TWICJUL2409

Among the amendments agreed to is the prohibition of $1.7 billion for the F-22 fighter plane (Levin/McCain), granting authority to increase military end strengths (Lieberman), and a report on troops in Iraq and Afghanistan who have been prescribed antidepressants or drugs to treat anxiety (Cardin).

An amendment added text of a House-passed bill that would increase federal assistance to States for hate crime investigations (Leahy) opening the door to an amendment that would include military personnel who were subject to hate crimes because of their military status (Sessions). Sessions also succeeded with an amendment requiring that hate-crimes offenses be identified and prosecuted according to neutral and objective criteria.

Senator Martinez (R-FL) passed two amendments seeking a National Intelligence report on Cuba and another on political and other support provided by Venezuelan officials to terrorist and other groups.

Senator Brownback's (R-KS) amendment that aimed to reverse President Bush's decision to remove North Korea from the US list of states that sponsor terrorism was defeated but an amendment by Senator Kerry (MA) would first require that the US fully enforce existing sanctions and should explore additional sanctions with respect to North Korea and to require a review to determine whether North Korea should be re-listed as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Senator Begich (AK) succeeded in his amendment that would close a gap in homeland defense by ensuring that Missile Field 1 at Fort Greely, Alaska, does not complete decommissioning until seven silos have been emplaced at Missile Field 2 at Fort Greely.

The Senate then agreed by unanimous consent to replace the text of H.R. 2647, the House DoD Appropriation bill, with that of S 1390 amended. The Senate has asked the House for a conference to iron out differences in the bills.

S 1390 Senate Amendments

HOUSE MOVES TRANSPORTATION HUD SPENDING

The House agreed to HR 3288 providing appropriations of $69 billion for the Department of Transportation and related agencies. The amount is $14 billion more than was spent last fiscal year and $40 billion less than the President requested. The increase is consistent with improving transportation infrastructure with the goal of increasing mass-transit use and other transportation options and decreasing energy use. the bill also adds funds this year for improving the public housing stock and increasing homeownership.

The Minority delayed passage of the bill with numerous amendments attempting to cut earmarks from the bill or impose across-the-board cuts, but with little success.

(Visit the AMENDMENT section of the bill report for explanations of the amendments and the Majorities opposition to several of them.)

HR 3288

HOUSE RETURNS TO PAYGO

The House voted in favor or returning Pay-As-You-Go budget rules with some exceptions. Paygo is a budgeting tool that requires Congress to offset increases in spending with lower spending elsewhere or higher taxes. The process was made popular by President Clinton and the 104th Congress on who used it to begin the reduction of the $300 billion deficit remaining after the Reagan-Bush years to a surplus over about 8 years.

The origins of paygo are found in deficit fighting legislation of the mid-1980s known as Graham, Rudman, Hollins (GRH) that looked towards sequestration of funds (across the board cuts) if Congress went beyond spending limits.

GRH had it's limitations and loopholes for a Congress tempted to overspend but political pressure regarding the deficit brought the more effective 1990 Budget Enforcement Act. While the BEA was effectively used intermittently from 1993 on it proved to be a sticking point for the Republican candidate in the 1992 elections, George H.W. Bush. Bush campaigned on "Read my lips, no new taxes" but the BEA required it in legislation that Bush signed into law causing a loss of support for his second term and his loss to Bill Clinton.

Under the bill, HR 2920 would exempt Medicare payments to physicians, the Alternative Minimum Tax and the estate tax. Numerous other programs are also exempt from sequestration should they be particularly vulnerable to a reduction in funds.

HR 2920 bill report, amendments and votes.

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Bills expand housing for the disabled; Extend subpoena power of SEC; Improve Gas-powered vehicle research; Improve USCG acquisition policy.

Housing for the Disabled

Retained is the authority to provide supportive housing assistance to private nonprofit organizations with the goal of expanding the national supply of supportive housing. Repealed is HUD’s authority to provide tenant-based rental assistance directly to eligible persons with disabilities.

HR 1675

SEC Subpoena Power

Subpoenas issued to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documents or tangible things (or both) may be served in any other district in the US

HR 2837

Natural Gas Vehicles

Congress concludes that while a majority of the petroleum we use is imported, most natural gas is produced domestically presenting the opportunity to reduce reliance on foreign oil...

HR 1622

Coast Guard Acquisition

Now with specific coastal Homeland Security missions the US Coast Guard acquisition process comes under scrutiny in this bill.

HR 1665

The House Will adjourn Friday afternoon until Monday, July 27th.

The Senate will adjourn Friday and return to business on Monday, July 27th. The Senate will have votes on Monday evening.