Here's this week's R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman:
Vol. 14 No. 2-4
Monday, February 8, 2010
REVIEW
Jobs Creation Bills: Both parties are pushing to bring jobs-focused legislation to the floor this week. The bills are expected to include business tax breaks and extensions of numerous economic stimulus measures that are set to expire. House leaders could move a bill aimed at boosting small business hiring of new workers and expanding small business access to credit. (H.R.2847) (H.R.4154) Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.
Federal Cybersecurity Programs: One week after hackers vandalized dozens of congressional websites, the House passed a bill intended to boost federal cybersecurity research. The vote on the bill sponsored by Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) was 422-5. It reflected support from Republican and Democratic lawmakers. The measure would reauthorize and expand cybersecurity research programs. The bill is aimed at protecting sensitive and personal information as well as national security concerns. (H.R.4061)
Social Security Measure Passed by House: The House passed a bill aimed at increasing legal representation for people applying for overdue Social Security benefits. The measure passed 412-6. It would make the program permanent that pays attorneys out of the plaintiffs’ past-due benefits. Under current law, attorneys are eligible to receive a fee of 25 percent of claimants’ past-due benefits, capped at $6,000. (H.R.4532)
Standards for Disciplining Students: A House panel approved a bill that would set broad federal standards on the use of restraint and seclusion of students. It would require schools to report use of restraint to the student’s parents immediately. “Time out” would still be allowed. (H.R.4247)
Bombing Attempt Case: GOP lawmakers have accused the White House of playing politics with the interrogation of the suspect in the attempted Dec. 25 bombing of a passenger jet. The Director of National Intelligence responded by saying that the case had become overly politicized.
Brown Sworn In: Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) has been sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden. The Senate is now composed of 57 Democrats, 41 Republicans and 2 Independents. The new distribution of votes makes filibusters possible in the Senate.
Debt Limit Increase: The House cleared legislation to authorize an increase in the government’s statutory debt limit and enact pay-as-you-go budget enforcement rules aimed at cutting the government’s deficit. The vote send the measure to the President to sign into law. (H.R.2920)
Pay-as-You-Go: Moderate House Democrats known as Blue Dogs have voted for the statutory pay-as-you-go budget enforcement tool they have long sought without having to vote directly on an accompanying $1.9 trillion debt limit increase. (H.R.2920)
PREVIEW
Energy Budget Increase: The administration has recommended increasing Energy Department funding by more than 7 percent, to $28.4 billion, primarily to pay for advanced clean-energy research and nuclear non-proliferation. The increase for fiscal 2011 would follow a $36 billion cash infusion for Energy Department clean-energy projects.
Financial Regulations: The Senate is expected to move forward with a financial regulatory overhaul bill. They are considering a proposal that would limit potentially risky financial trading by banks. GOP lawmakers have criticized the new financial rules, saying they would involve too much government interference and would restrict access to credit. Those is support of the bill say that the size and activities of banks must be regulated. (H.R.4173)
Both chambers will continue work on jobs creation legislation. The Senate will hold hearings to examine the economic outlook. The House will be addressing Homeland Security appropriations for FY2011. Go to www.nwyc.com for current congressional floor schedules.
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