Senate Analysis –
All eyes will be focused on the Senate Finance Committee, as they begin their markup of Senator Baucus’ health care reform proposal. As the media and American people focus on health care, the Senate will also tackle several additional appropriations measures, which further expand our national debt. Several issues could flare up during those debates, including EPA regulation of greenhouse gases, the investigation into CIA activities and missile defense funding.
Major Senate Floor Action –
Senators are likely to find themselves in a pitched global warming debate when they continue debate on the Interior-Environment appropriations bill. Press reports indicate several Senators may try to prevent the EPA from moving forward with regulations intended to limit greenhouse gases.
The Senate may take up the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill, which could turn into a debate over the Obama Administration’s investigation into the CIA.
Major Senate Committee Action –
The Senate Finance Committee will hold a marathon markup of Senator Baucus’ health reform proposal. Hundreds of amendments are expected as serious problems remain with the proposal.
The Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the Patriot Act Reauthorization, which is threatening to highlight a growing disagreement between the President and two powerful Senate Democrats, Russ Feingold (WI) and Patrick Leahy (VT).
The Homeland Security Committee will be busy this week, holding several key hearings on the H1N1 Flu and Preparation for Attacks Using Weapons of Mass Destruction.
