The House Cloakroom – Dec. 7 – 11
Analysis:
The major piece of legislation for the week will be a bill to overhaul the financial regulatory system, which includes creating a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. Heritage analyst David John talks about a better approach here. A bill to extend expiring tax provisions including a tuition tax deduction may come up for a vote as well. Off the hill, the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference is set to begin on Monday with President Obama scheduled to visit the conference on Friday, December 18th. Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO) introduced House Resolution 945 this week expressing concerns with any treaty that would infringe upon our national sovereignty and hurt our economy.
Major Floor Action:
- H.R. 4173 The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009
- Possible bill to extend expiring tax provisions.
Major Committee Action:
- The House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee with both hold hearings concerning Afghanistan and receive testimony from General Stanley A. McChrystal, USA and U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry
The Senate Cloakroom – Dec. 7-11
Analysis:
The Senate will continue work on their version of Obamacare. Many contentious issues lay ahead, including those of abortion, Medicaid cuts, cost, drug importation and the public option. Unfortunately, most of those issues are likely being addressed behind closed doors giving the American people little chance to voice their concerns.
Major Floor Action:
- Senators will continue to debate the health care bill (H.R. 3590) and and vote on numerous amendments.
Major Committee Action:
- The Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing on Afghanistan and receive testimony from General Stanley A. McChrystal, USA.
- The Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on job creation.