House Cloakroom: March 7 – March 11

Analysis:

The House returns on Tuesday this week to consider legislation involving the Federal Housing Administration refinancing program as well as a bill regarding the emergency mortgage relief program and its potential termination. On Wednesday, the House will host a joint meeting with the Senate for the purpose of receiving the Honorable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia. Members will stay busy with more than sixty committee and subcommittee hearings involving everything from job restricting regulations, the mounting US debt, the situation in Libya, the EPA, and more.

Major Floor Action

  • H.R. 830 (PDF) – The FHA Refinance Program Termination Act
  • H.R. 836 (PDF) – The Emergency Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act

Major Committee Action

Senate Cloakroom: March 7 – March 11

Analysis:

Since the Senate and House agreed on a short-term continuing resolution last week, the current CR doesn’t expire until March 18. Senator Reid has agreed to two test votes related to spending next week: one on the House-passed HR. 1 and one on the Democratic spending plan, an amendment sponsored by Senator Inouye. Both bills need 60 votes to pass, and it is incredibly unlikely that either will garner enough support.

Also, Senator Reid has scheduled a cloture vote on the Patent Reform Bill, which will occur on Monday evening.

Major Floor Action:

  • S. 23: The Patent Reform Act of 2011
  • Senate version of HR 1
  • Senator Inouye amendment to HR 1

Major Committee Action: