House Cloakroom: April 15 – April 19

Analysis: This week, the House will turn its focus to cybersecurity. It will take up a bill that is intended to promote information sharing between private entities to increase their ability to manage cyber threats. The House passed a related piece of legislation last Congress and is renewing its efforts now in the 113th Congress.

Major Floor Action:

  • HR 624 – Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act

Major Committee Action:

  • The House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on “Civil Rights Division Oversight at Justice Department.”
  • The House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment will hold a hearing on the “Water Resources Development Act.”
  • The House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Energy will hold a hearing on “Wind Energy Incentives Assessment.”
  • The House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing on the “Housing Finance System.”
  • The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold a hearing on “Postal Service Insolvency.”

Senate Cloakroom: April 15 – April 19

Analysis: This week, the Senate will continue its debate on firearms legislation. Attention is focused this week on an amendment on background checks negotiated by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Pat Toomey (R-PA), and Joe Manchin (D-WV). This compromise has numerous conservative concerns, as expressed in this statement from Heritage Action.

Major Floor Action:

  • S 649 – Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013 (Firearms Bill)

Major Committee Action:

  • The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will hold a confirmation hearing on the nomination of Thomas Perez to be Secretary of Labor.
  • The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on “Immigration Overhaul Legislation.”
  • The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee will hold a confirmation hearing on the nomination of Sylvia Burwell to the Office of Management and Budget Director.
  • The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will hold a hearing on “College Affordability.”
  • The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights will hold a hearing on “Drones and Targeted Killing.”