The R&P Report for Monday, May 17Th ...

What's going on with Federal Legislation for the week of May 17, 2010?

http://www.nwyc.com/

Vol. 14 No. 2-15
Monday, May 17, 2010

REVIEW

Financial Regulations: The Senate adopted an amendment, by a vote of 90-9, that would keep community banks under the supervision of the 12 regional Federal Reserve banks, rather than transferring them to national regulators. (S.3217)

Oil Company Regulations: Oil companies could be forced to bear greater liability for spills as lawmakers consider legislation. Democratic tax writers are considering a plan to as much as quadruple the size of the excise tax on oil production. The proposals are likely to be part of a war supplemental funding bill. (H.R.4899)

$68 Million for Oil Spill: A Senate committee approved a fiscal 2010 supplemental appropriations bill that includes only slightly more than half of the $118 million President Obama requested for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.(H.R.4899)

Military Pay and Missile Defense Spending Boost: A House Armed Services committee recommended a military pay increase that exceeds the amount the administration requested. Despite growing budgetary strain, lawmakers in the Senate are expected to follow suit.

Supreme Court Nominee: Elena Kagan began the confirmation process with a series of meetings with Senate lawmakers. She faces scrutiny from both parties about her views on presidential power, a topic the Supreme Court will address in challenges to the government’s policies on detention and interrogation.

Airline and Rail Workers Unionization: Twenty-five Republican senators are trying to block a rule change that would make it easier for workers at airlines and railroads to unionize.

Climate Change: The recently unveiled Senate climate change measure calls for caps on carbon emissions and scaled-back concessions designed to promote offshore drilling. (S.1733)

PREVIEW

Pay-as-You-Go and Estate Tax: Senate negotiators are addressing the estate tax, which is scheduled to return in 2011 with a top rate of 55 percent and an exemption of $1 million — a situation most lawmakers say they want to avoid. Negotiators are searching for ways to offset the costs of a less extensive permanent estate tax. To voice your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.

Border Protection Employment Practices: Customs and Border Protection chief Alan Bersin is scheduled to appear before the Senate Finance Committee to answer questions about how the lead official in charge of stopping illegal border crossings did not complete paperwork intended to identify illegal immigrants among his domestic staff.

Internet Gambling: Some lawmakers are hoping to reverse Congress’ 2006 restrictions on Internet gambling. Democrats in the House have introduced legislation that would legalize, regulate and tax Internet gambling. (H.R.2267)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): As hurricane season approaches, lawmakers are hoping to replenish the dwindling U.S. disaster relief fund with a supplemental spending bill. The measure has stalled in the Senate over ways to offset the costs. (H.R.4899)

Iran Sanctions: House and Senate negotiators are working on the final version of a new package of sanctions on companies doing business with Iran. Despite existing U.S. sanctions, seven companies involved in the Iranian oil, gas and petrochemical sectors received $880 million in U.S. government contracts, according to testimony before Congress. (S.2799)

The Week Ahead: The Senate will wrap up work on a financial regulatory bill. The House is expected to move forward on a stalled tax extensions measure and a stalled science bill. Go to http://www.spesend.net/SpeClicks.aspx?X=2R0QE581HVDZPRBG09URWO for updates a complete review of issues.

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Some Local Political News:

— Defeat three other Republicans - at least some of whom are better known and
have deeper pockets -in next month's primary. ~ Muscatine Journal on one fo the candidates from Linn County.

Not us, we are voting for Miller-Meeks for Congress in the Primary held June 8Th in Iowa's 2Nd Congressional District.

Journal Editorial: Political promises‎ - Muscatine Journal
2 ballot, Rathje will have to defeat Rob Gettemy and Christopher Reed, both of Marion, and Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Ottumwa, who lost to Loebsack in 2008 ...

Miller-Meeks sounds off on Democrats‎ - West Liberty Index
Iowa's 2nd Congressional District Republican Candidate and Ottumwa native Mariannette Miller-Meeks is standing up to ...

People are concerned about the Supreme Court nominee ...

Grassley vote will signal his approach to court picks‎ - DesMoinesRegister.com
Chuck Grassley's vote against Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation to the US Supreme Court last year will be seen as the exception in almost 30 years of support ...

Robin Tucker