COMMITTEE
Jurisdiction
The full Committee has jurisdiction over: copyright and
other such matters as determined by the Chairman, and relevant
oversight.
Legislative Activities
Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2017
(Serial No. 115-69)
The Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act,
also known as the CASE Act, establishes an alternate dispute
resolution program for copyright small claims and other
matters.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-8) introduced the bill on
October 4, 2017. The Committee held a legislative hearing on
September 27, 2018. The hearing consisted of the following
witnesses: (1) Mr. David Trust, Chief Executive Officer,
Professional Photographers of America (PPA); (2) Mr. Matthew
Schruers, Vice President, Law and Policy, Computer and
Communications Industry Association (CCIA); (3) Ms. Jenna
Close, Director of Photography, Buck the Cubicle; (4) Mr.
Jonathan Berroya, Senior Vice President and General Counsel,
Internet Association; and (5) Mr. Keith Kupferschmid, Chief
Executive Officer, Copyright Alliance.
H.R. 38, the ``Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017''
H.R. 38 amends title 18, United States Code, to provide a
means by which nonresidents of a State whose residents may
carry concealed firearms may also do so in the State.
Rep. Hudson introduced the bill on January 3, 2017. The
bill was referred to the Crime Subcommittee. H.R. 38 was
reported to the House on December 4, 2017, as amended. The
House considered the bill pursuant to the provisions of H. Res.
646 and the bill passed the House by a roll call vote of 231
ayes to 198 nays.
H.R. 115, the ``Thin Blue Line Act of 2017''
H.R. 115 amends title 18, United States Code, to provide
additional aggravating factors for the imposition of the death
penalty based on the status of the victim.
Rep. Buchanan introduced the bill on January 3, 2017. The
bill was referred to the Crime Subcommittee. The House
considered the bill under the provisions of H. Res. 323. The
bill passed the House by a roll call vote of 271 ayes to 143
nays. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-116.
H.R. 170, the ``Protect and Grow American Jobs Act''
H.R. 170 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to
modify the definition of exempt H-1B nonimmigrant.
Rep. Issa introduced the bill on January 3, 2017. The bill
was considered by the Committee and ordered to be reported to
the House by voice vote.
H.R. 372, the ``Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act of
2017''
H.R. 372 restores the application of the Federal Antitrust
laws to the business of health insurance to protect competition
and consumers.
Rep. Gosar introduced the bill on January 9, 2017. The
House considered the bill under the provisions of H. Res. 209.
The bill passed the House by a roll call vote of 416 ayes to 7
nays. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-36.
H.R. 391, the ``Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of
2017''
H.R. 391 modifies the treatment of unaccompanied alien
children who are in Federal custody by reason of their
immigration status.
Rep. Chaffetz introduced the bill on January 10, 2017. The
Committee reported the bill favorably to the House by a roll-
call vote of 19 ayes to 11 nays.
H.R. 469, the ``Congressional Article I Powers Strengthening
Act''
H.R. 469 imposes certain limitations on consent decrees and
settlement agreements by agencies that require the agencies to
take regulatory action in accordance with the terms thereof.
Rep. Collins introduced the bill on January 12, 2017. The
bill was referred to the Committee. The House considered the
bill under the provisions of H. Res. 577. The bill passed the
House by a roll-call vote of 234 ayes to 187 nays. The bill was
accompanied by H. Rept. 115-347.
H.R. 495, the ``Protection of Children Act of 2017''
H.R. 495 amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims
Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to provide for the
expedited removal of unaccompanied alien children who are not
victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons and who do
not have a fear of returning to their country of nationality or
last habitual residence.
Rep. John Carter introduced the bill on January 12, 2017.
The Committee reported the bill favorably to the House by a
roll-call vote of 15 yeas to 12 nays.
H.R. 506, the ``Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of
2017''
H.R. 506 amends title 18, United States Code, to provide an
additional tool to prevent certain frauds against veterans.
Rep. Rooney introduced the bill on January 12, 2017. The
House considered the bill under a suspension of the rules. The
bill passed the House by a voice vote. The bill was accompanied
by H. Rept. 115-599.
H.R. 510, the ``Rapid DNA Act of 2017''
H.R. 510 establishes a system for integration of Rapid DNA
instruments for use by law enforcement to reduce violent crime
and reduce the current DNA analysis backlog.
Rep. Sensenbrenner introduced the bill on January 12, 2017.
The House considered the bill under a suspension of the rules.
The bill passed the House by a voice vote. The President signed
the bill into law on August 18, 2017, and the bill became Pub.
L. No. 115-50. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-117.
H.R. 613, the ``Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional
Officer Self-Protection Act of 2017''
H.R. 613 amends title 18, United States Code, to require
that the Director of the Bureau of Prisons ensure that each
chief executive officer of a Federal penal or correctional
institution provides a secure storage area located outside of
the secure perimeter of the Federal penal or correctional
institution for firearms carried by certain employees of the
Bureau of Prisons.
Rep. McKinley introduced the bill on January 23, 2017. The
bill was referred to the Committee. The House considered the
bill under a suspension of the rules. The bill was agreed to by
a voice vote of 378 ayes to 0 nays. The bill was accompanied by
H. Rept. 115-674.
H.R. 620, the ``ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017''
H.R. 620 amends the American with Disabilities Act of 1990
to promote compliance through education, to clarify the
requirements for demand letters, to provide for a notice and
cure period before the commencement of a private civil action.
Rep. Poe introduced the bill on January 24, 2017. The House
considered the bill under the provisions of H. Res. 736. The
bill passed the House by a roll-call vote of 225 ayes to 192
nays. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-539.
H.R. 659, the ``Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews
Through Equal Rules Act of 2017''
H.R. 659 amends the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade
Commission Act to provide that the Federal Trade Commission
shall exercise authority with respect to mergers only under the
Clayton Act and online in the same procedural manner as the
Attorney General exercises such authority.
Rep. Farenthold introduced the bill on January 24, 2017.
The Committee reported the bill favorably to the House by a
roll-call vote of 16 ayes to 10 nays. The bill was accompanied
by H. Rept. 115-412.
H.R. 720, the ``Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2017''
H.R. 720 amends Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure to improve attorney accountability.
Rep. Lamar Smith introduced the bill on January 30, 2017.
The House considered the bill under the provisions of H. Res.
180. The bill passed the house by a roll-call vote of 230 ayes
to 188 nays. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-16.
H.R. 725, the ``Innocent Party Protection Act''
H.R. 725 amends title 28, United States Code, to prevent
fraudulent joinder.
Rep. Buck introduced the bill on January 10, 2017. The
House considered the bill under the provisions of H. Res. 175.
The bill passed the House by a roll-call vote of 224 ayes to
194 nays. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-17.
H.R. 732, the ``Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2017''
H.R. 732 limits donations made pursuant to settlement
agreements to which the United States is a party and serves
other purposes.
Chairman Bob Goodlatte introduced the bill on January 30,
2017. The House considered the bill under the provisions of H.
Res. 577. The bill passed the House by a roll-call vote of 238
ayes to 183 nays. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-72.
H.R. 883, the ``Targeting Child Predators Act of 2017''
H.R. 883 amends title 18, United States Code, to provide a
certification process for the issuance of nondisclosure
requirements accompanying certain administrative subpoenas, to
provide for judicial review of such nondisclosure requirements,
and serves other purposes.
Rep. DeSantis introduced the bill on February 6, 2017. The
House considered the bill under a suspension of the rules. The
bill passed the House by a voice vote. The bill was accompanied
by H. Rept. 115-141.
H.R. 906, the ``Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency (FACT)
Act of 2017''
H.R. 906 amends title 11 of the United States Code to
require the public disclosure by trusts established under
section 524(g) of such title, of quarterly reports that contain
detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of
claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos and serves
other purposes.
Rep. Farenthold introduced the bill on February 7, 2017.
The Committee reported the bill favorably to the House by a
roll-call vote of 19-11. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept.
115-18.
H.R. 985, the ``Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of
2017''
H.R. 985 amends the procedures used in Federal court class
actions and multidistrict litigation proceedings to assure
fairer, more efficient outcomes for claimants and defendants,
and serves other purposes.
Chairman Bob Goodlatte introduced the bill on February 9,
2017. The House considered the bill under the provisions of H.
Res. 180 and the bill passed by a roll call vote of 220 ayes,
201 nays, 1 present. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-
25.
H.R. 1039, the ``Probation Officer Protection Act of 2017''
H.R. 1039 amends section 3606 of title 18, United States
Code, to grant probation officers authority to arrest hostile
third parties who obstruct or impede a probation officer in the
performance of official duties.
Rep. Reichert introduced the bill on February 14, 2017. The
House considered the bill under the provisions of H. Res. and
the bill passed by a roll call vote of 229 ayes to 177 nays.
The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-112.
H.R. 1096, the ``Judgment Fund Transparency Act of 2017''
H.R. 1096 amends title 31, United States Code, to provide
for transparency of payments made from the Judgment Fund.
Rep. Chris Stewart introduced the bill on February 15,
2017. Committee reported the bill favorably to the House by a
voice vote.
H.R. 1188, the ``Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act of 2017''
H.R. 1188 reauthorizes certain programs established by the
Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and serves
other purposes.
Rep. Sensenbrenner introduced the bill on February 16,
2017. The House considered the bill under a suspension of the
rules and the bill passed by a voice vote. The bill was
accompanied by H. Rept. 115-348.
H.R. 1215, the ``Protecting Access to Care Act of 2017''
H.R. 1215 improves patient access to health care services
and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive
burden the liability system places on the health care delivery
system.
Rep. Steve King introduced the bill on February 24, 2017.
The House considered the bill under the provisions of H. Res.
382 and the bill passed by a roll call vote of 218 ayes to 210
nays. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-55.
H.R. 1393, the ``Mobile Workforce State Income Tax
Simplification Act of 2017''
H.R. 1393 limits the authority of States to tax certain
income of employees for employment duties performed in other
States.
Rep. Bishop introduced the bill on March 7, 2017. The House
considered the bill under a suspension of the rules and the
bill passed by a voice vote. The bill was accompanied by H.
Rept. 115-180.
H.R. 1667, the ``Financial Institution Bankruptcy Act of
2017''
H.R. 1667 amends title 11 of the United States Code in
order to facilitate the resolution of an insolvent financial
institution in bankruptcy.
Rep. Marino introduced the bill on March 22, 2017. The
House considered the bill under a suspension of the rules and
the bill passed by a voice vote. The bill was accompanied by H.
Rept. 115-80.
H.R. 1689, the ``Private Property Rights Protection Act of
2017''
H.R. 1689 prohibits a state or political subdivision from
exercising its power of eminent domain, or allowing the
exercise of such power by delegation, over property to be used
for economic development or over property that is used for
economic development within seven years after that exercise, if
the state or political subdivision receives federal economic
development funds during any fiscal year in which the property
is so used or intended to be used.
Rep. Sensenbrenner introduced the bill on March 22, 2017.
The House considered the bill under a suspension of the rules
and the bill passed by a voice vote. The bill was accompanied
by H. Rept. 115-859.
H.R. 1695, the ``Register of Copyrights Selection and
Accountability Act of 2017''
H.R. 1695 amends title 17, United States Code, to provide
additional responsibilities for the Register of Copyrights, and
for other purposes.
Chairman Bob Goodlatte introduced the bill on March 27,
2017. The House considered the bill under the provisions of H.
Res. 275 and the bill passed by a roll call vote: 378 ayes to
48 nays. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-91.
H.R. 1730, the ``Combating Anti-Semitism Act of 2017''
H.R. 1730 amends title 18, United States Code, to provide
for the protection of community centers with religious
affiliation, and for other purposes.
Rep. Kustoff introduced the bill on March 27, 2017. The
House considered the bill under a suspension of the rules and
the bill passed by a voice vote. The bill was accompanied by H.
Rept. 115-456.
H.R. 1761, the ``Protecting Against Child Exploitation Act of
2017
H.R. 1761 amends title 18, United States Code, to
criminalize the knowing consent of the visual depiction, or
live transmission, of a minor engaged in sexually explicit
conduct, and for other purposes.
Rep. Mike Johnson introduced the bill on March 28, 2017.
The House considered the bill under the provisions of H. Res.
352 and the bill passed by a roll call vote of 368 ayes to 51
nays. The bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-137.
H.R. 1842, the ``Strengthening Children's Safety Act of 2017''
H.R. 1842 amends title 18, United States Code, to include
State crimes of violence as grounds for an enhanced penalty
when sex offenders fail to register or report certain
information as required by Federal law, to include prior
military offenses for purposes of recidivist sentencing
provisions, and for other purposes.
Rep. Ratcliffe introduced the bill on March 30, 2017. The
House considered the bill under a suspension of the rules and
the bill passed by a voice vote of 371 ayes to 30 nays. The
bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-140.
H.R. 1862, the ``Global Child Protection Act of 2017''
H.R. 1862 amends the federal criminal code to broaden the
definition of ``illicit sexual conduct'' to include any conduct
involving a minor (currently, a sexual act with a minor) that
would be a sex abuse offense if it occurs inside the United
States. A minor is a person under 18 years of age.
Rep. Roby introduced the bill on April 4, 2017. The House
considered the bill under a suspension of the rules and the
bill passed by a voice vote of 372 ayes to 30 nays. The bill
was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-139.
H.R. 1865, the ``Allow States and Victims To Fight Online Sex
Trafficking Act of 2017''
H.R. 1865 amends the Communications Act of 1934 to clarify
that section 230 of such Act does not prohibit the enforcement
against providers and users of interactive computer services of
Federal and State criminal and civil law relating to sexual
exploitation of children or sex trafficking, and for other
purposes.
Rep. McGovern introduced the bill on April 3, 2017. The
bill was referred to the Crime Subcommittee and ordered to be
reported on December 12, 2017. H.R. 1865 passed the House on
February 27, 2017 by recorded vote: 388-25. On April 11, 2018,
the bill became Public Law No. 115-164.
H.R. 1872, the ``Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2017''
H.R. 1872 requires the Department of State to report to
Congress annually regarding the level of access Chinese
authorities granted U.S. diplomats, journalists, and tourists
to Tibetan areas in China. Such assessment shall include: a
comparison with the level of access granted to other areas of
China, a comparison between the levels of access granted to
Tibetan and non-Tibetan areas in relevant provinces, a
comparison of the level of access in the reporting year and the
previous year, and a description of the measures that impede
the freedom to travel in Tibetan areas.
Rep. McGovern introduced the bill on April 4, 2017. The
bill was referred to the Immigration Subcommittee and the
Committee ordered it to be reported on July 25, 2018. Under
suspension of the rules, the bill passed, as amended, by a
voice vote.
H.R. 1892, the ``Honoring Hometown Heroes Act''
H.R. 1892 amends title 4, United States Code, to provide
for the flying of the flag at half-staff in the event of the
death of a first responder in the line of duty.
Rep. Larson introduced the bill on April 4, 2017. The
Committee reported the bill on May 15, 2017. Under suspension
of the rules, H.R. 1892 passed by the yeas and nays: 411-1. On
February 9, 2018, H.R. 1892 became Public Law No. 115-123.
H.R. 1973, the ``Protecting Young Victims From Sexual Abuse
Act of 2017''
H.R. 1973 prevents the sexual abuse of minors and amateur
athletes by requiring the prompt reporting of sexual abuse to
law enforcement authorities, and for other purposes.
Rep. Susan Brooks introduced the bill on April 6, 2017. The
bill was referred to the Constitution Subcommittee. On May 25,
2017, H.R. 1973 passed the House by the yeas and nays: 415-3.
H.R. 2152, the ``Citizens' Right To Know Act of 2017''
H.R. 2152 requires a state or local government that
receives funds under a Department of Justice (DOJ) grant
program and uses such funds for a pretrial services program to
annually report to DOJ the amount of money allocated for the
pretrial services program and certain information about
participating defendants.
Rep. Poe introduced the bill on April 26, 2017. The bill
was referred to the Crime Subcommittee. H.R. 2152 was ordered
to be reported, as amended, on March 7, 2018. On May 9, 2018,
H.R. 2152 passed the House by the yeas and nays: 221-197.
H.R. 2228, the ``Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness
Act of 2017''
H.R. 2228 provides support for law enforcement agency
efforts to protect the mental health and well-being of law
enforcement officers.
Rep. Susan Brooks introduced the bill on April 27, 2017.
The bill was referred to the Crime Subcommittee. H.R. 2228 was
reported by the Committee on November 28, 2017. On November 28,
2017, under suspension of the rules, the bill, as amended,
passed by voice vote. On January 10, 2018, the bill became
Public Law 115-113.
H.R. 2266, the ``Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2017''
H.R. 2266 makes additional supplemental appropriations for
disaster relief requirements for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2018.
Rep. Conyers introduced H.R. 2266 on May 1, 2017. The bill
was reported, as amended, on May 17, 2017 and passed the House
under suspension of the rules, on May 17, 2017. On October 26,
2017, the bill became Public Law 115-72.
H.R. 2406, ``To amend section 442 of the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 to authorize United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, and for other purposes''
H.R. 2406 amends Section 442 the Homeland Security Act of
2002 to authorize United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement.
Chairman Bob Goodlatte introduced H.R. 2406 on May 11,
2017. The bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration
and Border Security on May 11, 2017. H.R. 2406 was ordered to
be reported favorably on May 24, 2017.
H.R. 2407, ``To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish United States Citizenship and Immigration Services,
and for other purposes''
H.R. 2407 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to
establish United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Chairman Bob Goodlatte introduced H.R. 2407 on May 11,
2017. On May 11, 2017, the bill was referred to the
Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. The bill was
ordered to be reported favorably on May 24, 2017.
H.R. 2431, the ``Michael Davis, Jr. and Danny Oliver in Honor
of State and Local Law Enforcement Act''
H.R. 2431 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to
improve immigration law enforcement within the interior of the
United States.
Rep. Labrador introduced H.R. 2431 on May 16, 2017. The
bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border
Security. The bill was ordered to be reported, as amended, on
May 24, 2017.
H.R. 2473, the ``Enforcing Justice for Victims of Trafficking
Act of 2017''
H.R. 2473 directs the Attorney General to study issues
relating to human trafficking. The bill amends the Victims of
Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 to modify
requirements with respect to the allocation of trafficking
victim services grant funds for training and technical
assistance.
Rep. Wagner introduced the bill on May 16, 2017. On May 23,
2017, H.R. 2473 passed the House, as amended, under suspension
of the rules.
H.R. 2480, the ``Empowering Law Enforcement To Fight Sex
Trafficking Demand Act''
H.R. 2480 amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets
Act of 1968 to include an additional permissible use of amounts
provided as grants under the Byrne JAG program.
Rep. Hartzler introduced H.R. 2480 on May 17, 2017. On June
28, 2017, the bill was ordered to be reported. Under suspension
of the rules, H.R. 2480 passed the House on July 12, 2017.
H.R. 2826, the ``Refugee Program Integrity Restoration Act of
2017''
H.R. 2826 provides for an annual adjustment of the number
of admissible refugees.
Rep. Labrador introduced H.R. 2826 on June 8, 2017. The
bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border
Security on June 8, 2017. On June 28, 2017, the bill was
ordered to be reported on June 28, 2017.
H.R. 2561, the ``POLICE Act of 2017''
H.R. 2561 amends title 18, United States Code, to permit
uniformed law enforcement officers to carry agency-issued
firearms in certain Federal facilities.
Rep. Hollingsworth introduced H.R. 2561 on May 19, 2017.
The bill was referred to the Crime Subcommittee on June 23,
2017. The bill was ordered to reported, as amended, on May 17,
2018.
H.R. 2595, the ``Strengthening the Department of Homeland
Security Secure Mail Initiative Act''
H.R. 2595 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to
provide for an option under the Secure Mail Initiative under
which a person to whom a document is sent under the initiative
may elect to have the United States Postal Service use the Hold
for pickup service or the Signature Confirmation service in
delivering the document.
Rep. Speier introduced H.R. 2595 on May 23, 2017. The bill
was referred to the Immigration Subcommittee on June 23, 2017.
H.R. 2595 was ordered to be reported on December 12, 2017.
H.R. 2666, the ``AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act of 2017''
H.R. 2666 amends the PROTECT act to make Indian tribes
eligible for AMBER Alert grants.
Rep. Biggs introduced H.R. 2666 on May 25, 2017. The bill
was referred to the Crime Subcommittee. The bill was ordered to
be reported on November 29, 2017.
H.R. 2851, the ``Stop the Importation and Trafficking of
Synthetic Analogues Act of 2017''
H.R. 2851 amends the Controlled Substances Act to clarify
how controlled substance analogues are to be regulated.
Rep. Katko introduced H.R. 2851 on June 8, 2017. The bill
was reported, as amended, on June 8, 2018. On June 15, 2018,
H.R. 2851 passed the House by a recorded vote: 239-142.
H.R. 3808, the ``Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2017''
H.R. 3808 precludes absolute liability in any action
against a property owner or contractor for projects receiving
Federal financial assistance for infrastructure and
transportation development.
Rep. Faso introduced H.R. 3808 on September 21, 2017. The
bill was referred to the Constitution Subcommittee on September
28, 2017. The bill was ordered to be reported, as amended, on
January 30, 2018.
H.R. 3249, the ``Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program
Authorization Act of 2017''
H.R. 3249 establishes the Project Safe Neighborhoods Block
Grant Program within the Department of Justice's Office of
Justice Programs to foster and improve existing partnerships to
create a safer neighborhood through sustained reductions in
crimes committed by criminal street gangs and transnational
organized crime groups.
Rep. Comstock introduced H.R. 3249 on July 14, 2017. The
bill was reported, as amended, on March 14, 2018. Under
suspension of the rules, H.R. 3249 was agreed to, as amended,
on March 14, 2018.
H.R. 3229, To protect the safety of judges by extending the
authority of the Judicial Conference to redact sensitive
information contained in their financial disclosure reports,
and for other purposes.
H.R. 3229 amends the Ethics and Government Act of 1978 to
extend through 2027 the authority of the Judicial Conference to
redact personal and sensitive information from the financial
disclosure report of a judge or judicial employee if it finds
that revealing the information could endanger that individual
or a family member of that individual.
Rep. Jeffries introduced H.R. 3229 on July 13, 2017. The
Committee reported the bill on September 26, 2017. Under
suspension of the rules, H.R. 3229 passed the House, as
amended, by voice vote.
H.R. 3317, the ``Stopping Abusive Female Exploitation Act of
2017''
H.R. 3317 amends title 18, United States Code, to increase
the penalty for female genital mutilation.
Rep. Trott introduced H.R. 3317 on July 19, 2017. Under
suspension of the rules, H.R. 3317, as amended, was agreed to
by the yeas and nays: 409-0.
H.R. 3487, To amend section 1332 of title 28, United States
Code, to provide that the requirement for diversity of
citizenship jurisdiction is met if any one party to the case is
diverse in citizenship from any one adverse party in the case.
H.R. 3487 amends the federal judicial code to specify that
U.S. district courts have jurisdiction on the basis of
diversity of citizenship if at least one adverse party does not
share the same citizenship as another adverse party.
Rep. Steve King introduced H.R. 3487 on July 27, 2017. The
bill was referred to the Constitution Subcommittee.
H.R. 3711, the ``Legal Workforce Act''
H.R. 3711 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to
make mandatory and permanent requirements relating to use of an
electronic employment eligibility verification system.
Rep. Lamar Smith introduced H.R. 3711 on September 8, 2017.
H.R. 3711 was referred to the Immigration Subcommittee. The
bill was ordered to be reported, as amended, on October 25,
2017.
H.R. 3989, the ``USA Liberty Act of 2017''
H.R. 3989 amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
of 1978 to clarify and improve the procedures and
accountability for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign
intelligence, to extend title VII of such Act, to ensure that
the barriers to sharing critical foreign intelligence among the
intelligence community that existed before September 11, 2001,
are not re-imposed.
Chairman Bob Goodlatte introduced H.R. 3989 on October 6,
2017. The bill was referred to the Crime Subcommittee. H.R.
3989 was ordered to be reported, as amended, on November 8,
2017.
H.R. 3996, the ``Protecting Access to the Courts for
Taxpayer's Act''
H.R. 3996 amends title 28, United States Code, to permit
other courts to transfer certain cases to the United States Tax
Court.
Rep. Issa introduced H.R. 3996 on October 10, 2017. The
Committee reported the bill on March 14, 2018. Under suspension
of the rules, H.R. 3996 passed the House on March 14, 2017 by
voice vote.
H.R. 4010, the ``Congressional Subpoena Compliance and
Enforcement Act of 2017''
H.R. 4010 amends the Revised Statues of the United States
and title 28, United States Code, to enhance compliance with
requests for information pursuant to legislative power under
Article I of the Constitution.
Rep. Issa introduced H.R. 4010 on October 11, 2017. H.R.
4010 was reported, as amended, on October 23, 2017. Under
suspension of the rules, H.R. 4010, as amended, passed the
House by voice vote.
H.R. 4092, the ``Agricultural Guestworker Act''
H.R. 4092 creates a nonimmigrant H-2C work visa program for
agricultural workers.
Chairman Bob Goodlatte introduced H.R. 4092 on October 23,
2017. The bill was referred to the Immigration Subcommittee.
The bill was ordered to be reported, as amended, on October 25,
2017.
H.R. 4170, the ``Disclosing Foreign Influence Act''
H.R. 4170 amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of
1938 to promote greater transparency in the registration of
persons serving as the agents of foreign principals, to provide
the Attorney General with greater authority to investigate
alleged violations of such Act and bring criminal and civil
actions against persons who commit such violations.
Rep. Mike Johnson introduced H.R. 4170 on October 31, 2017.
The bill was referred to the Constitution Subcommittee. H.R.
4170 was ordered to be reported, as amended, on January 17,
2018.
H.R. 4203, the ``Combat Online Predators Act''
H.R. 4203 amends the federal criminal code to increase the
maximum prison term for a stalking offense, if the victim is
under 18 years of age.
Rep. Fitzpatrick introduced H.R. 4203 on November 1, 2017.
The bill was reported, as amended, on April 10, 2018. Under
suspension of the rules, H.R. 4203, as amended, was agreed to
by the yeas and nays: 409-2.
H.R. 4423, the ``North Texas Water Supply Security Act of
2017''
H.R. 4223 limits claims under Federal law seeking judicial
review of any environmental impact statement, environmental
review, or authorization for the Lower Bois d'Arc Creek
Reservoir Project in Fannin County, Texas.
Rep. Johnson introduced H.R. 4423 on November 16, 2017. The
Regulatory Reform Subcommittee held a hearing on the bill on
April 12, 2018. The Committee ordered the bill to be reported,
as amended, on June 13, 2018.
H.R. 4477, the ``Fix NICS Act of 2017''
H.R. 4477 enforces current law regarding the National
Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Rep. Culberson introduced H.R. 4477 on November 29, 2017.
The bill was reported, as amended, on December 5, 2017.
H.R. 5283, To make technical amendments to update statutory
references to certain provisions classified to title 7, title
20, and title 43, United States Code.
H.R. 5283 makes technical amendments to update statutory
references to certain provisions classified to title 7, title
20, and title 43.
Rep. Steve King introduced H.R. 5283 on March 15, 2018. The
bill was ordered to be reported on April 11, 2018.
H.R. 5447, the ``Music Modernization Act''
H.R. 5447 modernizes copyright law.
Chairman Bob Goodlatte introduced H.R. 5447 on April 10,
2018. The bill was reported on April 25, 2018. Under suspension
of the rules, H.R. 5447, as amended, passed by the yeas and
nays: 415-0.
H.R. 5468, the ``Permitting Litigation Efficiency Act of
2018''
H.R. 5468 amends chapter 7, United States Code, to provide
for certain limitations on judicial review of agency actions.
Rep. Marino introduced H.R. 5468 on April 11, 2018. The
bill was referred to the Regulatory Reform Subcommittee on
April 11, 2018. The Subcommittee held a hearing on the bill on
April 12, 2018. H.R. 5468 was ordered to be reported, as
amended.
H.R. 5634, the ``Medical Cannabis Research Act of 2018''
H.R. 5634 increases the number of manufacturers registered
under the Controlled Substances Act to manufacture cannabis for
legitimate research purposes, to authorize health care
providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide
recommendations to veterans regarding participation in
federally-approved cannabis clinical trials.
Rep. Gaetz introduced H.R. 5634 on April 26, 2018. The bill
was referred to the Crime Subcommittee on May 22, 2018. The
Committee ordered H.R. 5634 to be reported, as amended, on
September 13, 2018.
H.R. 5682, the ``FIRST STEP Act''
H.R. 5682 provides for programs to help reduce the risk
that prisoners will recidivate upon release from prison.
Rep. Collins introduced H.R. 5682 on May 7, 2018. The
Committee reported the bill, as amended, on May 22, 2018. Under
suspension of the rules, H.R. 5682 passed the House as amended,
by the Yeas and Nays: 360-59.
H.R. 5698, the ``Protect and Serve Act of 2018''
H.R. 5698 amends title 18, United States Code, to punish
criminal offenses targeting law enforcement officers.
Rep. Rutherford introduced H.R. 5698 on May 8, 2018. The
Committee reported the bill on May 11, 2018. H.R. 5698 passed
the House by the Yeas and Nays: 382-35, on May 16, 2018.
H.R. 5904, the ``No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act of
2018''
H.R. 5904 amends the Sherman Act to make oil-producing and
exporting cartels illegal.
Rep. Chabot introduced H.R. 5904 on May 22, 2018. On June
5, 2018, H.R. 5904 was referred to the Regulatory Reform
Subcommittee. The bill was ordered to be reported, as amended
on June 13, 2018.
H.R. 5954, the ``Anti-terrorism Clarification Act of 2018''
H.R. 5954 amends title 18, United States Code, to clarify
the meaning of the terms ``act of war'' and ``blocked asset.''
Chairman Bob Goodlatte introduced H.R. 5954 on May 24,
2018. H.R. 5954 was referred to the Constitution Subcommittee.
The Committee ordered the bill, as amended, to be reported on
July 23, 2018. H.R. 5954 was reported to the House on July 23,
2018. On July 23, 2018, H.R. 5954, as amended, was agreed to by
voice vote, under suspension of the rules.
H.R. 6730, the ``Injunctive Authority Clarification Act of
2018''
H.R. 6730 amends title 28, United States Code, to prohibit
the issuance of national injunctions, and serves other
purposes.
Chairman Bob Goodlatte introduced the bill on September 7,
2018. The bill was referred to the Committee. The Committee
reported the bill favorably to the House by a roll-call vote of
14 ayes to 6 nays.
H.R. 6754, the ``CIRCUIT Act''
H.R. 6754 amends title 28, United States Code, to modify
the structure of the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Rep. Issa introduced the bill on September 10, 2018. The
bill was referred to the Committee. The Committee reported the
bill favorably to the house by a roll-call vote of 16 ayes to 5
nays.
H.R. 6755, the ``Judiciary ROOM Act''
H.R. 6755 provides for additional Article III judges, to
modernize the administration of justice.
Rep. Issa introduced the bill on September 10, 2018. The
bill was referred to the Committee. The Committee reported the
bill favorably to the House by a voice vote.
H.R. 6758, the ``Study of Underrepresented Classes Chasing
Engineering and Science Success Act of 2018''
H.R. 6758 directs the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO) to study and report to Congress on the number of
patents applied for and obtained: (1) by women, minorities, and
veterans; and (2) by small businesses owned by women,
minorities, and veterans.
Rep. Chabot introduced the bill on September 10, 2018. The
bill was referred to the Committee. The House considered the
bill under a suspension of the rules. The bill passed the house
by a voice vote. The President signed the bill into law on
October 31, 2018 and the bill became Pub. L. No 115-273. The
bill was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-966.
H. Res. 111, Of inquiry directing the Attorney General to
transmit certain documents to the House of Representatives
relating to the financial practices of the President.
H. Res. 111 directs the Attorney General to transmit
certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to
the financial practices of the President.
Rep. Nadler introduced the resolution on February 9, 2017.
The Committee reported the resolution to the House adversely by
a roll call vote of 18 ayes to 16 nays. The resolution was
accompanied by H. Rept. 115-28.
H. Res. 184, Resolution of inquiry requesting the President
and directing the Attorney General to transmit, respectively,
certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to
communications with the government of Russia.
H. Res. 184 directs the Attorney General to transmit,
respectively, certain documents to the House of Representatives
relating to communications with the government of Russia.
Rep. Jeffries introduced the resolution on. The Committee
reported the resolution to the House adversely by a roll call
vote of 19 ayes to 15 nays. The resolution was accompanied by
H. Rept. 115-83.
H. Res. 203, Resolution of inquiry requesting the President,
and directing the Attorney General, to transmit, respectively,
certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to
certain communications by the President of the United States.
General to transmit certain documents to the House of
Representatives relating to the financial practices of the
President.
H. Res. 203 directs the Attorney General, to transmit,
respectively, certain documents to the House of Representatives
relating to certain communications by the President of the
United States. General to transmit certain documents to the
House of Representatives relating to the financial practices of
the President.
Rep. Quigley introduced the resolution on. The Committee
reported the resolution to the House adversely by a roll call
vote of 19 ayes to 15 nays. The resolution was accompanied by
H. Rept. 115-83.
H. Res. 446, Resolution of inquiry requesting the President
and directing the Attorney General to transmit, respectively,
certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to
the removal of former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director
James Comey.
H. Res. 446 directs the Attorney General to transmit,
respectively, certain documents to the House of Representatives
relating to the removal of former Federal Bureau of
Investigation Director James Comey.
Rep. Jayapal introduced the resolution on. The Committee
reported the resolution to the House favorably by a roll call
vote of 15 ayes to 13 nays. The resolution was accompanied by
H. Rept. 115-300.
H. Res. 488, Resolution of inquiry requesting the President
and directing the Attorney General to transmit, respectively,
certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to
the removal of former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director
James Comey.
H. Res. 488 directs the Attorney General to transmit,
respectively, certain documents to the House of Representatives
relating to the removal of former Federal Bureau of
Investigation Director James Comey.
Rep. Cicilline introduced the resolution on July 28, 2017.
The Committee reported the resolution to the House adversely by
a roll call vote of 23 ayes to 8 nays. The resolution was
accompanied by H. Rept. 115-335.
H. Res. 928, Of inquiry requesting the President and directing
the Attorney General to transmit, respectively, certain
documents to the House of Representatives relating to the
President's use of the pardon power under article II, section 2
of the Constitution.
H. Res. 928 directs the Attorney General to transmit,
respectively, certain documents to the House of Representatives
relating to the President's use of the pardon power under
article II, section 2 of the Constitution.
Rep. Lieu introduced the resolution on. The Committee
reported the resolution to the House adversely by a roll call
vote of 13 ayes to 12 nays. The resolution was accompanied by
H. Rept. 115-77. The Committee filed a supplement to H. Rept.
115-77 on August 28, 2018.
H. Res. 938, Of inquiry directing the Attorney General to
provide certain documents in the Attorney General's possession
to the House of Representatives relating to the ongoing
congressional investigation related to certain prosecutorial
and investigatory decisions made by the Department of Justice
and Federal Bureau of Investigation surrounding the 2016
election.
H. Res. 938 directs the Attorney General to provide certain
documents in the Attorney General's possession to the House of
Representatives relating to the ongoing congressional
investigation related to certain prosecutorial and
investigatory decisions made by the Department of Justice and
Federal Bureau of Investigation surrounding the 2016 election.
Rep. Meadows introduced the resolution on June 13, 2018.
The Committee reported the resolution to the House favorably by
a roll call vote of 15 ayes to 11 nays. The resolution was
accompanied by H. Rept. 115-813
H.J. Res. 76, Granting the consent and approval of Congress
for the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland, and
the District of Columbia to enter into a compact relating to
the establishment of the Washington Metrorail Safety
Commission.
H.R. Res. 76 grants congressional consent and approval for
the Commonwealth of Virginia, the state of Maryland, and the
District of Columbia to enter into a Metrorail Safety
Commission (MSC) Interstate Compact.
Rep. Hoyer introduced the resolution on February 16, 2017.
The House considered the resolution under a suspension of the
rules. The resolution passed the House by a roll-call vote of
399 ayes to 5 nays. The President signed the resolution into
law on August 22, 2017 and the resolution became Pub. L. No:
115-54. The resolution was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-227.
H.J. Res. 92, Granting the consent and approval of Congress
for the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland, and
the District of Columbia to amend the Washington Area Transit
Regulation Compact.
H.J. Res. 92 grants the consent and approval of Congress
for the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland, and
the District of Columbia to amend the Washington Area Transit
Regulation Compact.
Rep. Comstock introduced the resolution on March 28, 2017.
The House considered the resolution under a suspension of the
rules. The resolution passed by a roll-call vote of 402 ayes to
0 nays. The resolution was accompanied by H. Rept. 115-228.
S. 305, the ``Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017''
S. 305 amends title 4, United States Code, to encourage the
display of the flag of the United States on National Vietnam
War Veterans Day.
Sen. Pat Toomey introduced the bill on February 3, 2017.
The House considered a bill under a suspension of the rules.
The bill passed the House by a unanimous voice vote. The
President signed the bill into law on March 28, 2017. The bill
became Pub. L. No: 115-15.
Oversight Activities
Joint Investigation Task Force
On October 24, 2017, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob
Goodlatte (VA) and House Oversight and Government Reform
Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy (SC) opened a joint investigation
into decisions made by the Department of Justice in 2016.
Members of the joint investigation task force included:
Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA), Chairman Trey Gowdy (SC), Rep.
John Ratcliffe (TX), Rep. Mark Meadows (NC), Rep. Jim Jordan
(OH), Rep. Ken Buck (CO), Ranking Member Jerry Nadler (NY), and
Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (MD).
The task force interviewed the following witnesses: Nellie
Ohr, Researcher, Fusion GPS; Glenn Simpson, Founder, Fusion
GPS; James A. Baker, Former General Counsel, Federal Bureau of
Investigation; William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director in
Charge, New York Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation;
George Toscas, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of
Justice; Jonathan Moffa, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bruce
Ohr, Department of Justice; Trisha Anderson, Former Deputy
General Counsel, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Lisa Page,
Federal Bureau of Investigation; Peter Strzok, Federal Bureau
of Investigation; John Giacalone, Federal Bureau of
Investigation; Bill Priestap, Federal Bureau of Investigation;
James Rybicki, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Andrew McCabe,
Federal Bureau of Investigation; Sally Moyer, Lawyer and Unit
Chief, Federal Bureau of Investigation; George Papadopoulos,
Former Trump Campaign worker, Foreign Policy Advisor; and James
Comey, Former Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Laws
(Serial No. 115-2)
On March 1, 2017, the Committee held a hearing to discuss
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and
to examine the functionality of the program as well as
necessary steps to improve it for reauthorization.
The hearing consisted of two panels of witnesses. The first
panel consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Mr. Brad
Brooker, Acting General Counsel, Office of the Director of
National Intelligence; (2) Mr. Paul Morris, Deputy General
Counsel for Operations, National Security Agency; (3) Mr.
Stephen Vanech, Deputy Chief, Office of Counterterrorism,
National Security Agency; (4) Mr. Stuart Evans, Deputy
Assistant Attorney General, National Security Division,
Department of Justice; and (5) Mr. Grant Mendenhall, Acting
Assistant Director, Counterterrorism Division, Federal Bureau
of Investigation. The second panel consisted of the following
witnesses: (1) Mr. Jeff Kosseff, Assistant Professor, Cyber
Science Department, United States Naval Academy; (2) Ms. April
Doss, Partner, Saul Ewing LLP; (3) Ms. Elizabeth Goitein, Co-
Director, Liberty & National Security Program, Brennan Center
for Justice, NYU School of Law; and (4) Mr. Adam Klein, Senior
Fellow, Center for a New American Security.
The Department of Homeland Security's Proposed Regulations
Reforming the Investor Visa Program (Serial No. 115-4)
On March 8, 2017, the Committee held an oversight hearing
to examine the Department of Homeland Security's proposed
changes to strengthen the integrity of the EB-5 investor visa
program such that it benefits the U.S. Economy.
The hearing consisted of two panels of witnesses. The first
panel consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Honorable
Charles Grassley, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S.
Senate (R-IA); and (2) Honorable Patrick Leahy, U.S. Senate (D-
VT). The second panel consisted of the following witnesses: (1)
Ms. Rebecca Gambler, Homeland Security and Justice Team, U.S.
Government Accountability Office; (2) Mr. Sam Walls III,
Managing Director, Pine State Regional Center; (3) Ms.
Angelique Brunner, Founder and President, EB5 Capital; (4) Ms.
Dekonti Mends-Cole, Director of Policy, Center for Community
Progress; and (5) Mr. David North, Fellow, Center for
Immigration Studies.
Examining Systemic Management and Fiscal Challenges within the
Department of Justice (Serial No. 115-10)
On March 21, 2017, the Committee held a hearing to review
the functionality of the Department of Justice and to examine
necessary reforms in reauthorizing certain programs to ensure
it is cost-effective and working for the betterment of all
Americans.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1)
Honorable Michael Horowitz, Inspector General, United States
Department of Justice; and (2) Diana Maurer, Director, Homeland
Security and Justice Issues, U.S. Government Accountability
Office.
Data Stored Abroad: Ensuring Lawful Access and Privacy
Protection in the Digital Era (Serial No. 115-36)
On June 15, 2017, the Committee held an oversight hearing
to examine various issues related to digital data, including
international conflicts of law, storage and transmission
practices, governmental acquisition challenges, and protection
of consumer data.
The hearing consisted of two panels of witnesses. The first
panel consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Mr. Richard
Downing, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal
Division, U.S. Department of Justice; and (2) Mr. Paddy
McGuinness, UK Deputy National Security Advisor, Oxford, UK.
The second panel consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Mr.
Richard Salgado, Director, Law Enforcement and Information
Security, Google; (2) Mr. Richard Littlehale, Special Agent in
Charge, Technical Services Unit, Tennessee Bureau of
Investigation; (3) Mr. Chris Calabrese, Vice President, Policy,
Center for Democracy & Technology; and (4) Professor Andrew
Woods, Assistant Professor of Law, University of Kentucky
College of Law.
The Need for the Balanced Budget Amendment (Serial No. 115-42)
On July 27, 2017, the Committee held an oversight hearing
to examine the need for the Balanced Budget Amendment. Federal
budget deficits have become one of America's most persistent
political issues and a balanced federal budget is a bipartisan
goal of many Members of Congress. The first panel was comprised
of members with balanced budget amendments and the second panel
included outside experts.
The hearing consisted of two panels of witnesses. The first
panel consisted of the following witnesses: (1) The Honorable
John Ratcliffe, Congressman, 4th District of Texas, U.S. House
of Representatives; (2) The Honorable Bobby Scott, Congressman,
3rd District of Virginia, U.S. House of Representatives; (3)
The Honorable Vern Buchanan, Congressman, 16th District of
Florida, U.S. House of Representatives; (4) The Honorable Steve
Stivers, Congressman, 15th District of Ohio, U.S. House of
Representatives; (5) The Honorable Justin Amash, Congressman,
3rd District of Michigan, U.S. House of Representatives; (6)
The Honorable Barry Loudermilk, Congressman, 11th District of
Georgia, U.S. House of Representatives; and (7) The Honorable
Stephanie Murphy, Congresswoman, 7th District of Florida, U.S.
House of Representatives. The second panel consisted of the
following witnesses: (1) Douglas Holtz-Eakin, President,
American Action Forum; (2) Alan Blinder, Gordon S. Rentschler
Memorial Professor, Economics and Public Affairs, Princeton
University; (3) David Primo, Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor,
Associate Professor Political Science and Business
Administration, University of Rochester; and (4) Nick Dranias,
President and Executive Director; Compact Administrator,
Compact for American Educational Foundation; Compact for a
Balanced Budget.
Examining Anti-Semitism on College Campuses (Serial No. 115-
45)
On November 7, 2017, the Committee held a hearing to
examine the state of Anti-Semitism on college campuses and
necessary reforms to address the issue.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Rabbi
Andrew Baker, Director, International Jewish Affairs, American
Jewish Committee; (2) Dr. Pamela Nadell, Patrick Clendenen
Chair in Women's and Gender History, President, Association for
Jewish Studies American University; (3) Rabbi Abraham Cooper,
Associate Dean, Director Global Science Action Agenda, Simon
Wiesenthal Center; (4) Dr. Barry Trachtenberg, Rubin
Presidential Chair of Jewish History; Director, Jewish Studies
Program, Wake Forest University; (5) Paul Clement, Partner,
Kirkland & Ellis LLP; (6) Sandra Hagee, Chairwoman, Christians
United for Israel Action Fund; (7) Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and
National Director, Anti-Defamation League; (8) Suzanne Nossel,
Executive Director, PEN America; and (9) Ken Stern, Executive
Director, Justus & Karin Rosenberg Foundation.
Oversight of the Department of Justice (Serial No. 115-47)
On November 14, 2017, the Committee held an annual
oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
The hearing consisted of the following witness: (1) The
Honorable Jefferson Sessions III, Attorney General, United
States Department of Justice.
Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Serial No.
115-72)
On December 7, 2017, the Committee held an annual oversight
hearing on the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The hearing consisted of the following witness: (1) The
Honorable Christopher Wray, Director, Federal Bureau of
Investigation.
Oversight Hearing with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein
(Serial No. 115-49)
On December 13, 2017, the Committee held an oversight
hearing with the Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein
regarding the Department of Justice's actions in response to
Section 702 legislation and other Departmental actions.
The hearing consisted of the following witness: (1) The
Honorable Rod Rosenstein, Deputy Attorney General, U.S.
Department of Justice.
Music Policy Issues: A Perspective from Those Who Make It
(Serial No. 115-50)
On January 26, 2018, the Committee held a hearing in the
Constantino Room of Fordham University School of Law, New York,
New York, to discuss the issues of music copyright law with
several members of the music industry.
This hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Mr.
Aloe Blacc, Musician, Singer, and Songwriter; (2) Mr. Mike
Clink, Record Producer; (3) Mr. Booker Jones, Songwriter,
Record Producer, Artist, and Arranger; (4) Mr. Tom Douglas,
Songwriter; Mr. Neil Portnow, President, The Recording Academy;
and (5) Ms. Dionne Warwick, Recording Artist.
Filtering Practices of Social Media Platforms (Serial No. 115-
56)
On April 26, 2018, the Committee held a hearing to discuss
the methods through which social media outlets manage and
filter information and content on their platforms.
This hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) The
Honorable Marsha Blackburn, 7th District of Tennessee, United
States House of Representatives; (2) The Honorable Jim Himes,
4th District of Connecticut, United States House of
Representatives; (3) Diamond and Silk, Social Media
Personalities; (4) Mr. David Chavern, Chief Executive Officer,
News Media Alliance and American Press Institute; (5) Berin
Szoka, President, TechFreedom; and (6) Prof. Ari Waldman
Director, Innovation Center for Law and Technology, Professor
of Law, New York Law School.
Challenges and Solutions in the Opioid Abuse Crisis (Serial
No. 115-57)
On May 8, 2018, the Committee held a hearing to discuss the
opioid epidemic and possible strategies for combatting this
crisis.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1)
Robert Patterson, Acting Administration, Drug Enforcement
Administration; (2) Dr. Timothy Westlake M.D., Hartland,
Wisconsin; (3) J. Spencer Morgan III, Commonwealth's Attorney,
Accomack County, Virginia; (4) Kristen Holman, Lynchburg,
Virginia; and (5) Dr. Josiah Rich M.D.
Oversight of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
(Serial No. 115-58)
On May 22, 2018, the Committee held an oversight hearing to
examine the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The hearing consisted of the following witness: (1) The
Honorable Andrei Iancu, Director of the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office, Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual
Property, U.S. Department of Commerce.
Oversight of the FBI and DOJ Actions in Advance of the 2016
Election (Serial No. 115-34)
On June 19, 2016, the Committee held a hearing to examine
the actions of the FBI and DOJ leading up to the 2016 election
and the details of the Inspector General's report.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1)
Michael Horowitz, Inspector General, Department of Justice.
Oversight of the FBI and DOJ Actions Surrounding the 2016
Election (Serial No. 115-61)
On June 28th, 2018, the Committee held a second hearing to
examine the actions of the FBI and DOJ leading up to the 2016
election. The hearing follows up on Mr. Horowitz's appearance
and is an opportunity to address the findings and the
recommendations made by the Inspector General. The hearing was
an opportunity to examine some of the other matters discovered
by Mr. Horowitz, and to determine what other oversight might be
necessary concerning these two institutions and what actions
these agencies plan to take to hold individuals accountable and
ensure this never happens again.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) The
Honorable Rod J. Rosenstein, Deputy Attorney General, United
States Department of Justice; (2) The Honorable Christopher
Wray, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Joint hearing on, ``Oversight of FBI and DOJ Actions
Surrounding the 2016 Election; Testimony by FBI Deputy
Assistant Director Peter Strzok'' (Serial No. 115-62)
On July 12, 2018, the Committee held a third hearing to
examine the actions of the FBI and DOJ leading up to the 2016
election. During 2016, Strzok had a pivotal responsibility in
the FBI's investigation of whether former Secretary Clinton
mishandled classified information and in the investigation of
Russian attempts to interfere in the 2016 election.
The hearing consisted of the following witness: (1) Peter
Strzok, Deputy Assistant Director, Federal Bureau of
Investigations.
Oversight of the ATF National Canine Division (Serial No. 115-
63)
On July 16, 2018, the Committee held a hearing in Front
Royal, Virginia, focusing on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives Canine Training Center, an integral
part of the National Canine Division.
Facebook, Google and Twitter: Examining the Content Filtering
Practices of Social Media Giants (Serial No. 115-64)
On July 17, 2017, the Committee held a hearing to examine
how social media companies filter content on their platforms.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Ms.
Monika Bickert, Head of Global Policy Management, Facebook; (2)
Ms. Juniper Downs, Global Head of Public Policy and Government
Relations, YouTube; and (3) Mr. Nick Pickles, Senior
Strategist, Public Policy, Twitter.
Examining the Wayfair Decision and its Ramifications for
Consumers and Small Businesses (Serial No. 115-65)
On July 24, 2018, the Committee held a hearing to examine
what compliance burdens states are placing on remote sellers
and how sellers plan to cope. The hearing also studied ways in
which the imposition of myriad and disparate burdens may
discourage innovation and new market entrants in e-Commerce.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Mr.
Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform; (2) Mr.
Chad White, Owner, Class-Tech-Cars, Inc.; (3) Mr. Lary
Sinewitz, Executive Vice President, BrandsMart on behalf of the
National Retail Federation; (4) Mr. Bartlett Cleland, General
Counsel and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, American
Legislative Exchange Council; (5) The Honorable Curt Bramble,
Past President, National Conference of State Legislatures; (6)
Mr. Andrew Moylan, Executive Vice President, National Taxpayers
Union Foundation; (7) Mr. Joseph R. Crosby, Principal,
MultiState Associates Incorporated; and (8) Mr. Andrew J.
Pincus, Partner, Mayer Brown.
Transparency & Accountability: Examining Google and its Data
Collection, Use and Filtering Practices (Serial No. 115-73)
On December 11, 2018, the Committee held a hearing to
examine the data collection, use, and filtering practices of
Google.
This hearing consisted of the following witness: (1) Mr.
Sundar Pichai, Chief Executive Officer, Google LLC.
Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (Serial No.
115-75)
On December 20, 2018, the Committee held an oversight
hearing on the Department of Homeland Security.
This hearing consisted of the following witness: (1) The
Honorable Kirstjen Nielsen, Director, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE CONSTITUTION AND CIVIL JUSTICE
STEVE KING, Iowa, Chairman
STEVE COHEN, Tennessee LOUIE GOHMERT, Texas
JAMIE RASKIN, Maryland KAREN HANDEL, Georgia
THEODORE E. DEUTCH, Florida
Jurisdiction
The Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice
shall have jurisdiction over the following subject matters:
constitutional amendments, constitutional rights, Federal civil
rights, claims against the United States, non-immigration
private claims bills, ethics in government, tort liability,
including medical malpractice and product liability, legal
reform generally, other appropriate matters as referred by the
Chairman, and relevant oversight.
Legislative Activities
H.R. 1689, the ``Private Property Rights Protection Act''
(Serial No. 115-14)
On March 30, 2017, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on H.R. 1689, which seeks to prohibit a state or
political subdivision from exercising its power of eminent
domain, or allowing the exercise of such power by delegation,
over property to be used for economic development or over
property that is used for economic development within seven
years after that exercise, if the state or political
subdivision receives federal economic development funds during
any fiscal year in which the property is used or intended for
use. Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced the bill on
March 22, 2017.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1)
Jeffrey Redfern, Attorney, Institute for Justice; (2) Tina
Barnes, Client, Institute for Justice; and (3) William Buzbee,
Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center.
H.R 490, the ``Heartbeat Protection Act of 2017'' (Serial No.
115-44)
The Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 490 on November 1,
2017. H.R. 490 amends the federal criminal code to make it a
crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion: (1)
without determining whether the fetus has a detectable
heartbeat, (2) without informing the mother of the results, or
(3) after determining that a fetus has a detectable heartbeat.
Rep. Steve King (R-IA) introduced the bill on January 12, 2017.
The witnesses for the hearing were: (1) Priscilla Smith,
Clinical Lecturer in Law, Reproductive Rights and Justice
Project; (2) David Forte, Professor of Law, Cleveland State
University; (3) Dr. Kathi Aultman, M.D., Associate Scholar,
Charlotte Lozier Institute; and (4) Star Parker, Founder and
President, Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE).
Oversight Activities
The State of Religious Liberty in America (Serial No. 115-5)
On February 16, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the state of religious liberty in America and the
challenges now facing religious liberty from Supreme Court
decisions, executive orders, and other related sources.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Kim
Colby, Director, Christian Legal Society's Center for Law and
Religious Freedom; (2) Hannah Smith, Senior Counsel, Becket;
(3) Rabbi David Saperstein; and (4) Casey Mattox, Senior
Counsel, Alliance Defending Freedom's Center for Academic
Freedom.
Oversight of the Judgment Fund (Serial No. 115-6)
On March 2, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the administration of the Judgment Fund, the current
state of the Judgment Fund, and what congressional oversight
actions may be necessary.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Paul
Figley, Associate Director of Legal Rhetoric, American
University Washington College of Law; (2) Neil Kinkopf,
Professor of Law, Georgia State University College of Law; and
(3) Chris Jacobs, Founder and CEO, Juniper Research Group.
First Amendment Protections on Public College and University
Campuses (Serial No. 115-15)
On April 4, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine First Amendment protections on public college and
university campuses.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1)
Stanley Kurtz, Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center;
(2) Greg Lukianoff, President and CEO, Foundation for
Individual Rights in Education (FIRE); (3) David Hudson,
Ombudsman, First Amendment Center; and (4) Ken Klukowski,
Senior Counsel & Director of Strategic Affairs, First Liberty
Institution.
Lawsuit Abuse and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act
(Serial No. 115-21)
On June 13, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine lawsuit abuse of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act
(TCPA) and to explore the unintended consequences of the TCPA
lawsuit abuse that has grown into a unique legal industry.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Mr.
Rob Sweeney, Founder & CEO, Mobile Media Technologies LLC; (2)
Ms. Becca Wahlquist, Partner, Snell & Wilmer LLP; (3) Mr.
Hassan Zavareei, Partner, Tycko & Zavareei LLP; and (4) Mr.
Adonis Hoffman, Founder & Chairman, Business in the Public
Interest.
Examining Ethical Responsibilities Regarding Attorney
Advertising (Serial No. 115-22)
On June 23, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine ethical responsibilities regarding attorney
advertising, focusing on what can be done to prevent
unintentional, yet harmful, effects of misleading attorney-
produced drug advertisements.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Dr.
Ilana Kutinsky MD, Director of Atrial Fibrillation Services,
William Beaumont Hospital Troy; (2) Dr. Shawn Fleming MD,
Vascular Surgeon, Novant Health Vascular Specialists; (3) Lynda
Shely, Partner, The Shely Firm; and (4) Elizabeth Tippett,
Assistant Professor, University of Oregon School of Law.
Examining Class Action Lawsuits Against Intermediate Care
Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (IFC/
IID) (Serial No. 115-52)
On March 6, 2018, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine class action lawsuits against intermediate care
facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1)
Martha Bryant, Mother and RN, BSN, Amherst County, Virginia (2)
Caroline Lahrmann, Mother and former President of VOR,
Columbus, Ohio; (3) Alison Barkoff, Sister and Co-Chair,
Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities; and (4) Peter
Kinzler, father and Attorney, Alexandria, Virginia.
Questions Regarding the U.S. Census (Serial No. 115-59)
On June 8, 2018, the Subcommittee held a hearing to examine
the constitutional options the federal government has in
determining how the decennial census is conducted and used,
especially with regard to people who are not in the country
legally.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Steve
Marshall, Attorney General, Alabama; (2) J. Christian Adams,
President and General Counsel, Public Interest Legal
Foundation; (3) Dr. Steve Murdock, Professor, Rice University;
and (4) Steven Camarota, Director of Research, Center for
Immigration Studies.
The State of Intellectual Freedom in America (Serial No. 115-
68)
On September 27, 2018, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the state of intellectual freedom in America, as it
pertains to the exchange and presentation of ideas on college
campuses, social media, and other public platforms.
The hearing consisted of two panels of witnesses. The first
panel consisted of the following witness: (1) Dr. Mike Adams,
Professor, University of North Carolina at Wilmington; (2) Dr.
Peter Wood, President, National Association of Scholars; (3)
Mike Simkovic, Professor of Law and Accounting, George Mason
University; and (4) Dr. Tim Groseclose, Professor, George Mason
University. The second panel consisted of the following
witnesses: (1) Jim Hoft, Founder and Editor, The Gateway
Pundit; (2) Adriana Cohen, Syndicated Columnist, Boston Herald
Radio Host; (3) Jeremy Tedesco, Vice President of U.S.
Advocacy, Alliance Defending Freedom; (4) Ari Waldman,
Professor of Law, New York Law School; and (5) Harmeet K.
Dhillon, Esq., Partner, Dhillon Law Group Inc.
Examining Sober Living Homes (Serial No. 115-70)
On September 28, 2018, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine existing laws seeking to regulate sober living homes
and necessary reforms and legislation to ensure safe and
legitimate use of such recovery programs.
The hearing consisted of two panels of witnesses. The first
panel consisted of the following witness: (1) The Honorable
Judy Chu, 27th District of California, U.S. House of
Representatives; (2) The Honorable Dana Rohrabacher, 48th
District of California, U.S. House of Representatives; and (3)
The Honorable Steve Knight, 25th District of California, U.S.
House of Representatives. The second panel consisted of the
following witnesses: (1) Erik Peterson, Mayor Pro Tempore,
Huntington Beach, California; (2) Todd Leishman, Attorney,
Best, Best & Krieger; (3) Sara Pratt, Counsel, Relman, Dane &
Colfax, PLLC; and (4) Dave Aronberg, State Attorney, 15th
Judicial Circuit, FL.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COURTS, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, AND THE INTERNET
DARRELL E. ISSA, California,
Chairman
DOUG COLLINS, Georgia, Vice-
Chairman
HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, Jr., GeorgiaMAR SMITH, Texas
THEODORE E. DEUTCH, Florida STEVE CHABOT, Ohio
KAREN BASS, California JIM JORDAN, Ohio
CEDRIC L. RICHMOND, Louisiana TED POE, Texas
HAKEEM S. JEFFRIES, New York TOM MARINO, Pennsylvania
ERIC SWALWELL, California TREY GOWDY, South Carolina
TED LIEU, California RAUL LABRADOR, Idaho
BRADLEY SCHNEIDER, Illinois MATT GAETZ, Florida
ZOE LOFGREN, California ANDY BIGGS, Arizona
STEVE COHEN, Tennessee JOHN RUTHERFORD, Florida
DAVID CICILLINE, Rhode Island KEITH ROTHFUS, Pennsylvania
PRAMILA JAYAPAL, Washington
Jurisdiction
The Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the
Internet shall have jurisdiction over the following subject
matters: Administration of U.S. Courts, Federal Rules of
Evidence, Civil and Appellate Procedure, judicial ethics,
patent, trademark law, information technology, and other
appropriate matters as referred by the Chairman, and relevant
oversight.
Oversight Activities
Judicial Transparency and Ethics (Serial No. 115-1)
On February 14, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the issues facing the federal courts system, focusing
on several transparency issues, including the effectiveness of
the PACER service, and use of audio and video recordings of
courtroom procedures.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Mr.
Mickey Osterreicher, Esq., General Counsel, National Press
Photographers Association (NPPA); (2) Professor Thomas Bruce,
Director, Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School; and
(3) Professor Charles Geyh, John F. Kimberling Professor of
Law, Indiana Law School.
Bringing Justice Closer to the People: Examining Ideas for
Restructuring the 9th Circuit (Serial No. 115-11)
On March 16, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the structure and the caseload of the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to determine if the federal
judiciary would better serve the needs of the American people
by splitting the Ninth Circuit to ensure fair and efficient
operation.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1)
Honorable Sidney Thomas, Chief Circuit Judge, United States
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; (2) Honorable Carlos
Bea, Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the
Ninth Circuit; (3) Honorable Alex Kozinski, Circuit Judge,
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; (4)
Professor John Eastman, Dale E. Fowler School of Law, Chapman
University; and (5) Professor Brian Fitzpatrick, Professor,
Vanderbilt University Law School.
Examining the Supreme Court's TC Heartland Decision (Serial
No. 115-35)
On June 13, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the recent Supreme Court decision concerning the venue
in patent infringement cases.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Mr.
Steven Anderson, Vice President & General Counsel, Culver
Franchising System, Inc.; (2) Professor Colleen Chein,
Professor, Santa Clara University School of Law; (3) Professor
Adam Mossoff, Professor, Antonin Scalia Law School, George
Mason University; and (4) Mr. John Thorne, Kellogg, Hansen,
Todd, Figel & Frederick, P.L.L.C.
The Impact of Bad Patents on American Businesses (Serial No.
115-39)
On July 13, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the legal and economic issues faced by American
businesses due to poor quality patents.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Mr.
Tom Lee, Mapbox.; (2) Honorable Paul Michel, Former Chief
Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; (3) Mr.
Sean Reilly, Senior Vice President and Associate General
Counsel, The Clearing House; and (4) Ms. Julie Samuels,
President of the Board of Directors, Engine.
Sovereign Immunity and the Intellectual Property System
(Serial No. 115-46)
On November 7, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the protection of the intellectual property system and
the role of sovereign immunity.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Mr.
Karl Manheim, Professor of Law, Loyola Law School; (2) Mr.
William Jay, Partner and Co-Chair, Appellate Litigation,
Goodwin Procter LLP; (3) Mr. Philip Johnson, Principal,
Johnson-IP Strategy & Policy Consulting; and (4) Mr.
Christopher Mohr, Vice President for Intellectual Property and
General Counsel, Software and Information Industry Association.
The Role and Impact of Nationwide Injunctions by District
Courts (Serial No. 115-48)
On November 30, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the role and impact of nationwide injunctions by
district courts on legal decisions and actions.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1)
Professor Samuel Bray, Professor of Law, UCLA School of Law;
(2) Professor Amanda Frost, Professor of Law, American
University Washington College of Law; (3) Professor Michael
Morley, Associate Professor of Law, Dwayne O. Andreas School of
Law at Barry University; and (4) Mr. Hans von Spakovsky,
Manager, Election Law Reform Initiative and Senior Legal
Fellow, Institute for Constitutional Government, the Heritage
Foundation.
Assessing the Effectiveness of the Transitional Program for
Covered Business Method Patents (Serial No. 115-54)
On March 20, 2018, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
assess the effectiveness of the transitional program for
covered business method patents.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) John
Neumann, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, U.S.
Government Accountability Office; (2) David Hale, Chief Privacy
Officer & Deputy General Counsel, TD Ameritrade; and (3) Aaron
Cooper, Vice President, Global Policy, BSA, The Software
Alliance.
Safeguarding Trade Secrets in the United States (Serial No.
115-71)
On April 17, 2018, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine current and necessary safeguards to protect trade
secrets in the United States to protect innovation and promote
business growth and success.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1)
Kenneth Corsello, Chair, Trade Secrets Committee, Intellectual
Property Owners Association (IPO); (2) James Pooley, James
Pooley, PLC; and (3) David Almeling, Partner, O'Melveny & Myers
LLP.
Examining the Need for New Federal Judges (Serial No. 115-60)
On June 21, 2018, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
examine the need for new federal circuit judges to reduce the
ever growing backlogged case-load.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Judge
Lawrence F. Stengel, Chair, Committee on Judiciary Resources of
the Judicial Conference of the United States; (2) Judge Roslynn
Mauskopf, Chair, Subcommittee on Judicial Statistics; (3) Judge
Dana M. Sabraw, United States District Judge, Southern District
of California; and (4) Mr. Samuel J. Kahn, Chairman/CEO, Kent
Holdings and Affiliates.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CRIME, TERRORISM, HOMELAND SECURITY AND INVESTIGATIONS
F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, Jr.,
Wisconsin, Chairman
LOUIE GOHMERT, Texas, Vice-
Chairman
SHEILA JACKSON LEE, Texas STEVE CHABOT, Ohio
VAL DEMINGS, Florida TED POE, Texas
KAREN BASS, California TREY GOWDY, South Carolina
CEDRIC RICHMOND, Louisiana JOHN RATCLIFFE, Texas
HAKEEM JEFFRIES, New York MARTHA ROBY, Alabama
TED LIEU, California MIKE JOHNSON, Louisiana
JAMIE RASKIN, Maryland JOHN RUTHERFORD, Florida
KEITH ROTHFUS, Pennsylvania
Jurisdiction
The Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security,
and Investigations shall have jurisdiction over the following
subject matters: Federal Criminal Code, drug enforcement,
sentencing, parole and pardons, internal and homeland security,
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, prisons, criminal law
enforcement, and other appropriate matters as referred by the
Chairman, and relevant oversight.
Legislative Activities
H.R.2851, Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic
Analogues Act of 2017 (Serial No. 115-38)
On June 27, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R.
2851, which seeks to amend the Controlled Substances Act. In
addition to the five existing schedules of controlled
substances, it introduces schedule A, which includes 13
synthetic fentanyl-related substances. It also includes a
system for the expansion of this category if necessary. Rep.
John Katko (New York) introduced H.R. 2851 on June 8, 2017. It
was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the
Committee on the Judiciary on June 8, 2017. On the same day, it
was referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland
Security, and Investigations. It was ordered to be reported by
Voice Vote on July 12, 2017. H.R. 2851 passed the House by
recorded vote of 239-142 on June 15, 2017.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1)
Honorable John Katko, Congressman, New York's 24th
Congressional District; (2) Ms. Demetra Ashley, Acting
Assistant Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration;
(3) Mr. Robert Perez, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner;
U.S. Customs and Border Protection; (4) Ms. Marcia Lee Taylor,
President and CEO, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids; (5) Ms. Reta
Newman, Special Advisor to Drug Free America Foundation, Chief
Chemist and Laboratory Director of the Pinellas County Forensic
Laboratory; and (6) Ms. Angela Pacheco, Former District
Attorney, First Judicial District of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Oversight Activities
Combating Crimes Against Children: Assessing the Legal
Landscape (Serial No. 115-7)
On March 16, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
investigate new options for improving child safety, addressing
subject areas including child abduction, sexual exploitation,
recovery programs for victims of abuse, sex offender tracking,
and child pornography.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Mr.
John Shehan, Vice President, Exploited Children Division,
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; (2) Ms.
Francey Hakes, Consultant & Child Protection Advocate, Former
Assistant United States Attorney, and Former National
Coordinator for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction;
(3) Detective Patrick Beaver, Loudoun County Sheriff's Office,
Member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; and
(4) Ms. Nicole Pittman, Vice President and Director of the
Center on Youth Registration Reform, Impact Justice.
To Examine the State of Forensic Science in the United States
(Serial No. 115-8)
On March 28, 2017, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
discuss the state of Forensic Science, addressing updates in
the field, areas in need of improvement, accreditation for
forensic labs, and funding for research.
The hearing consisted of the following witnesses: (1) Dr.
Victor Weedn, MD, JD, Professor of Forensic Sciences, George
Washington University; (2) Mr. Matthew Gamette, Lab System
Director, Idaho State Police Forensic Science; (3) Dr. David
Baldwin, Special Technologies Laboratory, National Security
Technologies, LLC; and (4) Ms. Sandra Guerra Thompson,
Professor, University of Houston Law Center, Chair, Houston
Forensic Science Center.