What's going on in Washington D.C. this week?

Regrets on not posting this on Monday, but here's this week's R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman. http://www.nwyc.com/

Vol. 14 No. 2-13

Monday, May 3, 2010

REVIEW

Immigration: Lawmakers in the Senate introduced a proposal that emphasizes border security with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to spot illegal immigrants. The measure would also prohibit states and municipalities from enacting their own immigration rules and penalties — a reaction to Arizona’s controversial new law, which calls for police in that state to use "reasonable suspicion" to question and detain possible undocumented immigrants.

Puerto Rico Measure: The House passed (223-169) legislation that would authorize a vote by Puerto Ricans on whether to change the island’s political status. It would authorize the island’s government to conduct a ballot asking Puerto Ricans to choose between retaining its status as a U.S. commonwealth or seeking a new political designation. If a majority supported a new status, a second vote would give residents three options: U.S. statehood, full independence and independence with a special political association with the U.S. (H.R.2499)

Oil Drilling Policy: Congressional committees geared up to investigate as oil gushing from an exploded Gulf of Mexico drilling rig threatens the ecologically and commercially sensitive Louisiana coast. The White House said President Obama would rethink his proposal to expand offshore drilling.

Climate Change Measure: The EPA says it needs more information on a climate change draft bill before it can make an analysis. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Kerry (D-MA) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) were expected to bring the bill to the floor soon, but Sen. Graham walked away from negotiations after clashing with party leaders over signals that the Democratic majority might consider an immigration bill before the climate bill.

Aid to Pakistan: Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle said they needed more information from the administration about how aid is currently distributed to Pakistan. That country’s stability has become a vital U.S. national security interest amid the war in neighboring Afghanistan and the widespread belief that al Qaeda’s leadership is living in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area.

PREVIEW

Financial Regulatory Bill: Lawmakers in the Senate will begin considering major changes to financial overhaul legislation. Several amendments are designed to limit taxpayer exposure to large financial insolvencies and to cap the size of large banks. Dozens of amendments are expected regarding the new consumer regulator the bill would set up. It would also include a crackdown on payday lenders and a reinstatement of walls between commercial and investment banks. (S.2886) (S.3217)

Campaign Spending: Democratic senators are moving ahead with campaign finance legislation designed to limit the scope of a recent landmark Supreme Court ruling. Not a single GOP member has signed on as a cosponsor. Their goal is to vote on the White House-backed measure before the July Fourth recess so that it could take effect before midterm elections this fall. The draft legislation would impose campaign disclosure requirements on special interest groups. To voice your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.

Auto Safety Bill: Following safety concerns over sudden acceleration problems with some Toyota models, a House committee is moving ahead with a draft measure that would expand the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall authority, remove the cap on civil penalties it can assess and boost its budget with a $3-$9 fee on new cars.

The Week Ahead: The Senate is scheduled to take up a financial overhaul regulations bill. The debate is expected to last two weeks. The House will consider a bill designed to promote energy efficiency. It is intended to create jobs and encourage homeowners to save energy. Go to www.nwyc.com for complete review.

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

It’s Time to Take Action

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After all ... We the People are the voice of America.

Robin Tucker