22 Days, Lame Duck, Light Posting

This Week in the People's House
10/11/2010
By Bobby Frederick

Political ads make up most of the commercials, outrageous claims are flying left and right and nary a street in America is without some candidate's yard sign. This is the home stretch of campaign season.

Over the next 22 days, I will be working as the communications director for a congressional campaign. I am very excited and committed to this opportunity, and as a result, posting will likely be light for the next month.

No matter what the outcome of the 2010 election, the House is scheduled to be in session and voting on Monday, November 15th through Friday, November 19th. Congress will take the week of Thanksgiving off and then return for another full week starting Monday, November 29th.

It is unknown if the lame-duck session will last longer. So much remains to be done (tax cuts, the estate tax, funding the federal government, childhood nutrition, food safety, etc), yet so much depends on the outcome of the election.

I hope that you will continue to follow the People's House!

Quick News

The final jobs report before the election came out last Friday and the results were dismal. For the fourth month in a row the economy lost jobs (95,000 in September) and the unemployment rate remains 9.6 percent.

The ethics trials of embattled members of Congress, Charlie Rangel and Maxine Waters will wait until AFTER the election.

Political Extra

The Hill newspaper polled 12 competitive races and the results look pretty good for the GOP.

Compared to recent election cycles, the number of competitive House Races has doubled.

The Final Push Part II: One day and done, 29 days until the Midterm Elections

This Week in the People's House
10/4/2010
By Bobby Frederick

It's all over but the (election day) shouting as House Democrats elected to adjourn a week earlier than scheduled, presumably to give their most vulnerable members a chance to break from Washington and defend their performance back in their respective congressional districts.

Last week, the House passed legislation providing health benefits for 9/11 first responders, a measure that makes it easier to investigate Chinese currency manipulation, and an authorization for intelligence programs. Finally a continuing resolution (CR) was passed to keep the government funded through December 3, 2010. What is the point of a CR, you ask? Because Congress has not passed any of its 12 appropriations bills this year, the CR was needed to prevent a shutdown of the government, the last of which occurred in 1995. This does mean that Congress must return after the election to address these spending bills as well as the expiring tax cuts.

Convening on Tuesday, September 28th (first vote on Wednesday, September 29nd at 11:42 a.m.) and adjourning in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 30th (last vote at 12:25 a.m.) the House was in session for a total of 27 hours and 11 minutes, registering 21 recorded votes for the week.

Balance of the House: 433 members: 255 Democrats, 178 Republicans and two vacancies (NY-29 & IN-3). Republicans need to pick up 39 seats to take control of the majority in the House.

Last Week's Action

Suspension of the Rules: The House passed ten suspension bills by recorded vote last week (requiring http://www.vetsuccess.gov/ to be linked to va.gov, requiring life insurance companies to provide advice to beneficiaries of veterans, calling on Japan to address their abduction and retention of U.S. minors, creating a research program for rare earth materials, requiring federal jobs training programs to focus on high demand fields, preventing settled medical debts from appearing on credit reports, authorizing NASA programs through 2013, requiring federal documents to include plain language, prohibiting state election officials from working on federal campaigns, grants for public education in Guam about their political status). Roll Call Votes 551-53, 555-57, 561-63 &565 click here).

Bush Tax Cuts: Minority Leader John Boehner decided to turn a vote on the adjournment resolution into a referendum on tax cuts. During a floor speech, Boehner urged his colleagues to vote "no" on adjourning so that Congress could work on extending the Bush tax cuts. Thirty-nine Democrats joined 170 Republicans, but the adjournment barely squeaked by 210-209, allowing Republicans to paint any Democrat voting "yes" as THE deciding vote in the debate.

RULE BILLS: H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, introduced by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).

Quick Summary- Provides monitoring and health care services to 9/11 first responders with ailments related to exposure from the terrorist attack. It also reestablishes the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated the cost of the provisions to be $7.4 billion. The "pay-for" for this bill would be achieved by altering the tax rules made by U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies.

During debate, Democrats maintained that this bill was the right thing to do, it would be paid for by closing a tax loophole, and that Republicans were merely looking for excuses to vote against it. Republicans countered by expressing support for the substance of the bill while criticizing the choice between helping 9/11 workers and raising taxes on companies that could lead to even more job loss.

H.R. 847 passed 268-160 (Voting Yes- 251 D's & 17 R's : Voting No-3 D's & 157 R's) and now must be considered by the Senate.

-H.R. 2378, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act, introduced by Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH)

Quick Summary- Many economists believe that China is undervaluing its currency leading to job loss and reduced GDP in the U.S. This bill would essentially pave the way for the Commerce Department to impose countervailing duties on China.

During Debate, supporters maintained that Congressional action was needed because Administration has yet to act on addressing this trade deficit and that this bill was good first step in getting China to appreciate the value of their currency. Meanwhile, opponents questioned whether or not this would result in more U.S. jobs and feared that this action would spark a trade war with China.

In a showing of bipartisanship that some argue is increasingly rare, H.R. 2378 passed 348-79(Voting Yes- 249 D's & 99 R's : Voting No- 5 D's & 74 R's), but faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

-H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, introduced by Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX).

Quick Summary: This measure passed the House back in February, but had stalled over in the Senate. The Senate amended the bill and sent it back to the House. This measure authorizes classified amounts for intelligence programs and requires the president to brief and inform all members of the intelligence committees within 180 days of most intelligence activities.

During debate, Democrats touted the first intelligence authorization in five years as a t success that solidifies Congress' role in intelligence proceedings. Republicans argued that this bill does nothing to prevent Guantanamo detainees from being transferred to the U.S. and also fails to address the issue of mirandizing terrorist suspects.

H.R. 2701 passed 244-181 (Voting Yes- 243 D's & 1 R : Voting No- 9 D's & 172 R's) and has been sent to President Obama to be signed into law.

-H.R. 3081, the Continuing Appropriations for FY 2011 introduced by Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY).

Quick Summary- Because Congress did not clear any regular appropriations bills this year, this measure keeps the federal government funded through December 3, 2010.

There was fairly little debate on H.R. 3081 because the hour was nearing midnight and members knew this was the last must-pass action before hitting the campaign trail for a month.

H.R. 3081 passed 228-194 (Voting Yes- 227 D's & 1 R : Voting No- 22 D's & 172 R's) and was signed into law by President Obama on September 30, 2010.

Other Big News

-Liberals held their "One Nation" event in Washington D.C. this past weekend. It had been billed as a response to conservative Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally last August. According to the AP, Beck's rally drew more attendees, but the real question is which base will be the most energized 30 days from now?

-With recent chatter suggesting that al-Qa'ida continues to plan terrorist attacks, the U.S. State Department, on October 3rd, issued an alert for American citizens traveling to Europe.

-Remember the "Flash Crash" of May 6th that caused the DOW to drop nearly 1,000 points? Would you believe it was caused by one single trade?

-The last jobs report before the election is due out on Friday, October 8th. Unemployment currently sits at 9.6 percent.

-Rahm Emanuel stepped down as White House Chief-of-Staff to presumably run for mayor of Chicago. SNL had fun covering this story.

The People's House Political Extra (29 Days Out Edition)

-While Congress punted on the question of tax cuts, it was reported this week that taxes went up in 29 states last year. Nationwide, tax increases were at the highest levels in 30 years. Watch for this to become an issue, especially for Democrats who voted to adjourn without acting on the tax cuts.

-The Tea Party is out to get incumbents and they continue to pick-up steam.

-The latest polls and projections for you election junkies.

-Could the sun be shining brighter on the election prospects for House Democrats? On paper, things still look good for R's, but who knows what kind of surprises October will bring? That's why they play the game.

-Which brings me to my last point...Campaign season is in full swing and with Congress in recess, hill staff will soon begin (if they have not already) descending into various districts around the country. They will be teaming up with local volunteers to rack up phone calls and pound the pavement in support of candidates that they believe represent the best shot for our future. These people will be knocking on your doors and calling your homes. It will get annoying. They will be nice to you. They will be cordial with you. And they will completely understand if talking to them is the last thing you want to do. But they will continue to walk because their enthusiasm is hard to curb. They will continue to dial because getting each and every vote out counts. And I promise that 30 days from now, it will quiet down again. The clock will reset and there will be 735 days until the 2012 Presidential Election!

The Final Push Part I: Small Business Lending, Continuing Resolution & Colbert Holds Court in Congress

This Week in the People's House
9/27/2010
By Bobby Frederick

The sun is beginning to set on the 111th Congress, but laws are still being made as the House moved a $30 billion small business lending bill last week that President Obama signed into law today.

This week, the House will vote on a bill providing health benefits to 9/11 first responders, a measure dealing with Chinese currency manipulation, a continuing resolution to fund the government and a possible, but unlikely, vote on the Bush tax cuts. Although the House is scheduled to be in session through October 8th, it appears the chamber will officially adjourn on September 30th to give vulnerable members (and challengers) one month to make their closing argument to American voters.

Convening on Monday, September 20th (first vote on Wednesday, September 22nd at 6:00 p.m.) and adjourning on Friday, September 24th (last vote on Thursday, September 23 at 3:44 p.m.), the House was in session for a total of 18 hours and 52 minutes and tolled 13 recorded votes for the week.

Balance of the House: 433 members: 255 Democrats, 178 Republicans and two vacancies (NY-29 & IN-3). Republicans need to pick up 39 seats to take control of the majority in the House.

Last Week's Action

Suspensions: (Usually reserved for non-controversial measures, suspensions need the votes of two-thirds of those present and voting to pass). The House passed six suspension bills last week (a grant program to combat infant mortality, stiffer penalties for drug smugglers using ultralight aircraft, grants for autism, grants for veterans looking to become EMTs, liability protection for health care practitioners volunteering at health centers, reauthorizing a national electronic prescription reporting act for three years). Three measures from the Natural Resources Committee failed to secure the necessary votes to pass by suspending the rules (Roll Call Votes 532-33, 537-38, 540-44 click here).

YOUCUT: House Republicans continued their spending cut efforts by trying to force a vote on reducing government employment to 2008 levels. The Federal Workforce Reduction Act would save $35 billion over 10 years, but the proposal was blocked by a vote of 230-181 (Voting Yes- 230 D’s & 0 R’s : Voting No- 11 D’s & 170 R’s). A “yes” vote cut off debate while a “no” vote would have given Republicans an hour to debate and vote on this proposal.

RULE BILL: H.R. 5297- the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010 introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA).

Quick Summary- Establishes a $30 billion fund aimed at assisting community banks to loan to small businesses. The Senate attached an additional $12 billion in tax cuts, including the depreciation bonus from the 2009 stimulus law that permits businesses to write-off half of their new equipment purchases. The bill is offset primarily by allowing government retirement accounts to be converted into Roth accounts (taxed at front end).

During debate, Democrats argued that this bill would strengthen our economic recovery and facilitate up to $300 billion in loans to small business, while Republicans painted this as just another failure in a line of failed bailouts and that small business owners are more focused on what the Congress will do with the Bush tax cuts and the 1099 issue.

H.R. 5297 passed by a vote of 231-187 (Voting Yes- 236 D’s & 1 R : Voting No: 13 D’s & 174 R’s), and President Obama signed this $42 billion measure into law this afternoon.

Other Big News

"America is more than a country," begins the 48-page Pledge to America that House Republicans unveiled at a hardware store in Sterling, Virginia last Thursday, September 23rd. The proposal, which drew criticism from Democrats and even some conservative bloggers, focuses on reducing the size of government, cutting the budget and repealing health care.

Comedian Stephen Colbert testifies as a witness on his "vast experience" as a day laborer during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on immigration and farm labor (begins at 56:25 mark). Was this a moment of comedy in a partisan environment a mockery of Congress as an institution, or a distraction from the real issues? You decide.

There are only 36 days until the 2010 midterm election.

The Week Ahead

Votes: First votes could occur as early as 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 29th and last votes will likely be taken during the afternoon of Thursday, September 30th.

Suspensions: On tap are 63 suspensions (legislation that requires 2/3’s voting majority to pass – usually reserved for non-controversial measures). The vast majority of these will pass via voice vote. See complete list here.

Rule Bills:
H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, introduced by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).

Quick Summary- Provides health care services to 9/11 first responders with ailments related to the terrorist attack. It also reestablishes the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. H.R. 847 failed on the suspension calendar back in July by a vote of 255-159 and led to this exchange. Concerns about the process and the pay-for ($7.4 billion by altering the tax rules made by U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies) led to this bill's defeat. It will now be brought up under a rule that requires a simple majority to pass. Two votes are expected; one on the health care program and one on the pay-for, and then this legislation will pass.

H.R. 2378, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act, introduced by Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) (The bill on the floor this week is an amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Ways and Means Chairman Levin).

Quick Summary- The impetus for this bill is the widespread belief by many economists that China is undervaluing its currency leading to job loss and reduced GDP. This bill would allow the US Department of Commerce to impose duties on China if a US industry can show that it has been “materially injured by reason of imports…produced in foreign countries with fundamentally undervalued currencies.” Skeptics believe that this bill could invite retaliatory measures from China on American businesses. The business community is split on this regional and philosophical issue. The Senate is unlikely to consider this legislation.

Senate Amendment to H.R. 3081, Making Further Continuing Appropriations for FY 2011

Quick Summary- The Senate will act first on this measure to provide funding for the federal government after the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2010. The CR is likely to run through late November or early December, but bill text and a price tag have yet to be released.


Eye on the Senate: The Senate failed to invoke cloture on their FY 2011 Defense Authorization bill and therefore votes on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the DREAM Act (would provide a pathway to citizenship for younger illegal immigrants if they attend college or serve in the military for two years), were blocked. This week, the Senate will debate overseas job loss and initiate the Continuing Resolution.


Quote of the Week: “I think probably the best thing to do now is just go home.” Retiring Congressman John Tanner (D-TN). Members will likely get their wish this week. There could be as few as two voting days left before the House adjourns until the week of November 15th for a lame duck session.

$5 Billion in Loans for Energy Efficiency Upgrades, $30 Billion for Small Business Lending & the Liability of Simply Being in Washington

This Week in the People's House
9/19/2010
By Bobby Frederick

The House arose from a 34-day slumber to pass a $5 billion measure aimed at encouraging energy efficiency upgrades in rural and urban communities. Meanwhile, the Senate amended a $30 billion proposal designed to get banks to loan to small businesses and sent it back for House consideration this week.

Convening on Tuesday, September 14th (first votes at 6:01 p.m.) and adjourning on Thursday, September 16th (last vote at 4:10 p.m.), the House took 13 votes for the week. The House eased back into session, working a total of 17 hours and 20 minutes.

Rank-and-file Democrats in the House have come to the realization that every minute spent in Washington hurts their chances at holding on to their majority. Speaker Pelosi listened to her members and cancelled votes for Tuesday (9/21). The smart money is that Democrats will adjourn until after the election on Friday, October 1st, leaving just seven voting days left on the calendar.

Balance of the House: 433 members: 255 Democrats, 178 Republicans and 2 vacancies (NY-29 & IN-3). Republicans need to pick up 39 seats to take control of the majority in the House.

Last Week's Action

Suspensions: (Usually reserved for non-controversial measures, suspensions need the votes of two-thirds of those present and voting to pass). The House passed nine suspension bills last week (Honoring the Oklahoma National Guard, Congratulating Miami Dade College on its 50th anniversary, applying “Buy America” provisions to the Legislative Branch, post office naming in Wisconsin, designating a national week for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, reforming how overseas contracts are granted, commemorating the 9/11 terrorist attacks, naming a federal building in Mississippi, expressing condolences to Pakistan after July floods). Roll Call Votes 519-25, 528 & 531 click here.

YOUCUT: After reports recently surfaced that federal employees owed nearly $1 billion in back taxes, Republicans tried to force a vote on a proposal that would terminate federal employees who refuse to pay their taxes and prevent individuals from being hired if they owe back taxes. The majority of Democrats blocked this move by a vote of 226-186. (Voting Yes- 226 D's & 0 R's : Voting No- 15 D's & 171 R's). A “yes” vote was a vote to cut off debate and move on to the underlying bill. Had the “no’s” prevailed the Republicans would have been given an hour to debate their proposal and an up or down vote.

Rule Bill: (A bill that goes through the House Rules Committee, where amendments are allowed or disallowed and then packaged with instructions before it heads to the House floor. A simple majority vote usually passes the legislation.)

H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program Act. Originally designed to authorize $993 million for a rural energy efficiency loan program this legislation ballooned into a $5 billion authorization measure, upon re-adding a “Home Star” energy program that the House had already voted to strip back in May.

$4.25 billion for interest-free loans from the government to states for energy efficient home improvements. $725 million for the Agriculture Department to make interest-free loans to rural electric cooperatives who could re-loan these funds at 3% interest to their members who wish to install energy efficiency or farm efficiency measures.

During debate, Democrats touted this bill as an energy efficient job creator, while Republicans argued that these programs are duplicative to ones created in the failed stimulus and that now is not the time to spend $5 billion more.

H.R. 4785 passed by a vote of 240-172 (Voting Yes- 234 D’s & 6 R’s : Voting No: 5 D’s & 167 R’s), but the Senate is unlikely to act on this before the election.

Other Big News

Ethics Woes: Upon taking power in 2006, Nancy Pelosi promised the, “most honest, most open and most ethical Congress in history.” However, it appears that the ethics trials of Congressman Charles Rangel and Congresswoman Maxine Waters will have to wait until AFTER the election.

1994 all over again: A republican takeover in Congress could lead to gridlock. The man who would be Speaker, John Boehner, said that is our (Republicans) goal "to not shut down the government."

Late Breaking Today: After five months, the BP oil leak has finally been sealed.

The People's House Politics Extra! (43 days until the 2010 Midterm Election)

There are some surprises in Stuart Rotherberg's latest House Race Ratings.

The Money Race: Republican 527's have almost pulled even with Democrat 527's.

The Republican establishment in Delaware are about as excited that Christine O'Donnell won their party's nod for Senate as Wayne and Garth were when they visited "The Diamond State" back in 1992.

The Week Ahead

Votes: First votes will occur at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22nd and last votes will be taken during the afternoon of Friday, September 24th.

Suspensions: On tap are 39 suspensions (legislation that requires 2/3’s voting majority to pass – usually reserved for non-controversial measures). The vast majorities will pass via voice vote. See complete list here.

Rule Bills: H.R. 5297- the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010 introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA). This will be an up or down vote (no amendments allowed) on an amended version of H.R. 5297 that the Senate passed last week.

Quick Summary: Establishes a $30 billion fund aimed at assisting community banks to loan to small businesses. The Senate attached an additional $12 billion in tax cuts, including the depreciation bonus from the 2009 stimulus law that permits businesses to write off half of their new equipment purchases. The bill is offset, primarily by allowing government retirement accounts to be converted into Roth accounts (taxed at front end).

Prediction: Republicans will paint this as another TARP bailout and Democrats will tout it as a jobs growing economy booster. It will pass the House and be signed into law by the president.

Before Leaving for the Campaign Trail: The last must-pass item before the election is a continuing resolution to fund the government after the fiscal year ends (likely until some point in November). The House could take a crack at the expiring tax cuts, but 38 House Democrats have rebuffed Pelosi’s position by supporting a short-term extension of ALL of the Bush tax cuts.

Eye on the Senate: This week, the Senate will begin to take up their version of the FY 2011 Defense Authorization bill. As part of this debate, there could be votes on repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, as well as the DREAM Act which would provide a pathway to citizenship for younger illegal immigrants if they attend college or serve in the military for two years.

Quote of the Week

“I am writing to request that you not seek the Speaker’s position during your next term and make your intention not to seek this leadership position public.” Democrat candidate Brett Carter of Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District asking Nancy Pelosi to step down as Speaker next term.

Whether or not the Democrats hold on to the House or not, Pelosi would be a meaker Speaker in the 112th Congress.

They're Baaaaaaaaaaaaack!

This Week in the People's House

Tuesday, September 14
By Bobby Frederick

After a 34-day recess, the House returns to session today for a short legislative week. There are a mere 16 days left on the House Calendar and that number could be cut to 11 if Democrat leadership gives away the first full week of October to allow their most vulnerable members to campaign back home.

Votes: First votes will occur at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 14th and last votes will be taken during the afternoon of Thursday, September 16th.

Suspensions: On tap are 27 suspensions (legislation that requires 2/3’s voting majority to pass – usually reserved for non-controversial measures), including a measure commemorating the ninth anniversay of 9/11,

Balance of the House: 433 members: 255 Democrats, 178 Republicans and 2 vacancies (NY-29 & IN-3). Republicans need to pick-up 39 seats to take control of the majority in the House.

Rule Bills: The only rule bill is H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program Act sponsored by Majority Whip, Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC). Watch as Clyburn tweets the virtues of his bill in 140 characters or less.

Quick Summary: Authorizes $5 billion for two new programs promoting low interest energy improvements.

-$4.25 billion ($850 million a year for FY 2010-14) for a Home Star Energy Loan Program. States could apply for interest-free loans from the government and in turn loan this money out to consumers for energy efficient home improvements. States could charge 3%interest on these loans, which must be paid back to the federal government within 20years.

-$750 million ($150 million a year for FY 2010-14) for a Rural Star Energy Program. The Agriculture Department could make interest-free loans to rural electric cooperatives who could re-loan these funds at 3% interest to their members who wish to install energy efficiency or farm efficiency measures.

Other News of Note

-America remembers the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our soil.

-The job approval rating of Congress was 20.5% when it adjourned for recess last month. Congress did nothing for 34 days and that number rose to 23%. Amazing.

-Are you ready for some football? Players want Congress to intervene in their labor dispute with team owners. The House may look at the NFL's anti-trust exemption.

The People's House Politics Extra (49 Days until the 2010 Midterm Election)

Chris Cilizza of the Washington Post examines 50 races that could determine control of the People's House.

The Primary season ends with a bang as Delaware, DC, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin hold primaries today. Click here for the latest polls.

Personal Observation- I had the opportunity to travel the 15th District of Illinois with my boss and a comment from a truck driver at the K & H Truck Plaza in Gilman is evidence of the enthusiasm Republican votes are feeling for the election. "I don't care if I have to miss three days of work, I'm voting in this election."

Quote of the Week

“Jesus, we’ve been the most productive Congress in history and we still get no credit.” A senior House Democrat aide (as quoted by Roll Call).

Do voters share the same view? We'll find out the first Tuesday in November.

The One Week Warning - House Returns

This Week in the People's House (Day after Labor Day Edition)

Tuesday, September 7th

By Bobby Frederick

One week from today, the House will be back in session for a sixteen day sprint leading up to the 2010 Midterm Election which is exactly eight weeks away. Rumors are swirling that Democrat leadership may give away the first week in October, resulting in just 11 more days on the House Calendar.

Items left on the House (and Senate) to do list include what do to about the Bush tax cuts, (former Obama Budget guru says extend them), the estate tax, and a continuing resolution on remaining appropriations measures.

The House is likely to consider a resolution in response to an August District Court ruling that federal funds cannot be used on stem cell research. The House could also consider a resolution on Chinese currency manipulation. Food Safety policy and childhood nutrition funding are also relatively non-controversial items the House could further pursue.

With rumors swirling that Democrats may forego a week's worth of session to give their vulnerable members more time back in their districts, there is simply little time to get things done.

Current Balance of the House is 433 members: 255 Democrats, 178 Republicans and 2 vacancies (NY-29 & IN-3). Republicans need to pick-up 39 seats to take control of the majority in the House.

Big News

August Employment Numbers: 54,000 jobs lost, 67,000 jobs added in the private sector, unemployment rate rises to 9.6%.

On Labor Day, President Obama announced a six-year, $50 billion investment in transportation and infrastructure. Democrat Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer, has indicated this funding is unlikely to pass before November. On a related note, as of August 27, 2010, $275 billion of the $787 billion stimulus has NOT been paid out. The "Recovery Act" was passed in February of 2009.

Attorney General, Eric Holder, has filed a civil suit against Phoenix Sheriff Joe Arpaio. The sheriff is known of his tough stance against illegal immigration. Civil Rights groups have accused him of discrimination and the federal government says Arpaio has been uncooperative in their investigation.

The People's House Political Extra (56 days until the 2010 Election!!!)

Larry Sabato (UVA Political Director) looks into his Chrystal Ball and sees Republicans picking up 47 seats in the House. Labels this a "conservative estimate".

Charlie Cook gets paid the big bucks to predict the outcomes of elections - and right now Cook sees 75 D seats in play and no help on the horizon for the party in control in the House.

Numbers from new WSJ/NBC poll:

-The Good (for Democrats): Democrat party viewed favorably by 36% polled - Republican Party viewed favorably by just 30%.

-The Good (for Republicans): Class of voters "most interested" in election prefers an R Congress 53% to 35%.

-The Ugly (for incumbents): 56% of all voters believe it is time to give someone else a shot at representing them.

-The Netural: 43% polled prefer a Democrat controlled Congress and 43% polled prefer a Republican controlled Congress.

The lights may be out in the House, but there is still plenty of unfinished business waiting for them in Washington.

This Week in the People's House
August 29, 2010
By Bobby Frederick

No votes in the House of Representatives this week as Congress continues its August Recess. The House returns for legislative business on Tuesday, September 14th and has scheduled 16 days of session before the 2010 Midterm Elections.

There is a long list of outstanding business that raises many questions:

Q: What is the House to do with the ten remaining appropriations measures it has yet to pass?

Likely A: The House and Senate will pass a continuing resolution to cover appropriations between the beginning of Fiscal Year 2011 (October 1, 2010) through some date in November when Congress returns for a lame duck. They will also likely roll up any outstanding appropriations bills into a single omnibus package.

Q: What will Congress do about the Estate Tax?

A: Die this year and pay no taxes on your estate. Die next year and the government will tax your estate up to 55%. Politicians, reporters and sports fans alike pointed this out after the death of George Steinbrenner.

Search for "estate tax" on thomas.loc.gov and you'll see that Congress has introduced 63 pieces of legislation that address the estate tax issue. On one extreme, Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-TX) has introduced a bill that would repeal the estate (or death) tax outright. Meanwhile, on the other extreme, Senator Sanders (I-VT) has a bill that would maintain that 55% tax rate and make the estate tax retroactive to 2010. Somewhere in the middle, Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AK) and Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) have a bill that sets the estate tax rate at 35% with a $5 million exemption.

Some believe this will happen before the November Election while others think this is more likely lame duck session material. I side with the latter and think the reform will look similar to Lincoln/Kyl.


Q. What's this I hear about the Childhood Nutrition Reauthorization?

A. Normally, the House is waiting on the Senate to pass legislation, but in the case of the Child Nutrition Act, the ball is in the House's court. Operating under the premise that healthy foods foster healthy minds, the CNA began as a complement to the National School Lunch Program in 1966. However, without further action by the House, the CNA will expire at the end of September.

Before leaving for recess, the Senate passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, a 10-year, $4.5 billion increased reauthorization of the CNA by unanimous consent. This bill aims to address our obesity problem by putting healthier food in schools. President Obama had asked for $10 billion in additional funds, while the House Bill currently boosts funding by $8 billion. House action is likely in September.

Current Balance of the House is 433 members: 255 Democrats, 178 Republicans and 2 vacancies (NY-29 & IN-3). Enjoy this abbreviated version of The People's House!

Big News This Week

-More bad news on the economic home front as housing prices declined more than 27 percent and the actual 2nd quarter GDP growth was downgraded to 1.6 percent putting a damper on the "Recovery Summer".

-President Obama visited New Orleans today to mark the 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Archived coverage here.

-Republican Minority Leader John Boehner, (the man who would be Speaker) took his talents to Cleveland to discuss Republican ideas on the economy and suggest that the White House fire its economic team. Meanwhile, Vice President Biden hit back by criticizing President Bush and House Republicans when they ran the majority.

-It was a weekend of rallies in our Nation's Capital. Glenn Beck hosted his "Restoring Honor" event at the Lincoln Memorial which featured the likes of, Sarah Palin, Tony Larussa and Albert Pujols. -Meanwhile, Reverend Al Sharpton hosted his "Reclaim the Dream" event, honoring the 47th Anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial. -Photos here and here.

Editors Note: Whether it's a Presidential Inauguration, rally, or protest, I do my best to experience big events in D.C. with my own two eyes. This past Saturday, I took a run down the National Mall towards the World War II Memorial and caught a glimpse of the "Restoring Honor" rally. I couldn't put a number on it, but the place was packed, with much enthusiasm (to the point of traveling to Washington during the hottest month of the year, and when Congress is out of session) on display. You couldn't hear much of the speech near the WWII Memorial (due to the awesome crashing water of the fountains), but it seemed as though people wanted to be there for the experience, playing the part of a group thirsty for change. This type of enthusiasm could bring a new brand of Republican to the Congress in 2011.

The People's House Politics Extra - 65 days until the 2010 Midterm Election

-There is evidence that even some democrats fear the House may already be lost.

-Democrat and Republican incumbents alike are avoiding party labels while campaigning.

-Biggest incumbent upset of the season may have occurred in Alaska with Tea Party candidate Joe Miller currently ahead of Senator Lisa Murkowski.

-No primaries this week.

The House gets back to recess

This Week in the People's House

August 22, 2010

By Bobby Frederick

After an emergency one-day session on August 10th, the People's House spent the week of August 15th in complete recess. There are three full weeks of recess left before the House reconvenes on Tuesday, September 14th.

Among the business the House will have to consider before the end of the year - if not before the November 2nd election - are outstanding appropriations measures. So far, the House has passed just two of the twelve FY 2011 Appropriations measures (military and transportation). Last year, the House managed to pass all twelve appropriations bills before the August recess.

Did you know: In 1789 it took just ONE appropriations bill to pay for the needs of our nation. The cost? $639,000. Oh what a difference a couple hundred years makes.

Finally, there are only 16 days scheduled for the remainder of the 111th Congress. Lame duck appears guaranteed.

Current Balance of the House is 433 members: 255 Democrats, 178 Republicans and 2 vacancies (NY-29 & IN-3). Enjoy this abbreviated version of The People's House!

Big News This Week - Iraq, Ethics, Food Safety

Ahead of President Obama's August 31st deadline, the last U.S. combat brigade left Iraq on Thursday, August 19th. 50,000 U.S. troops will remain in Iraq and continue to be in harm's way. According to the Department of Defense, as of August 20th there have been 4,419 U.S. fatalities in Iraq since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.

After being convicted of one count of lying to federal agents, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is officially a convicted felon. This count carries a maximum of five years in prison. Jurors were deadlocked (11-1) on the remaining 23 counts. A hearing will be held on August 26th to discuss a second trial. Blagojevich hinted that Obama administration officials would be called to testify in round 2.

In news for anyone who eats, Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa has recalled 380 MILLION eggs after hundreds were sickened by salmonella. Update from the FDA. Legislative note: It took two cracks, but the House passed H.R. 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act on July 30, 2009. The legislation aims to bolster food facility inspections, improve food traceability and allow mandatory quarantines The Senate is expected to act on its version of food safety legislation in September.

The People's House Political Extra - 72 days until the 2010 Midterm Elections

-Last week, respected election handicapper, Charlie Cook predicted that Republicans would take back the House. They need 39 seats to do so. Cook predicts 35-45 and believes this is a "conservative" estimate.

-The GOP now tops Democrats on the generic ballot by 12 points. This is the largest lead for Republicans since Rasmussen Reports started polling the question.

-The Democrat campaign arm for House races may hold the overall cash advantage, but for the fourth month in a row, the National Republican Campaign Committee outraised the DCCC.

-Alaska, Arizona, Florida and Vermont all hold Primary Elections on Tuesday, August 24th.

After abruptly returning from the "District Work Period" to pass a $26.1 billion state relief measure, the House is in recess for the next four weeks.

This Week in the People's House
8/15/2010
By Bobby Frederick

No one liked having their recess cut short in grade school and the same can be said for the men and women we elect to represent us in Washington.

Many lawmakers cut family vacations short, rescheduled town hall meetings and took a rain check on previously scheduled events to come back to the Nation's Capital to do the job they were elected to do. The most significant vote this week was on the question of whether or not to extend $26.1 billion in state aid that would bolster Medicaid coffers and prevent teacher layoffs.

Convening briefly on Monday, August 9th (first vote at 12:39 p.m. on 8/10) and adjourning on Tuesday, August 10th (last vote at 3:26 p.m.), the House registered 4 votes for the week. For the fifth legislative week in a row, Democrat's cancelled session for Friday. The House was in session for exactly 6 hours.

Current Balance of the House is 433 members: 255 Democrats, 178 Republicans and 2 vacancies (NY-29 & IN-3).

Rule Bills

H.R. 1586- The FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act introduced by Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY)

Don't be fooled by the title, the Senate merely used H.R. 1586 (there is no FAA language in it) as a vehicle for the $26.1 billion Medicaid and teachers funding. They passed this legislation on August 5th, setting the stage for the House to return and act. In a cosmetic embarrassment, leadership forgot to give the bill an actual name.

Quick Summary: Medicaid- $16.1 billion goes towards helping states administer Medicaid. Many governors reportedly had figured in this extra-federal assistance into their budgets and would therefore be forced to cut essential services (i.e. public safety) if the federal government did not step in.

Before the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (popularly referred to as "the stimulus") the minimum federal dollar match for Medicaid programs was 50%. The stimulus raised the minimum to 56% through the end of 2010 and H.R. 1586 would provide for increased rates through June of 2011.

Teacher's Funding- Within 45 days of this bill becoming law, the Department of Education could provide $10 billion to prevent teachers from being laid off.

How do you pay for all of this?: Democrats created a tough policy choice for lawmakers by paying for this new Medicaid and teachers funding through a $11.9 billion cut in the food stamp program and almost $11 billion in tax policy changes, including one often utilized by U.S. based multinational companies. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) ruled that this legislation would reduce the deficit by $1.37 billion over a 10-year period.

The Arguments: During debate, Democrats argued that his funding was necessary to stave of state budget shortfalls and protect the jobs of 160,000 teachers.

Meanwhile,Republicans painted this as a payoff to the teachers unions, an endorsement of a failed stimulus and yet another bailout that prompts the question, "Where will it all end?"

The Vote: The House comfortably passed the Senate Amendments to H.R. 1586 by a vote of 247-161 (Voting YES- 245 D's & 2 R's : Voting NO- 3 D's & 158 R's (25 not voting)). President Obama signed this measure into law just a few hours after House passage.

LAME DUCK

Because Democrats are projected to experience losses in both the House and Senate, chatter has turned to whether or not the Congress will engage in a substantial post-midterm-election lame duck session as a last ditch effort to push through stalled aspects of President Obama's agenda (i.e. an administration official indicated there was the potential to consider climate change in a lame duck session).

Republican Tom Price of Georgia offered a resolution seeking to prevent a lame duck unless a "sudden emergency" occurred, requiring action by Congress. However, this resolution was disposed of by a vote of 236-163 (Voting YES- 235 D's & 1 R : Voting NO- 6 D's & 157 R's (33 not voting)).

Border Funding Suspension

The House passedH.R. 6080, making $600 million in emergency appropriations for border security, introduced by Congressman David Price (D-NC). The measure provides funding for 1,500 border patrol agents and communications equipment with the goal of stifling illegal immigration. The measure passed by voice-vote in the House on August 10th, 1 Senator came back to Washington to usher this through the Senate on August 12th, and President Obama signed the funding into law on August 13th.

The People's House Political Extra!!! (79 days until the 2010 Midterm Elections)

1) This week, the editor in me was forced to think back to the teachings of my old high school football coach who always touted the virtue of sticking together. A sure sign of a team in disarray and fixing to lose, he argued, is a team that fights amongst themselves. If football imitates politics, a number of stories this week spell trouble for Congressional Democrats.

- August 8th, Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) talks about the inevitability of losing seats in the House and points the finger at conservative Democrats- "I think a lot of the House seats we’re going to lose are those who have been the toughest for the Democrats to pull into line — the Democrats that have been the most difficult.”

-August 10th, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs lashes out at the "professional left" -liberals who are critical of President Obama. Gibbs said, "They will be satisfied when we have Canadian healthcare and we've eliminated the pentagon. That's not reality."

-August 14th- Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) urges liberals to take on conservative Democrats in future primaries (if they are in safe districts).

2) Ethics troubles can be fatal to the party in power - just ask Republicans from 2006.

-Facing ethics charges, Democrat Congressman Charles Rangel took to the House floor to defend himself. During the 30 minute appearance (courtesy of our friends at C-SPAN) Rangel remarked, "If I was you I may want me to go away too. I am not going away. I am here." Speaker Nancy Pelosi had reportedly tried to talk Rangel out of the floor appearance.

-Another Democrat facing ethical heat, Maxine Waters (D-CA), gave a 1 hour and 15 minute press conference defending herself against accusations that she used her position to steer TARP money to a bank where her husband owned stock.

3) The Economy, Democrats who've given themselves a chance and the mosque controversy:

-Latest WSJ/NBC poll shows pessimism on the economy and political leaders.

-A look at three conservative democrats who have bettered their chances at re-election by opposing big ticket items on the President's agenda. How do you run in a climate that makes it hard to tout your party's achievements?

-An issue that once was only big among DC and NY pundits jumped to the national forefront on Friday night as President Obama, speaking at a White House Ramadan dinner, defended the right for Muslims to build a Mosque near ground zero. On Saturday, the President appeared to walk-back these comments.

Note: The People's House is in recess until September 14th. However, this People's House will be back at it again next week.

Recess fake-out edition: One day to pass a $26.1 billion state aid bill, a $600 million border security measure and views on the lame duck session

This Week in the People's House
8/8/2010
By Bobby Frederick

There are few sights quite like that of Congressmen and Congresswomen sprinting down the southeast Capitol steps after casting their last votes before the August recess (in fact pictures and videos of this are hard to find on the internet). They sprint towards staff-driven vehicles waiting to take them to the airport and presumably take them back to their districts to meet with constituents. Members will get a chance to re-live DC's version of the running of the bulls on Tuesday.

If you follow The People's House, you know that Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling the House back in to pass a $26.1 billion state aid bill that would prevent teacher layoffs and refill Medicaid funding created by the 2009 Stimulus law. While expected to pass, there is some controversy as this spending package is partially paid for by $12 million in cuts to the Food Stamp Program. (Think of it as starving Peter to teach Paul).

Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) also plans to offer a resolution urging that a lame-duck session should only take place if the country experiences an emergency. This effort comes amid reports that Democrats could push to enact cap-and-trade and other major policies into law after the midterm elections in which they are forecasted to experience significant losses.

Finally, the House may also consider H.R. 5875- the Emergency Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Act.

Quick Summary: This $600 million Senate-passed measure would bolster security at our borders. The House has already cleared a $700 million measure for border purposes, but it was only partially paid for, making it a non-starter in the Senate.

Other Big News

Bad news on the economy...again. The U.S. lost 131,000 jobs in July and unemployment rate is still 9.5%. See how YOUR state compares.

Good news on its surface: 74% of the oil spilled by BP has either burned, evaporated or dispersed.

U.S. District Court Judge (from Watseka, IL) overturned California's ban on same-sex marriage.

For my East Central Illinois brethren: For FutureGen, it's Different Administration, Same Result: After seven-year ordeal, Obama Department of Energy denies Mattoon, Illinois a flagship coal-fueled power plant with near-zero emissions.

The People's House Politics Extra!!! (86 days until the 2010 Midterm Election)

In a snapshot of Virginia's 5th Congressional District, town hall meetings may not be as loud this summer, but anger still remains.

Fourth House incumbent, Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI) falls in primary.

Living in 2008- Dem strategy hinges on first-time voters coming back to the polls and running against George W. Bush.

August 10th: Colorado, Connecticut and Minnesota hold primaries while Georgia has its run-off.

The House is coming back MUCH earlier than expected.

This Week in the People's House (The AUDIBLE Edition)
August 4, 2010
By Bobby Frederick

In what is likely a House of Representatives first, Speaker Nancy Pelosi used Twitter to call members back to the chamber for a special, abbreviated session next week.

Originally, the House had been scheduled to be in session and voting this week, but in June, Congressional leaders changed their minds and decided to give members an extra week of recess.

Plans have changed again as the House will be in session next week to consider a $26 billion state aid package aimed at preventing teacher layoffs and boosting Medicaid. A pro-forma session will likely be called on Monday, with votes and then re-adjournment on Tuesday.

This development occurred after a surprising procedural vote in the Senate that paves the way for that chamber to pass the aid bill on Thursday, August 5th.

Democrats are praising this funding bill as a job saver, while Republicans are painting it as another bailout that they fear states will come to constantly depend on. Adding to the controversy, Democrats are slashing billions in food stamp benefits to help pay for this bill.

For a brief history of other times that the House has been called back into session, click here. August is a popular month for members to hold town hall meetings, spend time with their families and travel. The Nation's Capital is nearly a ghost town during this month as Congressional staff also take vacation or go campaign. There is a good chance that a noticeable number of members could be absent when the House considers this $26 billion spending bill next week.

The People's House will be there to cover it all.

This Week in the People's House
August 2, 2010
By Bobby Frederick

The House blazed into the six-week August/September District Work Period after passing a $58.8 billion emergency war supplemental for Iraq and Afghanistan, a $141.1 billion Military-Veterans Administration appropriations bill, a $126.1 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development appropriations measure and energy legislation in response to the Gulf Oil Spill.

Convening on Monday, July 26th, (first votes at 6:02 p.m.) and adjourning on Friday, July 30th (last vote at 6:30 p.m.), the House worked a rare five-day week. The House was in session for a total of 56 hours and 47 minutes and registered 48 votes for the week.

Current Balance of the House stands at 433 members : 255 Democrats, 178 Republicans and 2 vacancies (NY-29 & IN-3). If all members are present and voting, the magic number to pass legislation under regular order is 217.

Big Bills

7/27/10

H.R. 4899- The Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 introduced by Congressman David Obey (D-WI).

Quick Summary: Despite a warning from Secretary Gates back in June that "we [the Pentagon] begin to have to do stupid things if the supplemental is not passed by July 4th," Congress was unable to meet this deadline until last week. The bulk of this nearly $60 billion bill ($37.1 billion) went to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan where the U.S. has now spent more than $1 trillion.
This measure also included $13 billion for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, $5.1 billion for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund and almost $3 billion for relief in Haiti.

The House bowed to the Senate, passing that chamber's version of the war funding bill via suspension of the rules by a vote of 308-114 (Voting YES- 148 D's & 160 R's : Voting NO- 102 D's & 12 R's). President Obama signed this measure into law on Thursday, July 29th.

7/28/10

H.R. 5822, the FY 2011 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act introduced by Congressman Chet Edwards (D-TX).

Quick Summary: This $141.1 billion spending measure represents a 5% increase from last year's bill. Eighty five percent of the funds, or $120 billion, go towards veteran's health programs and compensation and pension benefits. The bill devotes $18.7 billion to military construction and housing. Finally, $1.3 billion would go towards emergency construction projects for the war in Afghanistan. This bill also contains more than 600 earmarks (special projects for members).

This bill passed by a vote of 411-6 (Voting Yes- 247 D's & 164 R's : Voting No- 0 D's & 6 R's). To move forward in the legislative process, the Senate must now act on this measure.

7/29/10

H.R. 5850- The FY 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act introduced by Congressman John Olver (D-MA).

Quick Summary: This $126.1 billion measure funds the Department of Transportation's highway programs at $45.2 billion. It also includes $16.5 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration and $1.4 billion in grants for high speed rail. The bill also contains $46.6 billion for housing programs. There are more than 400 earmarks for this bill.

This bill passed 251-167 (Voting Yes- 237 D's & 14 R's : Voting No- 13 D's & 154 R's). This bill has now been referred to the Senate.

7/30/10

H.R. 5851 the Offshore Oil and Gas Worker Whistleblower Protection Act of 2010 introduced by Congressman George Miller (D-CA) & H.R. 3534 the Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources Act of 2009 introduced by Congressman Nick Rahall (D-WV).

Quick Summary: The impetus for the House to push these two bills before getting out of town was the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. H.R. 5851 would protect offshore energy employees who report safety violations or refuse to do their job over safety concerns from discrimination by their employer. Such protections already exist for onshore energy production workers. H.R. 5851 passed 315-93 (Voting Yes- 247 D's & 68 R's : Voting No- 1 D & 92 R's).

Meanwhile, H.R. 3534 would get rid of the $75 million liability cap for offshore oil spills. It also breaks up the controversial Minerals Management Services and gives its oil spill responsibilities to three other agencies. It creates layers of new safety regulations aimed at preventing future blowouts and prevents new oil leases from being granted to companies who currently hold a lease they do not pay royalties on (Such leases were given in 1998-99 as a way to boost production in response to very low oil prices).

During debate, Democrats argued that something needed to be done to address the safety concerns in the aftermath of the Gulf oil spill. Republicans argued that regulations would kill jobs in the industry and ultimately raise taxes. H.R. 3534 passed 209-193 (Voting Yes- 207 D's & 2 R's : Voting No- 39 D's & 154 R's).

This measure now moves to the Senate where the road to 60 votes looks improbable.

Other Big News

What's the biggest issue for the 2010 election? It's the economy, stupid and ours is recovering slower than expected. July 2010 jobs numbers will be released this Friday.

-In what was a very bad news week for Afghanistan, 92,000 pages of secret documents about the war were released in the Wikileaks controversy & to make matters worse July 2010 was the deadliest month in the nearly nine-year war. Despite these grim stories, the war is not the first thing on the minds of American voters.

-The jury is still deliberating the fate of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Blago's reluctance to testify and the shorter than anticipated trial may be good news for Democrats, but if found guilty, the timing of the sentencing could help Republicans.

-Sometimes you "drain the swamp"; sometimes the swamp drains you. With the possibility of ethics trials for two house Democrats (Charlie Rangel & Maxine Waters) near the election, Republicans have a chance to highlight how they will be different.

The People's House Political Extra

Kansas, Michigan and Missouri all go to the primary polls this Tuesday, August 3rd.

Former Reagan speechwriter, Peggy Noonan, has some advice for those on the trail : "Try a little tenderness". The virtue of being nice.

There are 92 days until the 2010 midterm elections.

The Future of the People's House

The House is in recess until Tuesday, September 14th. There is plenty of work left to do including finishing work on FY 2011 appropriations measures, determining the fate of the Bush tax cuts as well as other long lapsed tax credits. Further attempts at an energy policy, possible action on a child nutrition reauthorization and revisiting food safety could also happen. Any way you slice it, there is much to do - or not do- and only 16 legislative days left to do it (plus a lame duck session).

*Note: While the People's House may be in recess, THIS People's House will not rest. Please continue coming back for an examination of the top five votes heading into the 2010 midterm elections.