House Cloakroom: June 21–25, 2010
Analysis: This week the House will attempt to pass a handful of bills that have been postponed for weeks now such as the DISCLOSE Act, a legislative response by Democrats to the Supreme Court case Citizens United, which has run into disputes after certain groups negotiated exemption from the measure. Also on tap will be the War Funding Supplemental, which is an $84.3 billion bill that contains only $33 billion for actual defense and military construction. The House will continue its conference with the Senate on the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Additionally, if the Senate is able to get cloture, which has failed to this point, the tax extenders legislation (H.R. 4213) could return to the House. The extenders package includes $126 billion in new spending that includes billions for bailouts to states, Build America Bonds, and a Medicaid bailout. It also includes tax increases of $50 billion over 10 years, yet still adds $79 billion to our current federal deficits.
Major Floor Action:
H.R. 5175: DISCLOSE Act
H.R. 4899: FY 2010 War Funding Supplemental
H.R. 4213: Tax and Benefits “Extenders” Measure
Major Committee Action:
- The House Natural Resources Committee will hold several hearings including a subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife hearing on state planning for offshore energy development and preparedness standards after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion, a full committee hearing on the Coal Accountability and Retired Employee (CARE) Act of 2010, and a Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands hearing on pending public lands bills.
- The House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment will hold a hearing on “Deepwater Drilling Technology, Research and Development.”
Senate Cloakroom: June 21–25, 2010
Analysis: The Senate will continue to debate the Extenders bill after passing a six month Doc Fix bill by voice vote this past Friday. After completion of the Extenders bill, the Senate is expected to turn to the FAA Reauthorization bill, and will more than likely have a test vote on imposing severe union work rules on FedEx. The Senate may also vote on any conference reports that might be available next week.
Major Floor Action:
H.R.4213: The Tax Extenders bill
H.R.1586: The FAA Reauthorization bill
Major Committee Action:
- The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing on Iran policy after the UN Sanctions, and also hold two hearings related to the START Treaty.
- The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing on how to prevent military suicides.