WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 -- Rep. Don S. Beyer, D-Va., has introduced legislation (H.R. 8967) to "require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award a contract to an eligible nonprofit entity to establish and maintain a health care claims database for purposes of lowering Americans' health care costs." The bill was introduced on Dec. 15. It was jointly referred to the House Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Oversight and Reform; Armed Services; and Education and Labor committees. For mor  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Rep. Don S. Beyer, D-Va., has introduced legislation (H.R. 8999) to "require the speeches and schedules of the heads of executive agencies to be made publicly available." The bill was introduced on Dec. 17. It was referred to the House Oversight and Reform Committee. For more information, Rep. Don S. Beyer, 1119 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515; 202/225-4376; or in district office at 1901 N. Moore St., Ste. 1108, Arlington, VA 22209; 703/658-5403.  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-Va., has introduced legislation (H.R. 8956) to "require reports on regulations issued, and homeland security risks arising, during a presidential transition." The bill was introduced on Dec. 14 and was co-sponsored by Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., and Jackie Speier, D-Calif. It was jointly referred to the House Judiciary and Oversight and Reform committees. For more information, Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, 2238 Ra  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., has introduced legislation (S. 5061) to "authorize a grant program for the development and implementation of housing supply and affordability plans." The bill was introduced on Dec. 17 and was co-sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. It was referred to the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. For more information, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, 425 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510; 202/224-3244; or in state at 1200 Washi  more