The House and Senate Cloakroam: January 25-29, 2010

Dan Holler / January 24, 2010

Senate Cloakroom: Jan. 25 – 29

Analysis –

As Senators grapple with how to salvage health care reform, they simultaneously want to change their legislative focus to jobs and the economy.  Before they can do that, they have to contend with a record $1.9 trillion debt limit increase.  The debate, which is expected to last all week, will highlight our looming entitlement crisis, excessive spending and the increasingly aggressive involvement of government in our economy.

Major Senate Action –

The Senate will continue to debate the debt limit increase (H J Res 45).  Several amendments are expected, including one on EPA regulations, spending caps and PAYGO are possible.  Interestingly, the much hyped, fatally flawed, Conrad-Gregg fiscal task force seems to lack support.  In response, the administration has proposed a lame duck commission.

Major Committee Action –

• The Homeland Security Committee will hold another hearing on the Christmas Day terrorist attack.
• The Budget Committee will hold a hearing on the outlook for the federal budget and economy.
• The Armed Services Committee will hold a closed door hearing on cyber security. (more…)