This Week in the People's House

5/31/2010

By Bobby Frederick

Happy Memorial Day

The House finished with a flurry of activity before the weeklong Memorial Day District Work Period. Convening at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 24th (first votes at 6:32 p.m.) and adjourning at 5:58 p.m. on Friday, May 28th (last vote at 4:19 p.m.), the House registered 46 votes for the week. The House was in session for a total of 43 hours and 59 minutes.

Current Balance of the House : 255 Democrats, 177 Republicans and 3 vacancies (GA-9, NY-29, IN-3).

Rule Bills

5/28/10
H.R. 5136, The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, introduced by Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO).

This year's 692 page defense policy legislation authorizes $759.6 billion, mostly for Fiscal Year 2011. This includes $33.7 billion in FY 2010 to fund the surge in Afghanistan and $159.3 billion in FY 2011 funds for war operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other terror operations.

A 1.9% pay raise for military personnel, $20 billion for base construction and $7.9 billion for troop protection in the form of countermeasures for IED's and up-armored vehicles is also included.

The President would have to provide a plan to Congress before transferring any Guantanamo detainees. $10.3 billion is for missile defense and additional $11 billion will go toward the development of 42 new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.

Notable Amendments
The Rules Committee ruled in order 82 amendments for H.R.5136. Sixty-eight of these amendments were packaged together en bloc, which is a non-controversial ,time saving maneuver where numerous amendments can be considered at one time and usually passed by a voice vote . There were 9 en bloc packages for H.R. 5136.

Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA) offered an amendment to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy put in place by the Clinton Administration in 1993. As a presidential candidate, Clinton had promised to end the longstanding ban on homosexuals serving in the military, but he only succeeded in relaxing that policy. The DADT Presidential directive stated that military applicants should not be asked about their orientation, nor should they openly acknowledge participating in "homosexual conduct". In February, Defense Secretary Gates announced the forming of a working group in support of President Obama's goal of repealing DADT. Gates' Pentagon Working Group will produce a report on the effects of DADT on December 1, 2010.

The Murphy Amendment allows for the repeal of DADT after Gates' report is released and the President signs off on it (which he as promised to do). During debate, supporters argued that repeal was long overdue while opponents countered that a change in policy could cause "serious problems" and Congress shouldn't vote until the Pentagon report is released. The amendment passed 234-194 (Voting Yes- 229 D's & 5 R's : Voting No- 26 D's & 168 R's).

In addition, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) offered an amendment to strike $485 million in the underlying bill for an alternative engine to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The Pentagon is planning for nearly 2,500 JSF's over the next 3 decades with a price tag in the neighborhood of $1 trillion. Originally, DOD had 2 teams working on the engine for the F-35, Pratt & Whitney and General Electric/Rolls Royce. However, DOD has sided with Pratt Whitney and did not ask for any funding for the GE/RR team in its last four budget requests. Congress has continued to fund development of a second engine nevertheless. Supporters of the second engine argue that competition will generate cost savings. Opponents argue that Congress is just throwing extra money at the program as an earmark to districts where the second engine would be built.

The Pingree amendment failed 193-231-3 (Voting Yes- 136 D's & 57 R's : Voting No- 115 D's & 116 R's : Voting Present 3 D's & 0R's). Defense Secretary Gates has warned to advise President Obama to veto this bill because of the funding for the second engine, however this same threat was issued last year and Obama still signed the measure into law. With the DADT repeal included, the chances of Obama vetoing this legislation are very slim.

FINAL VOTE: The underlying Defense Authorization measure, which usually finds it place in the 400+ votes club, passed by a much closer margin 229-186 (Voting Yes- 220 D's & 9 R's : Voting No- 26 D's & 160 R's). The Senate will take up this measure sometime after the current recess.

5/28/10

H.R. 4213, The American Workers, State and Business Relief Act of 2010, introduced by Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY).

After two weeks of delays, negotiations and searching for votes, House Democrats were able to pass a scaled back, $113 billion package extending unemployment benefits, numerous tax credits (education expenses, biodiesel incentive, etc), and a short-term fix preventing payment cuts to Medicare doctors ("doc fix"). To pay for the bill, "carried interest" of investment bankers would be taxed as ordinary income, not as capital gains. The bill also raises, by 26 cents-per-barrel, the tax that goes to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that H.R. 4213 would increase the deficit by $54 billion through 2020.

Originally, Democrat Leadership wanted to pass a $200 billion measure, but objections by some rank and file members on the price tag forced changes. Shortening the unemployment benefits extension by one month, addressing the doc fix for 19 months (rather than 48 months) and dropping COBRA health insurance subsidies, trimmed the spending to $113 billion.

Democrats split the measure in to two votes. The first vote contained the tax extenders and passed 215 to 204 (Voting Yes- 214 D's & 1 R : Voting No- 34 D's & 170 R's). The second vote was on the "doc fix", which was accepted 245-171 (Voting Yes- 230 D's & 15 R's : Voting No- 15 D's and 156 R's).

The Senate left town before these measures were passed and the current extensions for the "doc fix" and unemployment benefits will run out while Congress is in recess. The Senate could consider these measures the week of June 7th.


5/28/2010

H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 introduced by Congressman Bart Gordon (D-TN)

The third time proved to be the charm for Democratic leadership intent on passing this bill before the recess. After pulling the bill the week of May 10th when a Republican Amendment passed and watching a scaled back measure fail on the Suspension Calendar during the week of May 17th, Democrats used a rare parliamentary tactic known as "dividing the question" to force 9 separate votes on the measure while preserving the five-year, $85.6 billion authorization level for science and research programs.

The House agreed to quit paying the salaries of government employees caught looking at pornography on government computers by a vote of 409-0. An effort to cut two years from the authorization levels failed 181-234. The final product passed 262-150 (Voting Yes- 245 D's & 17 R's : Voting No- 0 D's and 150 R's) The Senate must now take up this measure.

Suspensions

This week, the House suspended the rules to pass eighteen pieces of legislation ranging from veterans wellness to recognizing National Mental Health Month. Click here and here for vote tallies (Roll Call votes 291-305, 308-09 & 320).

Other Big News

Happy Memorial Day

BP's latest effort to reign in the oil gushing in the Gulf, "TOP KILL", has failed and the spill could continue until August. Late Tuesday (6/1) the Justice Department opened up a criminal investigation of BP.

The People's House Political Extra

154 days until 2010 Midterm elections

May 25, 2010 revealed another Primary upset as state lawmaker and tea party favorite, Raul Labrador, bested Vaughn Ward who had been heavily backed by the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC), 47.6% to 38.9% in the Idaho Republican Primary. Labrador will take on Democrat Congressman Walt Minnick in November.

The Obama Administration reached out to Congressman Joe Sestak, via President Bill Clinton, in an effort to get him out of the Senate Primary race against Senator Arlen Specter. Sestak resisted and defeated the incumbent earlier last month. Some argue that this is par for the course in Washington while others point out that Obama ran on change.

6/1/2010- Primary results will be in tonight from Alabama, Mississippi and New Mexico. Will Parker Griffin's party switch (to Republican) come back to haunt him in his primary? Will anti-establishment candidates best those backed by the NRCC? Chris Cillizza on what to watch for.

6/8/2010- Another super Tuesday as Iowa, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota & Virginia hold their Primaries. Arkansas will also hold its run-off on this date.

Next Week in the People's House-

53 days left on 2010 legislative calendar

When the House reconvenes on June 8th, it is likely to consider an $84 billion emergency supplemental funding bill that contains money for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, relief to Haiti and Pell Grant Funding.

The House could also consider H.R. 5175, the Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act of 2010, introduced by Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

which aims to counter the January Supreme Court Decision on campaign finance.

This Week in the People's House 5-23-10

This week in the People's House
By Bobby Frederick
5/23/2010

Another light work week in the House which convened at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18th (first votes at 6:33 p.m.) and adjourned at 9:04 a.m. on Friday, May 21st (last vote at 4:23 p.m. on May 20th), registering 18 votes for the week. The House was in session for a total of 30 hours and 47 minutes.

Current Balance of the House : 255 Democrats, 176 Republicans and 4 vacancies (GA-9, NY-29, HI-1, IN-3). Congressman Mark Critz (PA-12 was sworn in on 5/20 and Congressman Mark Souder (R-IN-3) resigned on 5/21 after he admitted to an affair with a staff member. The HI-1 vacancy will be filled this week by Congressman-elect Charles Djou (R-HI).

Notable Floor Proceedings

5/19
While there were no rule bills this week, there were some notable moments on the House floor. First, Democrats tried again to pass a reauthorization of the America COMPETEs Act, which would authorize funding for science and technology research programs.

Last week, Democrats pulled H.R. 5116 (a five year, $85.6 billion bill) from the floor after Republicans & Democrats voted to amend the bill by freezing spending at FY 2010 levels, cutting it down to a three year bill and banning any government funds from being spent to pay the salaries of any federal employee who has been caught looking at pornography on government computers.

This week, Democrats introduced a new version of America COMPETEs, H.R. 5325, which was trimmed to a $48 billion, three year authorization. It also included the no salary for federal employees/pornography provision. During floor debate, Democrats argued that this compromise version included Republican ideas and would create jobs. Republicans countered that the bill contained duplicative programs and that the spending levels were still too high.

Process-wise, this bill was placed on the Suspension Calendar which bars any amendments and requires a two-thirds majority of those present and voting to pass. H.R. 5325 failed 261-148 (Voting Yes-246 D's & 15 R's : Voting No 0 D's & 148 R's). Majority Leader Hoyer said the bill would be brought up, under a rule, next week.

5/20

Mexican President Felipe Calderon addressed a joint session of Congress and criticized Arizona's new immigration law.

5/20

The House also considered H Res 1363, a non-controversial measure granting the Education and Labor Committee deposition authority to investigate the April 5th West Virginia mine disaster.

Towards the conclusion of debate, Rules Chairwoman, Louise Slaughter (D-NY) ordered to "move the previous question." If adopted, this procedural motion essentially cuts off debate and moves to a vote on the resolution at hand (H Res 1363). If defeated, the minority earns an extra hour of debate, with the possibility of offering an amendment.

Republicans urged a "no" vote so that they could offer an amendment to cut $2.5 billion from a program that gives states extra money if they increase welfare caseloads. This was part of a new effort by Republican Whip Eric Cantor called "You Cut", a program that allows citizens to vote on where they would like to see spending cut. The winning submissions are then taken and voted on by the House (usually through a "Motion to Recommit" or "Ordering of the Previous Question").

In this case, the previous question passed 240-177 (Voting Yes- 240 D's & 0 R's : Voting No- 9 D's & 168 R's) thus preventing the amendment to cut spending and moving on to a vote on H Res 1363 which passed 413-1 (Voting Yes- 247 D's & 166 R's : Voting No- 0 D's and 1 R).

Suspensions

Generally reserved for non-controversial measures, legislation can be passed under Suspension of the Rules by 2/3’s of those present and voting.

This week, the House suspended the rules to pass fifteen pieces of legislation: Endangered Fish Recovery, Enhanced DNA collection, Honoring Floyd Dominy, Juvenile Accountability Grants, National Missing Children's Day, Celebrating life of Lena Horne, Michael Rothberg Post Office, National Teacher Day, Congratulating Emporia State women for winning DII NCAA basketball championship, Honoring they historic Chatham County Courthouse, Assist Israel with anti-missile defense system, Congratulating Phil Mickelson, University of Texas men's swim team, North Carolina Central University and naming the Interior Department building after Stewart Udall. H.R. 5325, America COMPETEs failed on Suspension. Click here for vote tallies (Roll Call votes 273-87, & 290).

Other Big News

On 5/20, the Senate passed their financial overhaul bill 59-39 with northeast Republicans Scott Brown, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe voting "YES" and Democrats Maria Cantwell and Russ Feingold voting "NO". This bill would create a new consumer financial protection agency and place more regulations on banks with the goal of avoiding future financial crises. The Wall Street Journal has a GREAT summary. Dems hope to have a bill on Obama's desk by July 4th.

On 5/18, The New York Times reported that the American death toll in Afghanistan has reached 1,000. The Washington Post estimate this sad milestone was reached in late February. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense has Operation Enduring Freedom casualties at 1,070 American deaths.

One month later, the Gulf Oil Spill is still not contained and new reports show that the 5,000 barrel a day rate leak estimate is inaccurate. Anger is building as the oil continues to spread along the Gulf Coast.

The People's House Politics Extra!

With 163 days until Election Day 2010, this week's primary contests from PA, AR, KY & OR gave political pundits plenty to chew on. Another incumbent ousted, a tea-party favorite wins (then stumbles) and Republicans finally break the Democrats long special-election winning streak.

-In Pennsylvania, party-switching incumbent Senator Arlen Specter was taken down by Congressman Joe Sestak (another incumbent of sorts) 54%-46% in the Democratic primary for Senate.

-In a special election in PA-12, former John Murtha staffer Mark Critz (D) bested former small business owner Tim Burns (R) 52.6% - 45.1% as both sides poured more than $1 million into this race. Republicans pointed to this as the type of race they need to win to earn back the majority in the House. Some argue that this result should allow D's to breathe easier while others argue that Critz (a pro-life, pro-gun, anti-cap & trade, anti D health care plan) is hardly an endorsement of the Democrat policy agenda. The two face off again in November.

-In Arkansas, Incumbent Blanche Lincoln could not earn a majority of the vote and will face a runoff against LT. Gov Bill Halter on June 8th for the Democrat nomination for Senate.

-In Kentucky, Tea Party favorite Rand Paul (R) defeated the establishment candidate, Secretary of State Trey Grayson 59% to 35%, but immediately found himself in hot water over comments on the Civil Rights Act.

-In the Aloha State, Republican Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou won a special election to fill out the term of 21 year Democrat incumbent Neil Abercrombie. This is Obama's home district and the President took 70% here in the 2008 election. Full results here.

-Idaho holds its Primary on Tuesday, May 25th.

Next week in the People's House

The House is likely to take up a possible $150 to $200 billion package of tax extenders (unemployment, Medicare Doc Fix and COBRA benefits, etc). Democrats did not have the votes to pass this last week as conservative Blue Dog Democrats continued to have cost concerns.

The House may also take up H.R. 5136, the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Act introduced by Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO). This bill would authorize $726 billion for Defense programs as well as fund for the Afghanistan troop surge and operations in Haiti. Finally, the bill includes a 1.9% pay raise for military personnel.

Democrats hope that the third time is the charm as they take another crack at H.R. 5116, The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act introduced by Congressman Bart Gordon (D-TN).

This week in the People's House 5-16

This week in the People's House
By Bobby Frederick
5/16/2010

Light lifting this week as the House convened at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3rd (first votes at 6:30 p.m.) and adjourned at 11:36 a.m. on Friday, May 14th (last vote at 1:11 p.m. on May 13th), registering 17 votes for the week.

Current Balance of the House : 254 Democrats, 177 Republicans and 4 vacancies (GA-9, NY-29, HI-1, PA-12). Two of these vacancies will likely be filled by the end of this week.

Rule Bills

5/12 & 5/13/ (2010)
H.R. 5116, The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act introduced by Congressman Bart Gordon (D-TN).

Democrat leadership pulled this bill from the floor when it became apparent that a Republican Motion to Recommit (parliamentary procedure that makes changes to the bill) with which they could not live with, would pass. The bill will be back on the floor the week of 5/17 under more structured rules.

Summary: Authorizes $85.6 billion in funding over five years for science and technology programs. The funding would go to the National Science Foundation , the Department of Energy's Office of Science, and two other government science agencies. The intent of this legislation is to strengthen U.S. competitiveness when it comes to math and science. The Rules Committee ruled in order 50 Democrat Amendments and 4 Republican Amendments on this bill.

During Debate, Democrats promoted this as a jobs-creating measure while Republicans pointed to increased spending and creation of more government programs as a cause for concern.

In 2007, Congress passed and then-President Bush signed the first iteration of the COMPETE's act which authorized around $42 billion through FY2010 (3 years) Again, H.R. 5116's authorizing period is through FY 2015 (5 years) at double that amount.

The aforementioned Motion to Recommit offered by Republicans altered the bill by making the bill a three year authorization (instead of five), freezing spending for many programs at FY2010 levels and barring ANY funds in the bill from being used to pay the salaries of government workers who had been caught viewing pornography on their government computers. In 2009, an Inspector General report revealed rampant porn watching at the NSF.

The Motion passed 292-126 (Voting Yes-121 D's & 171 R's : Voting No 125 D's & 1 R) at which point the Democrat leadership pulled the bill from consideration.

Suspensions

Generally reserved for non-controversial measures, legislation can be passed under Suspension of the Rules by 2/3’s of those present and voting.

This week, the House suspended the rules to pass seven pieces of legislation: Supporting National Explosive Ordnance Disposal Day, Honoring William "Ernie" Harwell, Supporting Peace Officers Memorial Day and Women's Health Week, a clarification of a Veterans health care policy, Honoring AmeriCorps and Expressing Sympathy to those affected by floods in the Southeast. Click here for vote tallies (Roll Call votes 256-58, 260-61, 271-72).

Other Big News

On May 10th, President Obama announced that current Solicitor General, Elana Kagan, was his choice to fill the Supreme Court Chair being vacated by Justice Stevens. Under the Constitution, only the Senate has "Advice and Consent" powers over this matter.

BP came to the Hill to face the House and Senate for what can only be described as blame game hearings. While no one knows how much oil is leaking per day, BP appeared to be making some progress in stemming the spill late Sunday, 5/16.

On the international front, in the aftermath of U.K. elections, Prime Minister Gordon Brown resigned on May 11th making room for new Prime Minister David Cameron whose Conservatives became the largest part in Parliament with 306 seats (short of a 326 majority).

Michelle Obama released the White House's Obesity Report with the goal of reducing childhood obesity to 5% of the population by 2030. Today 1 in 3 kids are either overweight or obese.

The People's House Politics Extra

With 170 days until Election Day 2010, this week's primary calendar ushered out the first House incumbent as 14-term Democrat Alan Mollohan of West Virginia was ousted 56% to 44%.
4 House incumbents lost their primary in 2008, while 2 each lost in 2006 and 2004.

Primaries:
West Virginia and Nebraksa (each with 3 Congressmen) held their primaries on 5/11. In WV, Shelly Moore Capito (R) was unopposed while Nick Rahall (D) won with 67.5%. In NE, Adrian Smith (R) won with 88%, Jeff Fortenberry (R) won with 84% and Lee Terry (R) won with 63%.


Republicans on the Rise:
A new NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll shows R's getting their mojo back with Independent voters who prefer the GOP over the D's 38% to 30%. At this time in 2006, that number favored D's 40% to 24%.

R's should be careful though as this quote by Tennessee voter Joe Carter best sums up what's going on right now. "Both parties do things I disagree with," Mr. Carter said. "But just to stop what's going on now, I will vote Republican."

Finally, the latest Rasmussen Poll shows R's besting D's on the "generic ballot" 44%-38%. R's first took the lead in the generic back in June 2009, but this week's 6% margin ties the smallest lead for R's in 2010.


Contests to watch this week and predictions:

May 18th- Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Kentucky and Oregon all hold primaries.

PA- Tim Burns (R) vs Mark Critz (D) to replace the late John Murtha.
Prediction: Burns with 52%

PA- Party Switching Incumbent Senator Arlen Specter (D) vs Congressman Joe Sestak (D).
Prediction: Specter's out.

AK- Incumbent Blanche Lincoln (D) vs Lt. Gov Bill Halter (D) for the D Senate Primary.
Prediction: Lincoln won't cross the 50% needed to avoid a June 8th runoff.

KY- Tea Part favorite Rand Paul (R) vs KY Secretary of State Trey Grayson.
Prediction: Rand Paul with 54%

Chris Cilliza and Dan Balz of the Washington Post provide a great run down here.


May 22nd- Winner takes all, mail in special election in Hawaii-1.
Prediction: With the DCCC pulling out of Hawaii, Charles Djou (R) will outlast Ed Case (D) and Colleen Hanabusa (D)

Next week in the People's House

The House is likely to take up a possible $200 billion package of tax extenders (unemployment, Medicare Doc Fix and COBRA benefits, etc).

The House will take another crack at H.R. 5116, The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act introduced by Congressman Bart Gordon (D-TN).

Summary: Authorizes $85.6 billion over five years for science and technology programs.

This week in the People's House
By Bobby Frederick
5/9/2010
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

The House convened briefly at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 3rd (first votes 6:30 p.m. on May 4th) and adjourned at 10:01 a.m. on Friday, May 7th (last vote at 3:44 p.m. on May 6th), registering 13 votes for the week.

Current Balance of the House : 254 Democrats, 177 Republicans and 4 vacancies (GA-9, NY-29, HI-1, PA-12)

Rule Bills

5/6/10
H.R. 5019- The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010, Introduced by Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT).

Passed 246-161 (Voting Yes- 234 D’s & 12 R’s : Voting No- 7 D’s & 154 R’s)


Summary: Dubbed "cash for caulkers", H.R. 5019 authorizes $6 billion for a new rebate and loan program for contractors and homeowners who employ energy-efficient home renovations. Consumers would receive discounts from contractors, who in turn would be reimbursed by the government for employing retrofits. "Silver Star" rebates would provide up to $3,000 for energy improvements such as insulation, window or air conditioner replacement. "Gold Star" rebates would provide up to $8,000 for projects that reduce overall household energy-consumption.

The bill also authorizes a new $600 million program for lower income individuals residing in "manufactured" (mobile or modular) homes before 1976 to purchase newer, more energy-efficient homes. The Congressional Budget Office stated, that if fully funded, this measure would cost $6.6 billion through Fiscal Year 2015.


Republicans successfully added provisions to the bill through a Motion to Recommit (the minority party's last and sometimes only chance to alter or stop the underlying bill) that would end the program if it increases the deficit, bar participating contractors from hiring sex offenders and prevent rebates for home pool heaters. The motion passed 346-68.


Proponents of the bill aruged that it would create 168,000 jobs, lower home energy costs and benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.


Opponents of the bill objected to the price tag and argued that the $787 billion stimulus package had already created a similar program with subpar results, creating only 8,500 of the promised 87,000 jobs.


Next step: The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on similar legislation this month. The Obama Administration supports this policy.

Suspensions

Generally reserved for non-controversial measures, legislation can be passed under Suspension of the Rules by 2/3’s of those present and voting.

This week, the House suspended the rules to pass seven pieces of legislation: Honoring 60 years of NSF, Supporting National Lab day, Honoring the Navy's USS New Mexico, expressing support for New York city after the failed terror attack on May 1st, Commemorating 40th Anniversary of Kent State shooting, Supporting National Train Day and Celebrating Mothers Day. The Telework Improvements Act failed on Suspension. Click here for vote tallies (Roll Call votes 243-248 & 250-51).

Other Big News

Department of Labor's April jobs report a mixed bag. 290,000 jobs were added in April (the most since the recession began), but unemployment rose to 9.9% and "real unemployment" (broader gauge of the economy that includes individuals who have stopped looking for or cannot find jobs) rose for the third straight month to 17.1%.

Failed Times Square bomber, Faisal Shahzad was captured on May 3rd as he was about to flee the country. Today on "This Week", Attorney General Eric Holder claimed the Pakistani Taliban orchestrated the attack.

A grey-hair-inducing day ensued on Wall Street as the Dow plunged more than 900 points on May 6th before recovering to lose 348 points. The cause of the crash is not fully known, but Congress plans to investigate. Meanwhile, the Senate will continue debate on financial services reform.

Gulf oil spill cleanup efforts continue as the political reality sets in that a climate/energy bill this year is likely deader than dead.

The People's House Politics Extra

With 177 days until Election Day 2010, this week's results from primaries in 3 states, the ousting of a sitting-Senator in Utah, and the retirement of an institution in the House, provided the strongest clues yet as to the uphill road incumbents will face this year.

Primaries: The week started off turbulent, but primarily safe for incumbents as Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina each held primary contests on May 4th where every sitting-incumbent seeking re-election won.

Still, two incumbent Congressmen from Indiana, Dan Burton (R) and Mark Souder (R) failed to receive a majority of the vote, scoring 29.7% and 47.8% respectively.

In Ohio, most incumbents were either unopposed or received at least 80% of the vote. Congressman Charlie Wilson (D) and Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R) earned 69% and 62% respectively.

Finally, in North Carolina, most incumbents registered in the mid 70% range, but four incumbents, Larry Kissell (D), Heath Shuler (D), Patrick McHenry (R) & Howard Coble (R) did not reach two-thirds of the vote.

Retirement Watch:

On May 5th, Congressman David Obey (D-WI) who has served in the House since 1969, announced his retirement. This news led election handicapper, Charlie Cook, to move this race from a "likely Democrat" to "Toss-up". District Attorney, competitive lumberjack and "Real World" alum Sean Duffy is the likely Republican candidate to take on a yet to be determined Democrat.

This latest retirement means that 42 House incumbents (20 D's and 22 R's) will not seek reelection in 2010. Parties like to keep their retirement number low due to the extra time, money and effort it costs to hold an open seat.

First incumbent ousted:

The week ended with the sternest blow to incumbents yet as third term Republican Senator Bob Bennett of Utah was ousted from the 2010 ballot by delegates at the state convention on May 8th. The Tea Party declared victory and the two remaining Republicans will face off in a June 22nd primary.

Upcoming Contests:

May 11th - West Virginia and Nebraska hold primaries.

May 18th- Pennsylvania-12 holds race to replace the late Congressman John Murtha.

May 22nd- Winner takes all, mail in special election in Hawaii-1.

Next week in the People's House

H.R. 5116, The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act introduced by Congressman Bart Gordon (D-TN).

Summary: Authorizes $85.6 billion over five years for science and technology programs.

This week in the People's House

By Bobby Frederick

5/2/2010

The House convened at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 26th (first votes at 6:30 p.m.) and adjourned at 9:16 p.m. on Thursday, April 29th (last vote at 6:55 p.m.), registering 22 votes for the week.

Current Balance of the House : 254 Democrats, 177 Republicans and 4 vacancies (GA-9, NY-29, HI-1, PA-12)

Rule Bills

4/28/10
H.R. 5013- Implementing Management for Performance and Related Reforms to Obtain Value in Every Acquisition (IMPROVE) Act of 2010 Introduced by Congressman Robert Andrews (D-NJ).

Passed 417-3 (Voting Yes- 247 D’s & 170 R’s : Voting No- 0 D’s & 3 R’s)

Summary: H.R. 5013- Aims to reform the Department of Defense's acquisition process for goods and services (non-weapons spending). From pallets of toilet paper to IT contracts, goods and services make up approximately 80 percent of Pentagon spending. Numerous examples of waste, fraud, and improper payments led to this bill, which tasks the Pentagon with creating performance standards that would incentivize workers to remain on time and budget and take work away from contractors that do not. Also gives Pentagon until 2017 to produce auditable financial records. Supporters argue this bill would save $27 billion a year, but this could not be confirmed by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). CBO did estimate that the cost of implementing the bill would be $250 million through FY 2015.

Next step: The Senate is unlikely to take this up as a stand-alone measure. However, both the House and Senate are expected to include provisions of this policy in their respective Defense Authorization measures. The Obama Administration supports this bill.

4/29/10
H.R. 2499- The Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2010 Introduced by Representative Pedro Pierluisi Robert Andrews (D-Puerto Rico).

Passed 223-169-1 (Voting Yes- 184 D’s & 39 R’s : Voting No- 40 D’s & 129 R’s : Voting Present 1 D & 0 R's)

Summary: Authorizes a federally-sanctioned vote on Puerto Rico's political status. The vote would ask whether Puerto Ricans wish to maintain or change their current status (U.S. Commonwealth). If they vote to maintain the question would be up again in 8 years. If they vote to change, a second vote would follow where Puerto Ricans could pick from Statehood, Independence, Free Association, or Commonwealth. The result would be non-binding, with Congress having to act to make any change to Puerto Rico's political status.

Puerto Rico History at a glance:

1898: U.S. acquires control of Puerto Rico from Spain at the end of the Spanish American War.

1917: Congress grants Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship.

1952: Puerto Rico officially becomes a U.S. Commonwealth.

Opponents of the bill argued that this bill was a backdoor way to Statehood for Puerto Rico. In the last vote (1998), the majority of Puerto Ricans chose "none of the above" but this would not be an option under H.R. 2499. They also raised concerns over the fact that Spanish is the predominant language spoken in Puerto Rico. Finally, as the 51st state, Puerto Rico is estimated to be eligible for 6 seats in the House possibly at the expense of other states' seats.

Supporters maintain that the measure is non-binding and simply grants the 4 million citizens of Puerto Rico (U.S. citizens) a say in their future. The last election was 12 years ago and Puerto Ricans should have another chance to express themselves. Puerto Rico would pay for the election(s).

CBO ruled this measure "would have no significant impact on the federal budget". However, should Puerto Rico become the 51st state, its residents would become eligible for certain federal spending and welfare programs that would likely raise federal spending.

Next Step: The Senate is scheduled to hold a hearing on this issue, but its chances for passage in this already overburdened chamber seem dim.

Suspensions

Generally reserved for non-controversial measures, legislation can be passed under Suspension of the Rules by 2/3’s of those present and voting.

This week, the House suspended the rules to pass six pieces of legislation: Named 2 Post Offices, celebrated the life of Sam Houston, supporting National Principals Week, Rural Housing Stabilization Act and BLOCKING MEMBERS' PAY RAISE FOR 2011 Click here for vote tallies (Roll Call votes 221-226).

Other Big News

President Obama's March 31st announcement to expand offshore drilling is being reexamined in the wake of the April 20th explosion on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico which has led to a massive oil spill (approximately 5,000 barrels a day) that could persist for 3 months. Oil exploration and nuclear energy development were being floated to gather bipartisan support for a climate bill.

In an about-face from last week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he will move climate change legislation ahead of immigration. Debate on Arizona's new immigration law continued to heat up as nationwide immigration rallies took place on May 1st. This back and forth will continue and it would seem that the Senate will move on whichever policy they can obtain the sufficient number of votes on first.

Also in the Senate, the Financial Reform bill is moving forward. Debate could take up to 2 weeks.

Finally, in security news a "crude" car bomb was found in the heart of Times Square in New York.

The People's House Politics Extra

With 184 days until Election Day 2010, the question is not will Republicans gain seats in the house, but rather, will they win the 41 seats necessary to take back the House?

Minority Leader John Boehner made headlines this week when he said that "at least 100" seats are in play for Republicans to take. However, some Republicans are making the argument that it would be better politically (read 2012) for R's to come up just short of taking back the House. Another wildcard that should have both parties VERY concerned is the strongest anti-incumbent sentiment since 1994, with less than one-third of voters suggesting they will support their incumbent.

Finally, the month of May brings 2 special election contests to replace vacancies in the House. Both seats were previously held by Democrats, but the latest polling shows R's in the lead.

May 18: Race to replace the late Congressman John Murtha in Pennsylvania-12.

May 22: Winner takes all, mail in special election in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District.

Next week in the People's House

H.R. 5019, The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 introduced by Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT).

Quick Summary: Establishes a new rebate program to incentivize homeowners who make energy efficient renovations. The bill would authorize $6 billion for the new program.