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Recently in Washington Last week was “cybersecurity” week in the House of Representatives, with the House considering and passing a series of bills designed to improve and strengthen the cybersecurity network. The most high profile amongst the bills passed was H.R. 624, the Cyber Intelligence Security Protection Act, known as CISPA. The bill breaks down policy and legal barriers to allow the federal government to share classified cyber threat intelligence regarding malicious virus attacks with the private sector; and to allow private sector entities to share that information with one another and with the federal government on a voluntary basis. Congressman Simpson supported the bill after 19 changes were made to improve privacy protections and block the sharing of Americans’ private information. It passed 288-127.
Questions Director on sage grouse, wolves during budget hearing Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson last week pressed the Fish and Wildlife Service Director on efforts to preserve sage grouse and the need for ranchers to receive compensation for livestock lost to wolves. Simpson chairs the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the Service.
Noting that the Service must make a decision about whether or not to list sage grouse as an endangered species by the end of FY2015, Simpson asked Director Dan Ashe what efforts are in place to prevent that listing. He also pointed out the value of the state management plan that Idaho has been working hard to develop in order to protect the bird and, hopefully, prevent a listing. Director Ashe said that the Fish and Wildlife Service concurs that Idaho’s state management plan and a well managed range are good for sage grouse; he added that the parties involved are seeing “good momentum.” He said “we’ve got a lot of work to do, but everyone is talking to one another.” “Do you agree that wildfire is the greatest threat to sage grouse?” Simpson asked. Director Ashe said that while habitat degradation has traditionally been the largest threat to sage grouse, wildfire may be the most significant factor now. Simpson noted with concern that the recently-passed Senate continuing resolution fails to adequately address wildfire. The Senate CR struck $97 million that was included by the House for wildfire suppression to address widely expected shortfalls in 2013. Simpson expressed frustration that funding intended to compensate livestock owners for the loss of livestock killed by wolves is not getting on the ground. He noted that the wolf livestock loss demonstration program was specifically authorized by Congress, yet the Service has still not spent the funds appropriated for the program in FY12. After the hearing, Simpson said he would continue to press the Service to see that those who have suffered losses because of wolves are adequately compensated. Simpson also discussed the Service’s backlog maintenance, and the impact that sequestration cuts are having on the Service’s work during the hearing. “I don’t see us getting out of the hole we’re in any time soon if we don’t address this debt crisis that we’re in… we can’t keep managing from crisis to crisis and expect to continue to offering the same level of services that we always have.” Committee Schedule WednesdayAt 9:30 a.m., Chairman Simpson is scheduled to host a public witness hearing regarding various issues relevant to American Indian/Alaskan Natives in the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. At 1:00 p.m., Chairman Simpson is scheduled to host a second public witness hearing regarding various issues relevant to American Indian/Alaskan Natives in the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. Thursday At 9:30 a.m., Chairman Simpson is scheduled to host a third public witness hearing regarding various issues relevant to American Indian/Alaskan Natives in the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. At 10:00 a.m., the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations is scheduled to hold a hearing regarding the President’s FY 2014 Department of Health and Human Services budget request. Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is scheduled to testify. At 1:00 p.m., Chairman Simpson is scheduled to host a fourth public witness hearing regarding various issues relevant to American Indian/Alaskan Natives in the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. Friday At 9:30 a.m., Chairman Simpson will host a hearing of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations regarding the U.S. Forest Service. Chief Tom Tidwell is scheduled to testify. Floor Schedule MONDAY, APRIL 22ND TUESDAY, APRIL 23RD Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules: 1) H.R. 1067 - To make revisions in title 36, United States Code, as necessary to keep the title current and make technical corrections and improvements WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24TH Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules: 1) H.R. 360 - To award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal to Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley, in recognition of the 50th commemoration of the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church where the 4 little Black girls lost their lives, which served as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Terri Sewell / Financial Services Committee) H.R. 1549 - Helping Sick Americans Now Act, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Joe Pitts / Energy and Commerce Committee) THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH, AND FRIDAY, APRIL 26TH On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m. H.R. 527 - Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Doc Hastings / Natural Resources Committee) |
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