We normally like to update and post this information each Monday. We had some trouble updating our blog this past week. with some dreaded IT problems. So, here's the R&P Report a little later for this past week. We should have another update tomorrow, time permitting. By the way, you can follow NWYC Research Center on Twitter now.
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Senate Health Care Bill: The Senate Finance Committee is completing its markup of the overhaul health care bill that would mandate health care coverage. The chamber is preparing to merge the measure with a version of the bill approved by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Republicans on the panel say they must be able to review the merged bill before a floor vote. Committee chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) would not commit to that requirement.
Government-run option - Rejected: The Senate Finance Committee rejected a proposal to add a government-run option in the Senate health care bill. The proposal was rejected by a 15-8 vote.
Anti-abortion language - Rejected: The committee rejected a Republican amendment that would have added anti-abortion language to the health care bill. It was rejected by a vote of 13-10.
Middle-income tax increase exemptions - Rejected: The committee rejected a GOP amendment that would have exempted middle-income taxpayers earning less than $250,000 from tax increases and fees included in the bill.Medicare Payment Formula - Unchanged: The bill offers a one-year patch over the 22 percent reduction in Medicare’s spending on physicians scheduled for 2010.
Military Commander Testimony: By a 40-59 vote, the Senate rejected an amendment by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) to require the commander of military forces in Afghanistan and other officials to testify before Congress by Nov. 15. (H.R.3326)
Congress Approves Billions for Pakistan: The House cleared legislation that would authorize $1.5 billion a year for five years in non-military assistance to Pakistan, tripling the level of current aid. The bill cleared by voice vote under suspension of the rules, a procedure that bars amendments and requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage. (S.1707)
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Cap and Trade: Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has unveiled the draft Senate climate change bill. While it is similar to the Waxman-Markey bill that passed the House back in June, it calls for a new federal program to encourage natural-gas production and use. The measure aims to reduce CO2 emissions 20 percent, rather than 17 percent, below 2005 levels by 2020. And, it includes a “price collar” that will not allow the price for carbon permits to drop or soar above set limits. Click here to express your opinion on this issue.
$121 Billion Agricultural Appropriations Bill: The House is continuing work on a measure that would make appropriations for agriculture and rural development and to the Food and Drug Administration for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2010. It prohibits funds under this act from being used for first-class travel by employees of agencies funded. (H.R.2997)
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Financial Industry Regulations: The administration is urging lawmakers to overhaul financial industry regulations before next year. Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) proposed creating a single banking regulator. Click here to express your opinion on this issue.
Border Security: Lawmakers are expected to drop a border security fence provision that would require that all 700 miles of congressionally mandated fencing along the Southwest border be able to stop pedestrian traffic. The provision would require the Department of Homeland Security to rebuild most of the existing fence. The $42.6 billion House version of the bill did not include the fence provision. (S.1298) (H.R.2892) Click here to express your opinion on this issue.
Defense Spending: The Senate hopes to complete the Defense spending bill that would provide $636.3 billion in discretionary spending, which is $3.8 billion less than the President’s request. (H.R.3326)
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