MAY2308

(TheWeekInCongress.com) May 22, 2008 - The House voted 384 to 23 to pass the Defense Authorization bill that sets US defense spending, programs and policy with an emphasis on Middle East Activities.

The bill includes $70 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan for operations into next year but requires reports to Congress from Defense and the White House on specific strategies in Iraq for current operations, reconstruction, contractors, and agreements made between the White House and Iraq for future involvements.

Veteran benefits are expanded and include the opportunity for troops spouses to pursue higher education under veteran education programs.

The bill entertained 58 amendments.##

HR 5658 with amendments and votes.

SENATE RETURNS AMENDED WAR SUPPLEMENTAL TO HOUSE

(TheWeekInCongress.com) May 22, 2008 - The Senate amended HR 2642, a House-passed bill originally intended as the military construction bill that the House then attached three amendments to.

House Amendment One provides fiscal year 2008 funds for Iraq. The amendment failed in the House 141 to 149 with 132 voting 'Present'. The Senate effort to amend Amendment One with substitute language failed 34-63. A second effort succeeded 70-26

House Amendment Two begins redeployment within 30 days towards a complete withdrawal by December 2009 and other provisions. Amendment two was agreed to in the House 227 to 196. The Senate agreed to an amendment in the nature of a substitute 75 to 22. The amendment removed troop withdrawal provisions

Amendment Three deals with domestic issues. The Medicaid cost-cutting regulations that would reduce services to seniors, families and the disabled are stopped. The additional cost is offset in the bill by changing asset verification procedures for Medicaid applicants and Medicare physician assistance. Unemployment benefits beyond 13 weeks is extended in all states. The amendment also offsets the cost, and provides expanded educational benefits for four years of college under the GI bill. Amendment Three was agreed to in the House 256 to 166.

The Senate amendments removed domestic spending provisions considered sure to be vetoed as well as the multi-billion tax provision from raising taxes on the wealthy that paid for most bill provisions including the proposed GI bill of rights provisions extended to current veterans.

HR 2642

HOUSE, SENATE OVERRIDE FARM BILL VETO

Enrollment Error Complicates Passage

House - 316 to 108

Senate - 82 to 13 with one voting 'Present'

Despite overwhelming support in Congress for HR 2419, the five year farm and nutrition bill, and bi-partisan willingness to override the President's veto, the bill was technically incorrect because one of the bill titles was inadvertently left out when sent to the President. Until the error can be rectified the House agreed 306 to 110 to the full bill. The House may enact the flawed bill and come back later with another bill that will include the missing title. The Senate must now approve the full bill or agree to pass the missing title. More work is expected but may not come until after the Memorial Day break.

HR 2419 - Original bill

Bills Open International Oil Price Fixing to US Courts; Extend Energy Tax Credits; Strengthen Identity Theft Law; Dispose of Unneeded Federal Land.

Oil Prices

US Courts would gain jurisdiction over cases involving cartels and peripheral organizations and individuals who set or maintain the price of oil, natural gas or any petroleum product or who otherwise take an action in restraint of trade for oil, natural gas or any petroleum product.

HR 6074

Energy Credits

Various energy saving tax credits, state sales tax deductions, out-of-pocket teacher spending and other expiring tax provisions are extended.

HR 6049

Identity theft

Identity theft and unsuccessful attempts would provide restitution to victims and jail time to perpetrators.

S 2168

Federal Land

Following a White House position the bill looks to a potential of nearly $20 billion for disposing of unused Federal land. Disposal process would be simplified.

HR 5787

The House is adjourned until June 2nd when it is expected to return to the Senate amendments to HR 2642, the war supplemental bill. The Senate is expected to continue work without votes through May 23rd and will then adjourn until June 2nd when it will take up S 3036 a climate security bill.