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REVIEW
Gun Control Executive
Orders: While some Democratic lawmakers said President
Obama’s recent gun control executive orders didn’t go far enough, some
Republican lawmakers said the orders were in “direct conflict” with federal law.
By law, executive orders cannot create new laws, they can only direct how
existing laws are to be carried out.
Republicans have identified the following five
specific directives they consider legally questionable in the president’s recent
directives: 1) order to allow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to
conduct research into gun violence; 2-3) two directives aimed at getting states
to provide more information to a federal database of disqualified gun
purchasers; 4-5) and two directives aimed at clarifying health care
professionals’ right to inquire about their patients’ guns or report threats of
violence to law enforcement agencies.
Click
Here to
express your opinion on this issue.
Urging Congress to Focus on the Debt Ceiling:
As the February deadline nears for the government to
run out of borrowing authority, lawmakers are being urged to come to an
agreement and to focus on the consequences of exceeding the debt ceiling.
Reports show that not raising the debt ceiling would delay payments due to
Social Security beneficiaries, active military personnel, recipients of
government assistance programs and federal contractors within the first few
days. Under this scenario, Treasury officials would postpone payments until they
have enough cash flowing in to make them.
Mine Safety: Democratic lawmakers
renewed their call for Congress to update the federal mine safety law after the
Obama administration unveiled a final rule that allows more aggressive
enforcement measures against mines that have had repeat safety
violations.
High Energy Drinks:
Democratic lawmakers are calling for an investigation into 14 energy drink
companies. In question are marketing claims and ingredients connected with the
companies. The Food and Drug Administration is also launching an investigation.
The goal is to ascertain whether the products are harmful to young people,
especially those with cardiac conditions. Disaster Relief
Appropriations Act: The House passed a measure providing $51 billion
for relief and recovery from Hurricane Sandy. An amendment to the relief package
introduced by Tea Party-allied conservatives requiring across-the-board cuts to
defense and domestic programs to pay for $17 billion of storm aid was defeated
with a combination of GOP and Democratic votes. ( H.R.
152)
American Taxpayer Relief Act:
The Senate passed a bill that makes permanent the Economic Growth and Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act of 2001 for individual taxpayers whose taxable income is at
or below a $400,000 threshold amount ($450,000 for married couples filing a
joint return). Chief among these latest tax provisions is the one-year extension
of 50 percent bonus depreciation through 2013. ( H.R.8)
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PREVIEW
Debt Ceiling: House Republican
leaders said Friday that they will schedule a vote this week on a plan to extend
the nation’s debt ceiling for three months, but that it would also require the
Democratic-controlled Senate to pass a budget by April 15 for the first time in
four years or see senators’ pay withheld.
Check
Your Email on Tuesday for Your Debt Ceiling Action
Alert.
Fight Still
Looming Over Federal Paychecks: Though the House
voted against federal pay raises on Jan. 2, the 112th Congress adjourned before
the Senate took up the bill. Now, the House is set to vote again on the issue.
The bill would overturn President Obama’s Dec. 27 executive order giving small
raises — about 0.5 percent — to people who work for the federal government,
including Congress. Federal employee unions oppose it pointing out that those
workers have not had a pay raise since 2010.
Click Here to express your opinion on this
issue.
Immigration Reform: Business leaders are
urging Congress to reach an agreement on legislation that would define the legal
path for illegal immigrants living in the U.S., as well as new entrance rules
for those to come. While Democrats have voiced support for a comprehensive
immigration overhaul, Republicans have shown favor for an incremental
approach.
Keystone XL Pipeline: Republicans are
urging the Obama administration to allow the pipeline to advance and create
jobs, while environmental groups are stepping up pressure to stop the pipeline
with new research that shows tar sands emissions are more carbon-intensive than
previously thought.
The Week Ahead: Please go to www.nwyc.com
for the latest in congressional actions.
MONDAY,
JANUARY 21ST
On Monday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for the
Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. No
votes are expected in the House.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22ND
On Tuesday, the
House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative
business.
H.R. 307 - Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness
Reauthorization Act of 2013 (Suspension, 40 Minutes of Debate)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23RD
On Wednesday,
the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected
no later than 3:00 p.m.
Legislation Conditioning an Increase in the Nation's
Debt Limit Upon Congress Passing a Budget
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24TH, AND FRIDAY, JANUARY
25TH
On Thursday and Friday, no votes are expected.
What are
your thoughts and concerns?
- Click Here to write your elected
officials about any topic you would like to voice your concern or opinion.
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