R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman for Monday, September 20, 2010 ...

http://www.nwyc.com/
Vol. 14 No. 2-27
Monday, September 20, 2010

REVIEW

Small Business Bill: The Senate passed (61-38) a package of provisions that would establish a $30 billion lending fund designed to help community banks make loans to small businesses. Most Republicans voiced opposition to the provision saying it is an unwarranted government handout to banks. The bill would also provide $12 billion in tax breaks and enhance federal programs that support small businesses. (H.R.5297)

1099 Requirement: The Senate failed to pass an amendment to the small business bill that would have revised or eliminated the provision in the new health care law that requires businesses to file a 1099 tax form when they pay a vendor more than $600 in a year. That provision has been a source of anger and protest from small businesses and their representatives in Washington. (H.R.5297)

Rural Energy Savings Act: The House passed a bill that would provide $4.9 billion in federal funding for low-interest loans to rural customers to implement energy efficiency measures. (H.R.4785)

Coal Industry and EPA Authority: Coal industry supporters are weighing new lines of attack on the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions after Senate Democrats canceled a markup of the agency’s annual spending bill. (S. 3454)

Overseas Contractor Reform Act: In an effort to enforce stricter penalties and provide more oversight of overseas contractors who provide poor services, the House passed a bill that states that no government contracts or grants should be awarded to individuals or companies who violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. (H.R.5366)

Food Safety: The Senate placed a food safety bill on hold until after the Nov. 2 elections. The bill is designed to strengthen the FDA’s food safety enforcement powers. Those in favor of it say new regulations are necessary now in light of the recent recall of contaminated eggs. Those against the measure say it would authorize spending that is not paid for and would burden industry with new regulations. (S.510)

PREVIEW

Sexual Orientation: A House subcommittee backed a bill designed to advance the government’s understanding of health issues facing gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. It would call for the collection of data from volunteers who are not minors. Funding has not yet been determined. (H.R.6109)

Click here to express your opinion or go to www.nwyc.com

Tax Extenders: The Senate unveiled a $50 billion package of tax-cut extensions, including a one-year renewal of the R&D credit. The bill would renew dozens of provisions that lapsed at the end of last year that focus on businesses and individuals. Funds to settle class-action lawsuits brought by black farmers and Native Americans are included along with money to retain workers laid off as a result of globalization and to provide jobs for unemployed youths. (H.R.4849)

Stem Cell Research: Anticipating a long debate, Senate Democrats announced they will not take up a bill that would allow federal funding of embryonic stem cell research until after the elections. Lawmakers in the House followed suit. The measure is in response to a judge’s injunction blocking such funding. (S.3766) (H.R.4808)

Defense Bill Path to Citizenship: Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said that he would amend the defense authorization bill with a provision to extend legal status and a path to citizenship in some cases for illegal immigrants. The amendment would use language similar to the DREAM Act (H.R.1751) that would give illegal immigrants who came to this country before they were 16 years-old a path to citizenship if they served in the military or met other requirements. (S.3454)

Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

U.S. and Russian Nuclear Stockpiles: A treaty that would restrict each country to a maximum of 1,500 deployed nuclear warheads is headed for the Senate floor. Debate is expected to center on questions of trust between the two countries and on national security.

$699.9 Billion Defense Spending: A Senate panel advanced the defense appropriations draft bill. It includes $157.7 billion for overseas operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is headed to the full Senate for a vote. (H.R.5136)

The Week Ahead: The House is expected to clear a small-business lending measure. The Senate address the defense authorization bill.

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

*** *** ***

The General Election will be held in the State of Iowa and nationally on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. We support Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks for Congress in Iowa's 2Nd Congressional District.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks for Congress

http://millermeeks.com/news/miller-meeks-for-congress-event-schedule-for-september-20-25 - Miller Meeks for Congress

Event Schedule for the week of September 20-25, 2010 for Miller Meeks ...

http://millermeeks.com/news/nrcc-announces-new-on-the-radar-and-contender-candidates - Miller-Meeks for Congress

Washington - The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) today announced its newest round of 'On the Radar' and 'Contender' candidates. By reaching the first and second step of the three-step 'Young Guns' program, these Republican candidates have reached the ...

Robin Tucker