This week's R&P Report from NWYC.com ...

What's going on in Washington D.C. this past week and likely this week?

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REVIEW

Health Care Bill - Public Option Plan: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has reiterated her support of a public health insurance option. She says the bill that passes the House will include the plan. “The public option will be in the bill that passes the House,” the Speaker said, a day after Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) unveiled his health care legislation that excludes the government-run option. The Senate bill drew criticism from Democrats who want the public option and Republicans who did not support the bill because it was too costly and did not guarantee that federal money would not be used for abortions.
Firearms in Baggage: The Senate passed a $122 billion Transportation-HUD appropriations bill a day after adopting an amendment to revoke Amtrak funding unless riders are allowed to transport firearms in checked baggage. (H.R.3288)

Malpractice Insurers: Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, unveiled a draft bill to repeal health and medical malpractice insurers’ exemption from federal antitrust laws.Intelligence Authorization: The Senate passed its version of the fiscal 2010 intelligence authorization bill by voice vote. It would require intelligence panels to be notified about briefings on the most sensitive programs given to the “Gang of Eight,” which is comprised of party leaders in both chambers and leaders of the Intelligence committees. (S.1494)

Railroad Antitrust Regulations: A House panel approved legislation that would repeal longstanding antitrust exemptions for freight railroads. (H.R.233)

Student Aid: The House passed a bill that would tie increases in the maximum Pell Grant amount to increases in the Consumer Price Index, plus one percent. (H.R.3221)

Stopgap Funding Measure: The House is considering a stopgap funding measure to keep the government operating beyond Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year.

Troop Escalation in Afghanistan: Rep. John Murtha (D-WV), chairman of the House Defense spending panel, says the panel would not rule out support for troop escalation in Afghanistan. The President has said he will no longer fund the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq via supplemental spending measures.
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Advanced Vehicle Technology: The House passed a bill that would create a comprehensive research and development program to spur advancements in the design of fuel efficient vehicles and components, such as air bags, lightweight bumpers and seat cushions. The goal of the measure is to lower dependency on foreign fuel. (H.R.3246)

PREVIEW

“Czars”: As GOP lawmakers voice concerns over the Obama administration’s extensive use of policy “czars,” House Republicans have proposed legislation that would block funding for any “task force, council or similar office” unless its members are confirmed by the Senate. Lawmakers noted that so-called “czars” typically do not face Senate confirmation or have to testify on Capitol Hill. (H.R.3226)
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Unemployment Benefits: The House is expected to take up an unemployment benefits bill this week that would extend the available safety net for jobless workers. (H.R.3548)

Chinese Tariffs: House Republicans and some senators from both parties are pushing to end a two-year-old ban on Chinese processed poultry that would be continued in the 2010 Agriculture appropriations bill. (H.R.2997)

Permanent Residency: A House committee is considering a bill that would provide permanent residency to spouses and children of undocumented immigrants who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The measure would allow the immediate surviving family members to apply for an adjustment of status if they have not been convicted of a criminal offense and have satisfied any outstanding tax liabilities. (H.R.3290)
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