Monday, May 26, 2008
Hill Watching, May 26-30 - Memorial Day Recess (Happy Memorial Day!)
Congress is on recess over Memorial Day week, they'll be back in session Monday June 2, 2008.
Hill Watching, May 22nd, 2008 -
Things were wrapping up before Memorial Day recess Thursday, a lot of work done on the Farm Bill, the '09 budget, the '08 supplemental war funding bill.
In the Senate, Sen. Lautenberg introduced a bill to help those soldiers struggling financially through stop-loss:
By Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself, Mr. CASEY, and Mr. MENENDEZ):
S. 3060. A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to require the payment of monthly special pay for members of the uniformed services whose service on active duty is extended by a stop-loss order or similar mechanism, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. Source GPO: [S4792]
On the House side, an interesting bill involving trade agreements. When a bill is subject to 'Point of Order', any member may raise a point of order if they feel a rule has been breached, thus requiring a 60% vote for that bill to pass.
By Mr. DEFAZIO (for himself, Mr. TAYLOR, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. MELANCON, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. HINCHEY, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. HARE):
H.R. 6148. A bill to make bills implementing trade agreements subject to a point of order unless certain conditions are met, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source GPO: [H4830]
In the Senate, Sen. Lautenberg introduced a bill to help those soldiers struggling financially through stop-loss:
By Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself, Mr. CASEY, and Mr. MENENDEZ):
S. 3060. A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to require the payment of monthly special pay for members of the uniformed services whose service on active duty is extended by a stop-loss order or similar mechanism, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services. Source GPO: [S4792]
On the House side, an interesting bill involving trade agreements. When a bill is subject to 'Point of Order', any member may raise a point of order if they feel a rule has been breached, thus requiring a 60% vote for that bill to pass.
By Mr. DEFAZIO (for himself, Mr. TAYLOR, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. MELANCON, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. HINCHEY, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. HARE):
H.R. 6148. A bill to make bills implementing trade agreements subject to a point of order unless certain conditions are met, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source GPO: [H4830]
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Hill Watching, May 21st, 2008 - FDA Approval & Firefighter Health
Busy day in House and Senate yesterday as they worked on override of the President's veto of the Farm Bill (which contains many provisions from Food Stamp Program - to subsidies to farmers - to international food aid and much more), and did work on the budget for next fiscal year, as well as an emergency supplemental bill to provide additional funds for the War (which are running out sooner than earlier projected).
So very few bills introduced, but this is one to allow conditional approval of drugs or devices for those who are seriously ill:
By Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself, Mr. CASEY, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. SPECTER, and Mr. INHOFE):
S. 3046. A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to create a new conditional approval system for drugs, biological products, and devices that is responsive to the needs of seriously ill patients, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S4621]
And in the House, a bill to provide long-term health monitoring services to firefighters who responded to certain disaster area emergencies:
By Mr. BACA:
H.R. 6112. A bill to provide for the monitoring of the long-term medical health of firefighters who responded to emergencies in certain disaster areas and for the treatment of such firefighters; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H4453]
So very few bills introduced, but this is one to allow conditional approval of drugs or devices for those who are seriously ill:
By Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself, Mr. CASEY, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. SPECTER, and Mr. INHOFE):
S. 3046. A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to create a new conditional approval system for drugs, biological products, and devices that is responsive to the needs of seriously ill patients, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S4621]
And in the House, a bill to provide long-term health monitoring services to firefighters who responded to certain disaster area emergencies:
By Mr. BACA:
H.R. 6112. A bill to provide for the monitoring of the long-term medical health of firefighters who responded to emergencies in certain disaster areas and for the treatment of such firefighters; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H4453]
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Hill Watching, May 20th, 2008 - Special Needs Adoption & Domestic Violence Attorneys
Busy week in Congress, they will be taking next week off for the Memorial Day recess and have a lot to get done before leaving this week.
In the Senate, Sen. Grassley introduced a bill providing incentives to promote adoption of special needs kids.
By Mr. GRASSLEY:
S. 3038. A bill to amend part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to extend the adoption incentives program, to authorize States to establish a relative guardianship program, to promote the adoption of children with special needs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GOP [S4487]
On the House side, Rep. Conyers introduced a bill to create a volunteer domestic violence attorney network.
By Mr. CONYERS (for himself and Mr. POE):
H.R. 6088. A bill to establish a domestic violence volunteer attorney network to represent domestic violence victims; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source GPO: [H4320]
In the Senate, Sen. Grassley introduced a bill providing incentives to promote adoption of special needs kids.
By Mr. GRASSLEY:
S. 3038. A bill to amend part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to extend the adoption incentives program, to authorize States to establish a relative guardianship program, to promote the adoption of children with special needs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GOP [S4487]
On the House side, Rep. Conyers introduced a bill to create a volunteer domestic violence attorney network.
By Mr. CONYERS (for himself and Mr. POE):
H.R. 6088. A bill to establish a domestic violence volunteer attorney network to represent domestic violence victims; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source GPO: [H4320]
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Hill Watching, May 19th, 2009 - Foreclosed Tenants and Older Foster Kids
Not much happening on the Senate side yesterday. More sad news today seeing that Sen. Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He certainly has had his controversies and tragedies, but no denying the influence he has in Congress and the work he had done for the American people.
On the legislative side, this bill works on addressing a rising issue of what happens to tenants/renters of homes that are being foreclosed on - this bill is to 'protect the interests' whatever that may mean:
By Mr. REID (for Mr. KERRY (for himself and Mr. KENNEDY)):
S. 3034. A bill to protect the interests of bona fide tenants in the case of any foreclosure on any dwelling or residential real property, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Source: GPO: [S4375]
On the House side, not much happening either, but here is bill on older kids in foster care:
By Mr. LEWIS of Georgia:
H. Res. 1208. A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that youth who age out of foster care should be given special care and attention; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H4151]
On the legislative side, this bill works on addressing a rising issue of what happens to tenants/renters of homes that are being foreclosed on - this bill is to 'protect the interests' whatever that may mean:
By Mr. REID (for Mr. KERRY (for himself and Mr. KENNEDY)):
S. 3034. A bill to protect the interests of bona fide tenants in the case of any foreclosure on any dwelling or residential real property, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Source: GPO: [S4375]
On the House side, not much happening either, but here is bill on older kids in foster care:
By Mr. LEWIS of Georgia:
H. Res. 1208. A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that youth who age out of foster care should be given special care and attention; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H4151]
Monday, May 19, 2008
Hill Watching, May 16th, 2008 - Emergency Workers Tax Credit
The House and Senate were not in session on Friday, May 16th. They'll be back Monday the 19th. Over the weekend, Senator Kennedy suffered a seizure. As far as I know, people don't have seizures without some strong underlying reason, but I hope it is nothing serious and he'll be back in Congress soon.
Since there were no bills introduced on Friday, here is a bill offered in early April to give tax credit to emergency workers. I don't think we do enough for our volunteer fire fighters and emergency medical volunteers, so this is a nice little benefit for them.
By Mr. SCHUMER:
S. 2846. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a $1,000 refundable credit for individuals who are bona fide volunteer members of volunteer firefighting and emergency medical service organizations; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S2947]
Since there were no bills introduced on Friday, here is a bill offered in early April to give tax credit to emergency workers. I don't think we do enough for our volunteer fire fighters and emergency medical volunteers, so this is a nice little benefit for them.
By Mr. SCHUMER:
S. 2846. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a $1,000 refundable credit for individuals who are bona fide volunteer members of volunteer firefighting and emergency medical service organizations; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S2947]
Friday, May 16, 2008
Hill Watching, May 15th, 2008 - College Coaches & Hotel Bed Bugs
In the Senate, a bill introduced by Reid to provide 'college coaches' to high school high-acheivers in low & middle-income communties:
By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON):
S. 3027. A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to establish a program to provide college coaches to low- and middle-income high-achieving high school students; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S4282]
In the House, kind of an odd bill, but as someone who occasionally stays in hotels and gets freaked out an thought of how dirty/big-ridden the beds may be, I like it:
By Mr. BUTTERFIELD (for himself, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. MATSUI, and Mr. JEFFERSON):
H.R. 6068. A bill to establish a grant program to assist States in inspecting hotel rooms for bed bugs; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source GPO: [H4059]
By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON):
S. 3027. A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to establish a program to provide college coaches to low- and middle-income high-achieving high school students; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S4282]
In the House, kind of an odd bill, but as someone who occasionally stays in hotels and gets freaked out an thought of how dirty/big-ridden the beds may be, I like it:
By Mr. BUTTERFIELD (for himself, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. MATSUI, and Mr. JEFFERSON):
H.R. 6068. A bill to establish a grant program to assist States in inspecting hotel rooms for bed bugs; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source GPO: [H4059]
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Hill Watching, May 14th, 2008 - Anti-Internet Crime & Life-in-Prison for Child Rape
Not much to offer in terms of interesting Senate bills introduced yesterday, but here is one to provide more funding for internet crime prevention:
By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. COLEMAN, and Mr. LIEBERMAN):
S. 3016. A bill to direct the Attorney General to provide grants for Internet Crime prevention education programs; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GOP [S4182]
In the House, a bill to strongly penalize anyone who rapes a child - hard not to agree with sending child rapists away for life:
By Mr. REICHERT:
H.R. 6050. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide mandatory imprisonment for life for persons raping young children; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H3884]
By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. COLEMAN, and Mr. LIEBERMAN):
S. 3016. A bill to direct the Attorney General to provide grants for Internet Crime prevention education programs; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GOP [S4182]
In the House, a bill to strongly penalize anyone who rapes a child - hard not to agree with sending child rapists away for life:
By Mr. REICHERT:
H.R. 6050. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide mandatory imprisonment for life for persons raping young children; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H3884]
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Hill Watching, May 13th, 2008 - Sex Crimes on Kids & Foreign Language/Culture for Military
In the Senate today, a strong bill by Senator Grassley:
By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. KYL, and Mr. VITTER):
S. 3014. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen penalties for child pornography offenses, child sex trafficking offenses, and other sexual offenses committed against children; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source GPO: [S4106]
Pretty creative bill by Rep. Giffords, the second part of bill especially seems like good idea to me:
By Ms. GIFFORDS (for herself, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, and Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia):
H.R. 6037. A bill to amend titles 10 and 37, United States Code, to create the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Irregular Warfare, Cultural Training, and Social Science Initiatives and to authorize a new skill incentive pay and proficiency bonus to encourage members of the Armed Forces to train in critical foreign languages and foreign cultural studies; to the Committee on Armed Services. Source GPO: [H3776]
By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. KYL, and Mr. VITTER):
S. 3014. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen penalties for child pornography offenses, child sex trafficking offenses, and other sexual offenses committed against children; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source GPO: [S4106]
Pretty creative bill by Rep. Giffords, the second part of bill especially seems like good idea to me:
By Ms. GIFFORDS (for herself, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, and Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia):
H.R. 6037. A bill to amend titles 10 and 37, United States Code, to create the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Irregular Warfare, Cultural Training, and Social Science Initiatives and to authorize a new skill incentive pay and proficiency bonus to encourage members of the Armed Forces to train in critical foreign languages and foreign cultural studies; to the Committee on Armed Services. Source GPO: [H3776]
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Hill Watching, May 12th, 2008 - Detainee Health & Housing Bill Exclusions
On Senate side, this bill will likely be controversial, but I have no objections. In America, we need to treat all individuals the same when it comes to providing health care, whether detainees or not.
By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. AKAKA, and Mr. LIEBERMAN):
S. 3005. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish procedures for the timely and effective delivery of medical and mental health care to all immigration detainees in custody, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [S4028]
Not much happening in the House today either, but here is a bill by Rep. Foster stating drug dealers, sex offenders and those who have committed mortgage fraud are not allowed to participate in Housing/Foreclosure Prevention bill provisions:
By Mr. FOSTER:
H.R. 6021. A bill to prohibit the purchase or lease of housing acquired using Federal loan or grant funds appropriated for the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed housing under the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 by any individual convicted under Federal or State law of a drug-dealing offense, a sex offense, or mortgage fraud; to the Committee on Financial Services. [H3408]
By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. AKAKA, and Mr. LIEBERMAN):
S. 3005. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish procedures for the timely and effective delivery of medical and mental health care to all immigration detainees in custody, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. [S4028]
Not much happening in the House today either, but here is a bill by Rep. Foster stating drug dealers, sex offenders and those who have committed mortgage fraud are not allowed to participate in Housing/Foreclosure Prevention bill provisions:
By Mr. FOSTER:
H.R. 6021. A bill to prohibit the purchase or lease of housing acquired using Federal loan or grant funds appropriated for the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed housing under the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 by any individual convicted under Federal or State law of a drug-dealing offense, a sex offense, or mortgage fraud; to the Committee on Financial Services. [H3408]
Monday, May 12, 2008
Hill Watching - May 9th, 2008 - Sex Crimes on Minors
Both the House and Senate were off on Friday, May 9th. Here are a couple of bills introduced last week that are a bit nutty, though I can't say I disagree with them. He doesn't have any cosponsors, but attempts to address one of the worst crimes there are - sexual attacks on minors.
H.J.RES.82 : Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States allowing castration after conviction for the rape of a child under 16 years of age.
Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (introduced 5/8/2008)
Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 5/8/2008 Referred to House committee.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
H.J.RES.83 : Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that the Constitution does not preclude a penalty of death, including when it is imposed for the rape of a child under 16 years of age.
Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (introduced 5/8/2008)
Cosponsors (None) Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 5/8/2008 Referred to House committee.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
[H3402]
H.J.RES.82 : Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States allowing castration after conviction for the rape of a child under 16 years of age.
Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (introduced 5/8/2008)
Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 5/8/2008 Referred to House committee.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
H.J.RES.83 : Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that the Constitution does not preclude a penalty of death, including when it is imposed for the rape of a child under 16 years of age.
Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (introduced 5/8/2008)
Cosponsors (None) Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 5/8/2008 Referred to House committee.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
[H3402]
Friday, May 9, 2008
Hill Watching, May 8th, 2008 - Cancer Trials & Adoption
On the Senate side, here is bill introduced by Sen. Brown to provide coverage to folks undergoing clinical cancer trials. There are countless stories of people who are forced to give up fighting their cancer and if we can require coverage for clinical trials, at least there will be hope:
By Mr. BROWN (for himself, Mr. SPECTER, and Mr. WHITEHOUSE):
S. 2999. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans to provide coverage for individuals participating in approved cancer clinical trials; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [S3975]
On the House side, this is an interesting bill. If I understand it correctly, it allows birthmothers that give their children up for adoption to receive a tax credit. I'm all for adoption, but it seems to me that the folks raising the children are the ones who need to tax credits, but that is just one person's opinion:
By Mrs. SCHMIDT:
H.R. 6014. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against tax for birthmothers whose children are adopted; to the Committee on Ways and Means. [H3403]
By Mr. BROWN (for himself, Mr. SPECTER, and Mr. WHITEHOUSE):
S. 2999. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans to provide coverage for individuals participating in approved cancer clinical trials; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. [S3975]
On the House side, this is an interesting bill. If I understand it correctly, it allows birthmothers that give their children up for adoption to receive a tax credit. I'm all for adoption, but it seems to me that the folks raising the children are the ones who need to tax credits, but that is just one person's opinion:
By Mrs. SCHMIDT:
H.R. 6014. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against tax for birthmothers whose children are adopted; to the Committee on Ways and Means. [H3403]
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Hill Watching, May 7th, 2008 - Vet's Housing & Credit Card Rate Increase Cap
In Senate, another Veteran Housing relief bill introduced, the more vets benefits the merrier as far as I'm concerned:
By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON (for herself and Mr. SCHUMER)):
S. 2992. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance housing loan authorities for veterans and to otherwise assist veterans and members of the Armed Forces in avoiding the foreclosure of their homes, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. [S3891]
On the House side, it is great the government is looking into shady credit card processes that are hurting many americans. Here is a bill introduced to put a cap on interest rates the card companies can charge:
By Mr. HINCHEY (for himself, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. LEE, Mr. KUCINICH, and Ms. WOOLSEY):
H.R. 5988. A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act to impose a cap on the rate of interest that may be charged on consumer credit card accounts, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [H3186]
By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON (for herself and Mr. SCHUMER)):
S. 2992. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance housing loan authorities for veterans and to otherwise assist veterans and members of the Armed Forces in avoiding the foreclosure of their homes, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. [S3891]
On the House side, it is great the government is looking into shady credit card processes that are hurting many americans. Here is a bill introduced to put a cap on interest rates the card companies can charge:
By Mr. HINCHEY (for himself, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. LEE, Mr. KUCINICH, and Ms. WOOLSEY):
H.R. 5988. A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act to impose a cap on the rate of interest that may be charged on consumer credit card accounts, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. [H3186]
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Hill Watching, May 6th, 2008 - Vet's Foreclosure & Infrastructure
In the Senate, another nice bill to help protect our servicemen who have been injured from housing crisis:
By Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. ISAKSON):
S. 2981. A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide a one-year period of protection against mortgage foreclosures for certain disabled or severely injured servicemembers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
[S3790]
On the House side, I have no idea what the 'nuts and bolts' of this would eventually be, but I like the idea behind - anything to increase chances of improving our country's infrastructure is good to me. We just can't have bridges collapsing and roads deteriorating:
By Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Ms. VELÁZQUEZ, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. FARR, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, Ms. DELAURO, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. PETRI, Mr. SHAYS, and Mr. WELCH of Vermont):
H.R. 5976. A bill to establish the United States Commission on Rebuilding America for the 21st Century, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
[H3108]
By Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. ISAKSON):
S. 2981. A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide a one-year period of protection against mortgage foreclosures for certain disabled or severely injured servicemembers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
[S3790]
On the House side, I have no idea what the 'nuts and bolts' of this would eventually be, but I like the idea behind - anything to increase chances of improving our country's infrastructure is good to me. We just can't have bridges collapsing and roads deteriorating:
By Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Ms. VELÁZQUEZ, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. FARR, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, Ms. DELAURO, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. LATOURETTE, Mr. PETRI, Mr. SHAYS, and Mr. WELCH of Vermont):
H.R. 5976. A bill to establish the United States Commission on Rebuilding America for the 21st Century, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
[H3108]
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Hill Watching - May 5th, 2008 - Vet's Business & Marijuana
Senate was not in session. On House side, here is bill regarding veterans benefits. I'm of the thinking that we should give as much as possible to any and all vets. They have served our country in ways many of us never will and should be rewarded:
By Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia:
H.R. 5969. A bill to amend the Small Business Act to make service-disabled veterans eligible under the 8(a) business development program; to the Committee on Small Business. [H3050]
And since Senate was not in session, here are a couple old bills (April 17th, 2008) that Barney Frank introduced. Another travesty in our country is the great penalties given to those who possess and use marijuana. The amount of resources we use to regulate and police our current drug laws, along with resources wasted through incarceration, yet alone the lives destroyed for use for marijuana is unreasonable. Thankfully, Rep. Frank has a pair of cajones:
H.R.5842 : To provide for the medical use of marijuana in accordance with the laws of the various States.Sponsor: Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] (introduced 4/17/2008) Cosponsors (5) Committees: House Energy and Commerce Latest Major Action: 4/17/2008 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.5843 : To eliminate most Federal penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use, and for other purposes.Sponsor: Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] (introduced 4/17/2008) Cosponsors (2) Committees: House Judiciary; House Energy and Commerce Latest Major Action: 4/17/2008 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia:
H.R. 5969. A bill to amend the Small Business Act to make service-disabled veterans eligible under the 8(a) business development program; to the Committee on Small Business. [H3050]
And since Senate was not in session, here are a couple old bills (April 17th, 2008) that Barney Frank introduced. Another travesty in our country is the great penalties given to those who possess and use marijuana. The amount of resources we use to regulate and police our current drug laws, along with resources wasted through incarceration, yet alone the lives destroyed for use for marijuana is unreasonable. Thankfully, Rep. Frank has a pair of cajones:
H.R.5842 : To provide for the medical use of marijuana in accordance with the laws of the various States.Sponsor: Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] (introduced 4/17/2008) Cosponsors (5) Committees: House Energy and Commerce Latest Major Action: 4/17/2008 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.5843 : To eliminate most Federal penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use, and for other purposes.Sponsor: Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] (introduced 4/17/2008) Cosponsors (2) Committees: House Judiciary; House Energy and Commerce Latest Major Action: 4/17/2008 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Hill Watching - May 2, 2008 - Gas Tax & G.W. Wild Card Red Sox Statement
On Senate side, this is a bill that is similar to plan McCain and Clinton have both been touting in their campaign, and it makes little sense. It is another call to suspend highway fuel taxes. Reports estimate that the average person would save roughly $25 to $30 over the summer vacation with suspended fuel tax. However, our roads are falling apart. There are weekly stories of giant sinkholes, bridges collapsing, etc...sometimes making me think we live in a third world nation. I'd rather have roads without car-sized holes and bridges that stay up than an extra $25 bucks for the entire summer.
By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON (for herself and Mr. MENENDEZ)):
S. 2971. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a suspension of the highway fuel tax, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.
Source: [S3742]
The House was not in session today, so here is funny statenment from Rahm Emmanuel on the House floor last Thursday, the 1st of May:
PRESIDENT BUSH IS 0 FOR 2 -- (House of Representatives - May 01, 2008)
(Mr. EMANUEL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, in 1993, when professional baseball owners were deciding how to rehabilitate the reputation of baseball after the players' strike, they debated whether to enact a wild-card rule to allow the second place team into the playoffs. Only one owner at the time voted against this, Texas Rangers general partner, George Bush.
When the rule passed 27-1, at the time the President said, ``I made my arguments and went down in flames. History will prove me right.''
Since then, nearly a third of the World Series Champions have been wild-card teams, including the 2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. The rule helped save baseball, as history has shown.
And just like his baseball predictions, President Bush sings a very similar tune about Iraq. He says, as recently as yesterday, ``History will prove whether I'm right, and I think I'll be right.''
Really? Five years today since his speech on ``Mission Accomplished.'' And let's take stock. More than 4,000 lives have been lost, tens of thousands of American men and women have been injured, we've spent over 475 billion taxpayer dollars in Iraq, with the price tag continually going up.
History will judge whether, once again, George Bush's record and America's reputation will go down in flames. At this rate, he's 0 for 2.
[Page: H2951] GPO's PDF
By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON (for herself and Mr. MENENDEZ)):
S. 2971. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a suspension of the highway fuel tax, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.
Source: [S3742]
The House was not in session today, so here is funny statenment from Rahm Emmanuel on the House floor last Thursday, the 1st of May:
PRESIDENT BUSH IS 0 FOR 2 -- (House of Representatives - May 01, 2008)
(Mr. EMANUEL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, in 1993, when professional baseball owners were deciding how to rehabilitate the reputation of baseball after the players' strike, they debated whether to enact a wild-card rule to allow the second place team into the playoffs. Only one owner at the time voted against this, Texas Rangers general partner, George Bush.
When the rule passed 27-1, at the time the President said, ``I made my arguments and went down in flames. History will prove me right.''
Since then, nearly a third of the World Series Champions have been wild-card teams, including the 2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. The rule helped save baseball, as history has shown.
And just like his baseball predictions, President Bush sings a very similar tune about Iraq. He says, as recently as yesterday, ``History will prove whether I'm right, and I think I'll be right.''
Really? Five years today since his speech on ``Mission Accomplished.'' And let's take stock. More than 4,000 lives have been lost, tens of thousands of American men and women have been injured, we've spent over 475 billion taxpayer dollars in Iraq, with the price tag continually going up.
History will judge whether, once again, George Bush's record and America's reputation will go down in flames. At this rate, he's 0 for 2.
[Page: H2951] GPO's PDF
Friday, May 2, 2008
Hill Watching - May 1st, 2008 - Farm Bill & Trauma Centers
On Senate side, an all-important two week farm bill extension was passed to keep things status quo until they work out deal on the final new Farm Bill (includes nutrition programs like Food Stamps)
By Mr. HARKIN:
S. 2954. A bill to amend Public Law 110-196 to provide for a temporary extension of progress authorized by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 beyond May 2, 2008; considered and passed.
On House side, I like this bill to help with our flailing health care system, particularly trauma centers:
By Mr. TOWNS (for himself, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. WAXMAN, and Mrs. BLACKBURN):
H.R. 5942. A bill to ensure the continued and future availability of lifesaving trauma health care in the United States and to prevent further trauma center closures and downgrades by assisting trauma centers with uncompensated care costs, core mission services, emergency needs, and information technology; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [H3018]
By Mr. HARKIN:
S. 2954. A bill to amend Public Law 110-196 to provide for a temporary extension of progress authorized by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 beyond May 2, 2008; considered and passed.
On House side, I like this bill to help with our flailing health care system, particularly trauma centers:
By Mr. TOWNS (for himself, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. WAXMAN, and Mrs. BLACKBURN):
H.R. 5942. A bill to ensure the continued and future availability of lifesaving trauma health care in the United States and to prevent further trauma center closures and downgrades by assisting trauma centers with uncompensated care costs, core mission services, emergency needs, and information technology; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. [H3018]
Hill Watching - Wednesday, April 30th - Health & American Made Products for Infrastructure
In Senate Side, Sen. Brown introduced a bill that is vague, though nice thought, will need to see how he wants to go about accomplishing the bill's goals:
By Mr. BROWN:
S. 2948. A bill to provide quality, affordable health insurance for small employers and individuals; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
[Source GPO: S3595]
And in the House, like this bill's desire to help the American economy:
By Mr. VISCLOSKY (for himself, Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. WILSON of Ohio, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. SOUDER, and Mr. ALTMIRE):
H.R. 5935. A bill to require certain Federal agencies to use iron and steel produced in the United States in carrying out projects for the construction, alteration, or repair of a public building or public work, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
[GPO: H2947]
By Mr. BROWN:
S. 2948. A bill to provide quality, affordable health insurance for small employers and individuals; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
[Source GPO: S3595]
And in the House, like this bill's desire to help the American economy:
By Mr. VISCLOSKY (for himself, Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. WILSON of Ohio, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. STUPAK, Mr. SOUDER, and Mr. ALTMIRE):
H.R. 5935. A bill to require certain Federal agencies to use iron and steel produced in the United States in carrying out projects for the construction, alteration, or repair of a public building or public work, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
[GPO: H2947]
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