This week's R&P Report from www.nwyc.com
Vol. 14 No. 2-18
Monday, June 14, 2010
REVIEW
Climate Change: Senate Democrats remained divided over whether to bring comprehensive climate change provisions to the floor next month as part of an energy bill. By a vote of 47-53, senators rejected a procedural motion - and thus shelved a Republican resolution that would have overturned an EPA finding that greenhouse gases endanger human health and thus should be regulated under the Clean Air Act. (H.R.1462),
Financial Bill: House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) is leading conference talks as the House and the Senate attempt to reconcile their separate financial bills. Among other issues, negotiators will be deciding how to implement consumer protection and ways to liquidate failing banks. (H.R.4173)
Cyberspace Defense: Leaders of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee introduced a measure that would restructure parts of the federal government to combat computer attacks. The legislation would create a Senate-confirmed official to oversee the nation’s computer defenses, establish a cybersecurity hub and grant power to the President to direct the private sector during an emergency. (S.773)
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee plans to hold a vote on a new strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia before Congress takes its August recess. This is seen as a key step in efforts to approve ratification of the pact by year’s end.
Stalled Intelligence Authorization Bill: Now that senators are reporting fewer objections to President Obama’s selection of James Clapper Jr. as director of national intelligence, the long-stalled fiscal 2010 intelligence authorization bill is expected to pass. The bill is aimed at improving congressional oversight of spy agencies and bolstering the powers of the “intelligence czar’s” office. (H.R.2701)
Cruise Ship Safety: The Senate passed a bill that would require cruise ships to maintain videotape surveillance, logs of reported deaths and missing individuals and alleged crimes on board. Personnel would have to be trained in crime scene investigation techniques, and rape kits would have to be available aboard the ships, along with a forensic specialist trained to deal with allegations of sexual assault.(S.588)
Federal Housing Administration: The House passed legislation to raise the maximum annual mortgage insurance premium on loans that it guarantees, thus boosting its dwindling capital reserves. (HR 5072)
Oil Spill Cleanup Fund: The House voted 410-0 to pass a bill that would remove limitations on the amount of money the administration can use for cleanup efforts from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The vote came one day after the Senate passed the bill. The President is expected to sign it this week. (S.3473)
PREVIEW
Toxic Chemical Regulations: An environmental coalition is urging Congress to overhaul federal regulation of toxic chemicals. It says dispersants used to break up thick oil in the Gulf are why the law needs to be strengthened. Under current law, dispersant manufacturers do not have to disclose what chemicals are used in their products and they are not required to safety test them.
$8 Billion Funding Boost: Child nutrition programs, including school lunches, could get an $8 billion boost in funding over the next 10 years under a newly introduced bill. Budget offsets or tax increases are required to pay for the increase. (S.3307) To express your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.
The Week Ahead: The Senate will continue work on a $140 billion tax and benefits package. The House is expected to consider bills related to small businesses, campaign finance and supplemental spending.
Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF
Small Business appears to be impacted by ObamaCare, with recent news on the impact of the new Federal Legislation.
According to the report, by 2013 51% of all employers — 66% of small
employers (3-99 employees) and 45% of large employers — would have to relinquish
current coverage. In a worst-case scenario, 69% of firms would lose their
grandfathered status - Investors Business Daily
Administration: 51% Of Companies’ Health Plans Won’t Pass Muster - Investors Business Daily
Internal White House documents reveal that 51% of employers may have to relinquish their current health care coverage by 2013 due to ObamaCare. That numbers soars to 66% for small-business employers ...
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