Coming This Week…

Tuesday, July 29

9:30 a.m.—Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations holds a hearing on companies shirking payroll taxes. The hearing will discuss a coming GAO report on payroll abuse.

10 a.m.—Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works holds a hearing on the EPA’s Clean Air Interstate Rule (PDF), an air pollution reduction program in 28 eastern states. Following the hearing, Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) hold a press conference to address the committee’s investigation into politicization at EPA.

10 a.m.—Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions holds a hearing on the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s response to industrial dust explosions.

1 p.m.—The ACLU holds a call-in conference on what it describes as “the construction of a de facto domestic intelligence system.” The focus will be on so-called “fusion centers,” where state, local and federal law work together on anti-terrorism efforts. (Dial-in number:  1-800-816-4134.  Access Code: 69922#)

2 p.m.—House Financial Services holds a hearing on credit scoring models in the extension of credit to mortgage borrowers and credit card holders.

Wednesday, July 30

9 a.m.—Senate Judiciary holds a hearing on politicized hiring practices at DoJ based on findings in a new report by DoJ’s Inspector General, who will testify to the committee.

10 a.m.—House Oversight and Government Reform holds a hearing on deficient electrical facilities in Iraq. The electrical problems have killed at least 13 Americans.

10 a.m.—House Homeland Security holds a subcommittee hearing on the future of al Qaeda, with testimony from authors Peter Bergen and Lawrence Wright.

Thursday, July 31

9:30 a.m.—Senate Armed Services holds a hearing on North Korean diplomatic progress, with testimony from Ambassador Christopher Hill, among others.

10 a.m.—House Energy and Commerce holds a hearing on lessons learned by the recent salmonella outbreak.