A R&P Report from NWYC on recent Federal Legislation ...

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REVIEW

CBO Director Pans Health Care Bill: The director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) told Congress that the proposed Senate and House health care measures would weaken the economy by driving the nation more deeply into debt. It would “significantly expand the federal responsibility for health care costs,” the director said. President Obama and Democratic leaders have listed reining in spending on Medicaid and Medicare as a top priority. The Senate bill is still in draft form. House and Senate leaders are now reviewing how to move the legislation forward. (H.R.3200)

Supreme Court Justice Nominee: Republicans are not likely to block a confirmation vote for President Obama’s Supreme Court Justice nominee Sonia Sotomayor, according to Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL). The vote is expected before the August recess. Some have urged Republicans to block the vote until after the recess to give them time to build opposition to the nominee, but that action is unlikely.

Regulating Food Safety: The House Agriculture Committee chairman threatened to slow the progress of a food safety bill that would allow the Food and Drug Administration to regulate farm activities. The bill in its current form would strengthen requirements for tracing food borne illnesses and allow the FDA to impose civil penalties for the first time. (H.R.2749) Click here for more information on this issue.

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Lawmakers Address Funding: Republicans will have the opportunity to address a measure that would fund labor, health and education programs. They are expected to take aim at the bill’s $730.5 billion price tag and the cost of the majority party’s broader health care plans. The bill is the largest of the 12 appropriations bills that Congress must address before the end of the year.Energy and Water: The House is expected to pass a $33.3 billion spending bill to fund the Energy Department and water infrastructure projects for fiscal 2010.

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No Amendments on Hot-Button Issues: Lawmakers narrowly voted not to allow amendments to the fiscal 2010 Financial Services spending bill that contains issues such as abortion, gun control and needle exchange programs in the District of Columbia. Republicans wanted to offer an amendment that would reinstate a ban on the use of local funds for abortions in D.C.

The bill would continue to prevent federal funds from being used for abortions, but local funds could be used for them. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill will cost a family of four $517.18 in the first year. (H.R.3170)

Transportation Funding Shortfall: A Senate panel agreed to put off a comprehensive overhaul of surface transportation programs in favor of extending federal highway programs at their current funding levels for 18 months. The federal Highway Trust Fund is expected to face a financial shortfall by August. In that case, the Finance Committee would need to approve a transfer of about $20 billion from the general Treasury to keep the trust fund solvent before an extension can be sent to the White House.

Financial Protection Authority: A Federal Reserve official told House members she was opposed to allowing a new regulator with broad powers to oversee consumer financial programs. The spokeswoman suggested that bank regulators could do more to ensure that capital levels and underwriting are properly managed so that consumers would be protected.

PREVIEW

The Senate is gearing up for another debate over the fate of prisoners at the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. The issue is seen as a minefield for Democrats who, along with President Obama, support closing the facility. The House will continue to work through fiscal 2010 appropriations bills this week, while the Senate moves ahead on the defense authorization measure.

Click here to the R&P Report as a PDF

My Representative and Senators' Contact Information:
Representative Dave Loebsack
1513 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-1502
Phone: (202) 225-6576
Fax: (202) 226-0757
Website: http://Loebsack.house.gov/
Webform: http://loebsack.house.gov/contactform/

Senator Charles Grassley
SH-135 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-1501
Phone: (202) 224-3744
Fax: (202) 224-6020Website:
http://Grassley.senate.gov/
Webform: http://grassley.senate.gov/webform.htm


Senator Tom Harkin
SH-731 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-1502
Phone: (202) 224-3254
Fax: (202) 224-9369
Website: http://Harkin.senate.gov/
Webform: http://harkin.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm

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