This Week in Washington DC: a Revew and Preview from www.nwyc.com

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REVIEW

Health Care Bill: House Democrats did not unveil their health care bill as planned this week because of opposition by 40 members of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog caucus. The bill is expected to include a surtax on wealthy Americans — starting at $250,000 in income — to fund a portion of its cost. The rate for the surtax would be graduated with people earning $500,000 or more paying a higher rate.

Taxing Health Care Benefits: A proposal to tax employer-sponsored health care is losing momentum in the Senate Finance Committee. Senate Democratic leaders have warned Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) that the proposal is not politically popular, even though many economists support it.

Appropriators Fight to Save Auto Dealerships: The House Appropriations Committee added language to its fiscal 2010 financial services spending bill in an attempt to save those dealerships that the government-restructured automakers want to close in order to ensure that some are able to survive in a shrunken car market. (H.R.2743)

Climate Change Legislation: Although many in Congress say climate change legislation is an energy tax that would cost families thousands of dollars a year, budget woes in dozens of states are increasing chances that the Senate will pass the bill in September. The White House has spoken out in favor of emissions allowances that would be issued as part of a “cap and trade” system. Many senators are hoping this will provide an economic lure for undecided senators to support the climate change bill that the House passed last month. (H.R.2454)

CIA Briefings: As the fiscal 2010 Intelligence Authorization bill is brought to the House floor, Democrats and Republicans are doing battle over whether CIA briefings intentionally misled Congress last year concerning harsh interrogation methods of suspected terrorists. The White House has threatened to veto the pending legislation if it includes a provision that would eliminate the executive branch’s right to decide when to brief the full Intelligence panels, rather than just the top committee and congressional leaders, on the most sensitive intelligence activities. (H.R.2701)

Small Business Research Act: The House passed a bill by a vote of 386 - 41 that states a business having more than 500 employees shall not qualify as a small business and is not eligible for small business loans. The bill would also extend funding for research and development topics, nanotechnology, and other projects for small businesses. (H.R.2965)

Gun Rights: The House Financial Services Committee adopted an amendment to allow guns in public housing projects. Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) offered the proposal that would bar any housing authority from restricting legal ownership of guns. It was adopted by a vote of 38 - 31. The committee is continuing its markup of a housing bill the panel is expected to approve next week. (H.R.3045)

Another Stimulus Bill in Question: Speculation about another economic stimulus plan is resurfacing on Capitol Hill. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) responded that she wants to give the $787 billion package enacted earlier this year more time to work. Lawmakers are considering another extension of unemployment benefits along with a decision to pass an extensive new highway bill.

Agriculture Bill: The House passed a bill by a vote of 266 - 160 that would make appropriations for rural development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and related agencies. The legislation provides an increase for the FDA to support a total funding level of $2.338 billion in discretionary funding through fiscal year 2010. It would make significant investments in agricultural research and expand U.S. commitment to international food aid. (H.R.2997)

PREVIEW

The House will focus on spending bills next week. It is expected to begin with the draft fiscal 2010 appropriations bill for the Energy Department and water infrastructure programs, which would provide $33.3 billion in discretionary funding. It is also expected to consider the financial services appropriations bill, which includes $24.2 billion in discretionary funds. The Senate plans to consider a defense authorization measure (S.1390). The $680 billion measure would call for a 3.4 percent pay raise for the military. In defiance of President Obama’s first veto threat, it would authorize $1.75 billion for seven F-22 fighter planes.
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My Representative and Senators' Contact Information:
Representative Dave Loebsack: 1513 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515-1502Phone: (202) 225-6576
Fax: (202) 226-0757Website: http://Loebsack.house.gov/Webform: http://loebsack.house.gov/contactform/

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

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

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