This week's NWYC Review and Preview of Federal Legislation

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REVIEW

Interrogation Methods: A Senate Judiciary hearing on the Bush administration detainee interrogation methods has broken down into partisan disputes. Though House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) publicly acknowledged that she had been briefed on harsh interrogation methods and knew about waterboarding, lawmakers continued to disagree over whether and how Congress should examine President George W. Bush’s interrogation program.

Energy Bill: The House is continuing work to secure votes to advance an energy bill that is being drafted. Allowances dealing with cap and trade regulations for power plants and refineries are being discussed. Democrats are also close to resolving how to write the bill’s separate standard for low-carbon fuels.Appropriations Bills: Supplemental funding bills face action in both chambers with money for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the fate of Guantanamo Bay prisoners topping the list of contentious issues. The Senate version will include about $5 billion to account for “default risk” that is associated with an additional $108 billion U.S. contribution to the IMF requested by the administration recently. (H.R.2346)

Surface Transportation Policy: Key Democratic senators outlined their vision for a shift in federal surface transportation policy that would aim to reduce highway congestion by increasing investments in public transit and passenger rail. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) is expected to lead the drafting of a reauthorization bill in her chamber.‘Green’ Schools: The House passed a bill that would authorize billions of dollars for ‘green’ school renovation and modernization projects. The bill, which passed 275-155, would authorize $6.4 billion in fiscal 2010 for school construction projects. (H.R.2187)

Primate Pets: A Senate panel approved a series of bills aimed at restricting the keeping of monkeys and other nonhuman primates as pets. The bill also promotes conservation of cranes, large cats and rare canines such as wolves and coyotes. (H.R.80)

Water Improvement: A Senate panel approved a bill by a vote of 17 - 2 that would reauthorize for the first time in more than 20 years two programs aimed at improving the nation’s aging water infrastructure. (S.1005)

D.C. Vote: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) reminded Congress that it has been nearly three months since the Senate passed a bill to give D.C. a full voting House member. The delegate, who can vote in committee but not on the floor, is asking why the House hasn’t acted yet. (S.160)

Airline Safety: The Senate is planning to hold a series of hearings focusing on federal rules for the operation of commuter airlines. A February crash of Continental Connection flight into a Buffalo, NY suburb exposed gaps in commuter airline standards. Transportation Security Administration Reauthorization: A House panel approved a bill 22 - 0 that would put the names of Guantanamo Bay detainees on a no-fly list. (H.R.2000)

War Supplemental: The House passed an appropriations bill by a vote of 368 - 60 that would make supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2009. Many anti-war Democrats voted against it. (H.R.2346)

FEMA: Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN) introduced legislation that would restore the Federal Emergency Management Agency to an independent agency. The Obama administration has asked that the Department of Homeland Security house FEMA.(H.R.1174)

Military Personnel: Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Pentagon’s senior leaders expressed concerns that not enough military personnel or civilians with the needed skills are working in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) said he might support an authorization for more spending to train and equip Afghan security forces.

PREVIEW
The Senate will consider policy provisions in the supplemental spending bill regarding detainees from Guantanamo Bay prison. The House will continue work on energy legislation.

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