The R&P Report from NWYC for Monday, March 8, 2010 ...

We keep up to date with Washington D.C. and Congress through National Write Your Congressmen. Here's this weeks update for Monday, March 8, 2010 ...

REVIEW

Health Care Reform Bill Vote: President Obama is urging Democrats to push for a simple majority vote, also known as reconciliation, on the health care reform bill. GOP members have expressed strong objections to the procedure that would allow Democrats to avoid a Republican filibuster. The bill is still in draft form. It is expected to be sent to the Congressional Budget Office for a cost estimate this week.

The measure is based on an outline that was posted on the White House Web site and is expected to be voted on before Congress adjourns March 26 for its two-week spring recess. The President told lawmakers that the strength of his presidency could depend on passing the overhaul.

Jobs Bill: The House passed a jobs package by a vote of 217-201 after amending it to follow pay-as-you-go rules. The bill addressed the concerns of the Congressional Black Caucus with an amendment that would direct a portion of transportation funding to small businesses determined to be “controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.”
The centerpiece of the bill is a payroll tax relief measure for businesses that hire new workers. The measure will now return to the Senate for another vote before it can be sent to the President for a signature. (H.R.2847)

Ways and Means Committee Chairman: Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) was named acting chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee after Charles Rangel (D-NY) stepped down amid an ethics committee investigation. Sen. Levin is known as an ally of organized labor and the domestic auto industry.

Punishment in Schools: The House passed legislation by a vote of 262-153 that would establish minimum federal standards on the use of punishment and restraints on pupils in schools. GOP lawmakers voiced objections that the measure would encroach on states’ prerogatives and expand federal power. (H.R. 4247)

Climate Change: In a bid to make Congress the decision-maker on capping carbon emissions, Sen. John Rockefeller (D-WV) introduced legislation that would impose a two-year moratorium on the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases from power plants and other stationary emitters. The bill is now in the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (S.3072)

PREVIEW

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy: Democrats are pledging to put a quick end to the policy that prohibits gays and lesbians in the military from revealing their sexual orientation. It also prohibits military personnel from asking for that information. Republicans and Pentagon officials are urging Democrats to allow the military to complete its study on the policy governing gays in the military before taking action on the issue. To voice your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com

Regulatory Overhaul: Senate Banking Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT) is considering a proposal that would make the head of the central bank's consumer division a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate. The Fed’s board of governors now hires the head of that division. It remains an open question how much independence such a consumer supervisor would have from the Fed’s leaders.

The Week Ahead: The House is scheduled to debate a withdrawal timeline for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. It is expected to continue a holding pattern on jobs legislation. The Senate will take the lead on legislation intended to create jobs. It is expected to continue work on a bill to extend several expired tax provisions (H.R.4213) and other programs, including unemployment insurance, flood insurance and COBRA health care subsidies. Go to http://www.spesend.net/SpeClicks.aspx?X=2R0QE581HVAJA0SK06V9WM to view the floor schedule for the House and Senate.

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