by the United States House of Representatives

“ As the popularity of digital music players grows, however, concerns have been raised that digital music purchased from one company should be able to be played on any digital music player. This issue is partially driven by concerns that Apple's music service has quickly taken over 80% of the market and Apple has not been shy about deliberately blocking its competitors from releasing software that would allow other music services to interoperate with Apple's service. The Subcommittee may conduct oversight over this market change. ”

“ Regarding the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act, the provisions to be examined include the requirement that federal law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community provide information to the State Department needed to screen visa applicants and to the Department of Homeland Security needed to screen applicants for admission, the establishment of an entry-exit system, and the requirement that United States visas be issued with biometric identifiers. ”

“ The Subcommittee expects to conduct oversight on the Federal Government’s efforts to find and remove aliens living and working unlawfully in the interior of the United States, including the employment eligibility verification pilot program and ICE’s worksite enforcement. ”

“ The cost to United States companies and inventors of applying for and obtaining separate patents in each of 150 or more countries is prohibitive. In developing countries and even in Europe, patent fees are at such high levels that they constitute a tax on innovation. In addition, the expense of retaining separate patent attorneys or agents in each foreign country is burdensome and expensive. ”

“ The United States Commission on Civil Rights is intended to serve as an independent, bipartisan fact-finding agency. The Subcommittee will review the work of the Commission, its management, and its implementation of GAO’s management and financial recommendations.
III. Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice. The Subcommittee will examine the enforcement record, priorities, and authorization request of the Civil Rights Division. The Subcommittee will focus on the Division’s activities in the areas of education; including admissions policies; employment; credit; housing ”

“ C. International Cooperation on Criminal Justice and Immigration Control. The Committee will continue oversight of the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and State with regard to meeting the terms of international agreements to facilitate law enforcement; customs and counter terrorist investigations, prosecutions, and providing assistance to foreign countries that actively assist the United States in combating terrorism; and the international traffic in illegal substances and in persons. ”

“ The Subcommittee will examine the disparity in drug sentencing as a result of the Sentencing Commission’s amendments to the Sentencing Guidelines.
XXII. Brady Act. The “Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1994" required the FBI to develop and operate a national, point-of-sale, criminal background check system for all firearms purchases by federally licensed dealers. ”

“ The Office will also require additional appropriations to discharge its obligations under the new CARP statute. These two issues must be explored more fully.
VIII. SESAC. SESAC is the only performing rights organization that does not operate under a consent decree. Smaller than BMI and ASCAP, it is nonetheless growing. The Subcommittee may conduct oversight to determine how SESAC treats its artists, and whether the organization should be brought under a consent decree as well. ”

“ The Subcommittee may now wish to follow-up on these efforts by conducting further oversight to determine whether this self-policing construct is working well.
III. Court of Federal Claims. In general, the United States Court of Federal Claims allows citizens to bring claims against the Federal Government. It has been entrusted with nationwide jurisdiction over money claims (other than in tort) founded on federal statutes, executive regulations, government contracts, and the Constitution. ”