In news from Capitol Hill, Congress is coming under criticism for approving a little-noticed provision last year that makes it easier for President Bush to declare martial law and to send U.S. troops into American cities. At the administration’s request, Congress approved the changes to a law known as the Insurrection Act without ever holding a public hearing. Under the new law, the president now has the authority to use both active-duty armed forces and the National Guard on American soil — not just during a rebellion, but also a natural disaster, terrorist attack, pandemic or other chaotic situation. All 50 of the nation’s governors have opposed the rule changes. Earlier this month, Senators Patrick Leahy, the chair of the Judiciary Committee, and Republican Christopher Bond introduced legislation to repeal the changes Congress approved last year.