TWICAPR27

This much disputed and much promoted bill provides $124.3 billion for the war on terror in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, and adds funds for veterans healthcare. The bill increases funds for Homeland Security programs including border control and airport security, State healthcare programs for children, and drought and disaster relief going back to 2005 hurricanes.

The bill provides nearly $25 billion more than the President requested but the point of contention is provisions that would dictate bringing US troops back from Iraq and ending the war as we know it. The provisions require Pentagon certification that troops are ready for duty but allows the President to send unprepared troops in the interest of national security. Also provided is a length of deployment provision limiting Army deployment to 365 days and marines 210 days. Levels would not go below levels in place on January 10, 2007.

The President must inform Congress of various improvements by Iraq including taking more responsibility for security in and around Baghdad, disarming militias and lowering sectarian violence, spending some of their own money for infrastructure improvement and other measures. If the President can not certify those and other measure he must begin withdrawing troops on July 1, 2007 and complete the withdrawal in 180 days. If certification is made then troop withdrawal would begin October 1, 2007

The President is expected to veto the bill in opposition to some spending elements and the troop withdrawal time table.

{Summary of Conference Report Provisions with House and Senate Votes}

{Summary of Provisions Iraq Must Meet Prior to Withdrawal of Troops}

{HR 1591 as Passed in March}

GENETIC MATERIAL TO BE PROTECTED FROM CONSIDERATION FOR INSURANCE OR EMPLOYMENT DECISIONS

{Full report}

BILLS BOLSTER U.S. BUSINESS AND EDUCATION, COMPETITIVENESS

America Competes

The Senate targets teacher training and increased student involvement in science and engineering courses.

{Full report}

Increasing Teacher Stock

The bill provides grants, scholarships, stipends and teacher training to science, math and engineering students and professionals who would then serve as elementary and secondary school teachers.

{Full report)

Priming Science Careers

Grants would be provided to science and engineering faculty and others in their early careers to participate in research relevant to the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.

{Full report}

Small Business Help

Small Business Administration rules are modified to make more accessible, grants in disaster areas, grants for business development for returning veterans and to increase healthcare professionals in regions of need.