Vol. 14 No. 2-10
Monday, March 29, 2010
REVIEW
Health Care Overhaul Bill: The House voted 220-207 to send President Obama a bill that would make changes to the law he signed March 23. The vote capped a roller-coaster week that started with the House clearing the bulk of the overhaul for the President’s signature and sending the second measure to the Senate.
The Senate’s parliamentarian found that two provisions involving Pell grants violated reconciliation rules. After correcting that problem, lawmakers passed a companion bill 56-43. They then sent it back to the House where members voted immediately. Republicans did little to obstruct the vote, vocally opting to take their objections to the public in the months ahead.
Attorney generals from at least 14 states have filed lawsuits challenging the health care overhaul bill. The states are preparing to sue the federal government over the constitutionality of the bill.
Attorney generals from at least 14 states have filed lawsuits challenging the health care overhaul bill. The states are preparing to sue the federal government over the constitutionality of the bill.
For a complete synopsis and highlights of the health care bill, go to www.nwyc.com
Small-Business Loan Program: The Senate cleared a short-term extension of a small-business loan program. The bill would appropriate $40 million in emergency funds to extend a group of fee reductions and eliminations under the Small Business Administration 7(a) loan program. The bill does not include provisions to offset the cost. (H.R.3948)
Extension of Benefits Package: The Senate is considering an extensions bill that would cover long-term unemployment benefits, health insurance subsidies for "jobless workers" and higher payments for physicians who treat Medicare patients. It also would extend a national flood insurance program, satellite TV transmission laws and the use of 2009 poverty guidelines for federal programs. All of those provisions expire during the upcoming two-week recess that Congress will be observing. (H.R.4851)
Ranking GOP Additional Tax on Bonuses: The House passed a measure that would impose a 90 percent tax on bonuses received by certain TARP recipients. (H.R.1586) To voice your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.
Ranking GOP Additional Tax on Bonuses: The House passed a measure that would impose a 90 percent tax on bonuses received by certain TARP recipients. (H.R.1586) To voice your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.
Panel Backs Bills for Legal U.S. Immigrants: A Senate panel approved a pair of measures to allow immigrants living legally in the U.S. to work overseas under certain circumstances without preventing their immigration status from being adjusted to lawful permanent residency.
Decision Reversed: A three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court in Washington ruled that the Republican National Committee cannot raise unlimited contributions. The decision is in agreement with The Campaign Reform Act, a measure also known as the McCain-Feingold Act.
PREVIEW
Bipartisan Climate Change Legislation: Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are drafting a bill that they plan to unveil during the third full week of April. It addresses greenhouse gas control measures. The senators aim to move the bill to the floor by early summer after the CBO and the EPA have scored and reviewed it. The bill is being drafted in an effort to secure broad support and neutralize fierce opposition that a House-passed climate bill (H.R.2454) encountered.
First-Responder Network: The House Energy and Commerce Chairman, Henry Waxman (D-CA) announced he is drafting legislation to create a nationwide broadband communications network for first-responders in the event of a national emergency. The bill would implement a public safety communications network that would cost between $12 billion and $16 billion over the next 10 years.
The Week Ahead: Both chambers are scheduled to observe a spring break from March 29-April 9.
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