This Week in the People's House
7/26/2010
By Bobby Frederick

Last week, the House and Senate finally agreed on a $33.9 billion extension of unemployment benefits which President Obama promptly signed into law. The House also began consideration of H.R. 1264, the Multiple Peril Insurance Act of 2009 -which would allow for the purchase of insurance to cover wind damage under the National Flood Insurance Program- but it was abruptly pulled from consideration after it appeared the measure did not have the votes to pass.

There is much to be done this week in the People's House. Before embarking on a six-week recess, the focus will be on spending as the House aims to come to agreement with the Senate on a war funding bill. In addition, the Transportation-Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs appropriations bills are scheduled for floor time. As is common before a long recess, a weekend session threat has been lodged.

Convening on Monday, July 19th (first votes at 6:02 p.m.) and adjourning on Thursday, July 15th (last vote at 4:10 p.m.), the House took 19 votes for the week. For the sixth legislative week in a row, Democrat's cancelled session for Friday. The House was in session for a total of 33 hours and 53 minutes.

Rule Bills

H.R. 4213 -Unemployment Compensation Act of 2010, introduced by Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY).

Quick Summary: Unemployment benefits expired on June 2nd after the House and Senate could not come to agreement on legislation that also included other tax credit extensions. This pure unemployment benefit extension bill comes at a price tag of $33.9 billion over ten years. The extension runs through November 30th (meaning the House is likely to address this again in a lame duck session) and the benefits are retroactive to June 2nd.

H.R. 4213 passed 272-152 (Voting Yes- 241 D's & 31 R's : Voting No- 10 D's & 142 R's).

Suspensions

Last week, the House suspended the rules to pass 14 measures, including legislation to rescind funding for National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, preventing the interstate commerce of animal crush videos and expressing support for Family Literacy week. For vote tallies, click here (roll call vote #'s 448-457, 459-60, 462 & 464).

Other Big News

The ethical woes of Congressman Charlie Rangel continue as the House Committee on Standards and Official conduct announced last Thursday that he had broken ethics rules. The Ethics Committee will produce more detailed charges this week and the possibility of a trial looms large.

The issue of race reared its head in Washington last week after the quick firing of Agriculture Department employee Shirley Sherrod for remarks taken out of contest at an NAACP event last March. The selective clips were racially charged, but taken in their entirety show a tale of redemption. The White House immediately apologized and offered her a promotion. Sherrod is still considering the offer.

BP's CEO Tony Hayward looks like he will finally get his "life back".

DC may be a town where you never say never, but it looks as though a cap and trade style energy bill is likely down for the count.

The People's House Politics Extra! (99 days until the 2010 Midterm Election)

Top election handicapper Charlie Cook was one of the first to predict a likely takeover of the House by Republicans. Here he takes a look at things from the Democrat point of view.

All politics may be local, but this charge coming from the treasurer of the Republican National Committee that the party failed to report $7 million in debt to the Federal Election Commission could sully the national party organizations brand and limit their reach when helping candidates.

Floor Action this week

There are only 21 days left on the legislative calendar for the House of Representatives.

H.R. 5822- Department of Veterans Affairs Appropriations- $141 billion for VA programs and military construction in FY 2011.

H.R. ____ -Department of Transportation and Housing & Urban Development Appropriations -$126.4 billion for FY 2011.

Battle continues over the reach and price tag of the "war supplemental" funding bill.

This Week in the People's House
7/18/2010
By Bobby Frederick

Coming off a one-week recess and facing the reality that many items are stalled in the Senate, the House eased back into session with a three day work week.

Convening on Tuesday, July 13th (first votes at 6:02 p.m.) and adjourning on Thursday, July 15th (last vote at 2:35 p.m.), the House registered just 14 votes for the week. For the fifth legislative week in a row, Democrat's cancelled session for Friday. The House was in session for a total of 22 hours and 45 minutes.

Last week, the House passed legislation that would pave the way for more telecommuting for federal workers as well as a five year reauthorization of the nation's flood insurance program. During the week of July 19th, the House is scheduled to take up legislation that would add wind damage to the coverage offered under the national flood insurance program, increase resources for oil spill research, and further work on the extension of unemployment benefits.

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

Recap of Last Week's Rule Bills

H.R. 1722- The Telework Improvements Act introduced by Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD).

Quick Summary: This measure failed under a suspension of the rules back in May, but was reconsidered last week under a rule that required only a simple majority to pass. Brought to the forefront after Washington D.C.'s record snowfall last winter, this legislation tasks agencies to write new policies allowing employees to telework "to the maximum extent possible without diminishing agency operations and performance."

The Office of Personnel Management estimated that without teleworking, the federal government would have lost $100 million a day during the historic snow storm, rather than the refined daily prediction of $71 million. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that implementing this measure would cost agencies $30 million through FY 2015.

Republicans offered a motion to recommit that would require agencies to certify the cost savings before teleworking could occur. It also contained language that would prevent government workers caught downloading pornography from being able to telecommute. The motion passed 303-119. The underlying bill also passed by a vote of 290-131 (Voting Yes- 245 D's & 45 R's : Voting No- 2 D's & 129 R's).

The Next Move: The Senate passed a similar bill (S. 707) back in May. Both House and Senate must now approve identical language on telework policy before it can be sent to the President's desk.

H.R. 5114- The Flood Insurance Reform Priorities Act introduced by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA).

Quick Summary: This five-year, $378 million reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program would postpone (by five years) a requirement for homeowners to buy flood insurance if they live in newly drawn flood areas. The legislation also ups the coverage limits and increases flood insurance premiums by up to 20 percent each year.

CBO estimated that enacting this legislation would result in a net decrease to the deficit of $10 million over 10 years. This legislation passed 329-90 (Voting Yes- 244 D's & 85 R's : Voting No- 1 D & 89 R's).

The Next Move: This legislation must now be acted on by the Senate in order to move forward.

YouCut

YouCut is an interactive tool that allows citizens to suggest and vote on targeted ways to cut spending. Each week, the winning proposal is offered up by House Republicans for a vote on the Floor. This week's winner was a proposal by Congressman Aaron Schock to prevent any more funds for road signs advertising projects under the $787 billion stimulus bill.

This YouCut proposal was offered during debate on the Rule for H.R. 1722 (Telework Bill). However, the Previous Question (a motion intended to cut off debate) was ordered and passed 232-184 (Voting Yes- 232 D's & 0 R's : Voting No- 11 D's & 173 R's). Had the "no's" prevailed, the minority would have been able to debate the YouCut proposal and vote on it as an amendment.

Suspensions

The House suspended the rules to pass five pieces of legislation, including three bills from the Natural Resources Committee, one bill that would authorize funds to ensure safe navigation of the continental shelf, and one measure aimed at eliminating improper government payments. Click HERE for vote results (Roll Call Votes # 434-36, 439 & 442).

Other Big News

For the first time in 86 days, oil was not hemorrhaging into the Gulf as BP fit a 75 ton cap last Thursday. However, as of late last night a seep had been detected and more tests have been ordered. BP was/is hopeful that this cap can remain shut until the first relief well is complete in August.

The Senate sends the Financial Services overhaul to President Obama who will sign the measure into law this Wednesday.

The People's House - Political Extra

(106 days until the 2010 Midterm Elections)

1) "There's no doubt there are enough seats in play that could cause Republicans to gain control," - White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

Whether or not these words, which essentially boil down to a true statement, push Republicans over the top or rally the Democrat base, remains to be seen. One thing is for certain, these words set off a firestorm in Washington last week,

2) The Stimulus, healthcare and financial regulatory reform are all BIG policy changes enacted after Democrats took BIG votes. But bigger isn't always better (or immediate)when it comes to new policies and some Democrats may find themselves with LITTLE to show for their votes this November.

3) In an ABC News/Washington Post Poll released on July 11th, President Obama received his highest disapproval rating of his presidency (47 percent). However, when asked who was more likely to make the right decisions for America's future, 43 percent said Obama, 32 percent said Democrats in Congress and 26 percent said Republicans in Congress.

Republicans may be due for some seats in the fall, but if polls like these hold, it will be because voters desire a check on Democrat control and not because of "Republican" policies. This would certainly seem to support Peggy Noonan's scenario of a "catastrophic victory" for Republicans in 2010.

Upcoming Action in the People's House

(26 legislative days left on the House Calendar)

H.R. 1264- The Multiple Peril Insurance Act introduced by Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS).

Quick Summary- Allows the National Flood Insurance Program to offer coverage to homeowners for wind damage (policy holder must also carry flood insurance). CBO has not completed a cost estimate.

Further action on the extension of unemployment benefits and the war funding bill could occur this week.

Action for this week-

The People's House Week in Review returns in earnest next Sunday, however, here is a quick glimpse of what Congress will be voting on this week.

Wednesday, July 14th:

H.R. 1722- The Telework Improvements Act- Requires federal agencies to write a plan that would allow for more telecommuting without sacrificing performance or productivity. The impetus for this bill appears to be last years historic snowstorm in D.C. when $71 million a day in productivity was lost due to the closure of the federal government. This $30 million piece of legislation failed under suspension of the rules and will now be considered under a rule that requires a simple majority to pass.

Thursday, July 15th:

H.R. 5114- The Flood Insurance Reform Priorities Act- Reauthorizes flood insurance program for 5 years. Allows annual premium hikes of up to 20%. Homeowners in newly designated flood plains would be given a 5-year reprieve from having to purchase coverage. Provides $250 million for outreach and education on the program. CBO has ruled that this bill will increase spending by $378 million but ultimately result in a reduction of the deficit by $10 million over 10 years.

This Week in the People's House
7/5/2010
By Bobby Frederick
Happy Independence Day Weekend!

The House convened on Monday, June 28th (first votes at 10:33 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29th) and adjourned on Thursday, July 1st (last vote at 10:54 p.m.), registering 39 votes for the week. For the fourth week in a row, Democrat leadership cancelled votes for Friday in the House. The House was in session for a total of 40 hours and 7 minutes.

Last week, the House passed a 6-month extension of unemployment benefits, the Financial Services Reform Conference Report and an Emergency War Supplemental spending bill. Because, the Senate did not have the votes for the first two legislative items and the House made some changes to the war bill, none of these measures made it to President Obama's desk before the 4th of July recess began. The House and Senate will both reconvene on the 13th and 12th of July, respectively.

Current Balance of the House stands at 433 members : 255 Democrats, 178 Republicans and 2 vacancies (NY-29 & IN-3). If all current members are present and voting, this means that 217 votes are needed to pass a bill in the House.

Rule Bills- Unemployment Benefits Extension

H.R. 5618 - the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2010 Introduced by Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA).

This 6-month extension of unemployment benefits (retroactive to June 2nd) would cost $33.9 billion over 10 years. Unemployment is currently at 9.5%. The House tried to pass this measure via suspension of the rules on Tuesday, June 29th (requiring two-thirds of those present and voting for passage), but failed to get the necessary votes. It was a brought back up under a rule that required a simple majority and passed 270-153 (Voting Yes- 241 D's & 29 R's : Voting No-11 D's & 142 R's). However, the Senate's effort to break the filibuster on their unemployment legislation fell two votes short. The previous unemployment extension expired at the end of May. As a result, the Labor Department projected that 1.7 million people will have lost their benefits by the 4th of July.

Financial Services Reform Conference Report

Just days after conferees wrapped up the House/Senate Conference on H.R. 4173- the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Conference was reopened to remove a $17.9 billion tax on banks in an effort to secure the votes necessary to push this measure over the finish line over in the Senate. However, the Senate adjourned without voting on the Conference Report.

The 2,323 page Conference Report creates a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency and brings the trading of derivatives under federal regulation. During debate, Democrats claimed that this increased oversight would help prevent another financial crisis, while Republicans claimed that the bill provides the government with permanent bailout authority. The House passed the Conference Report by a vote of 237-192 (Voting Yes- 234 D's & 3 R's : Voting No- 19 D's & 173 R's). For more information on this lengthy legislation, click here.

War Supplemental

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

The Senate passed their nearly $60 billion version of the War Supplemental on May 27th. On July 1st, the House amended the Senate's version of the War Supplemental, ensuring that this measure would not reach President Obama's desk until mid-July at the earliest. During his testimony at a Senate Appropriations hearing in June, Defense Secretary Robert Gates remarked, "We begin to have to do stupid things if the supplemental is not passed by July 4."

It's all in the rules...The rule setting the parameters for debate and providing for consideration of H.R. 4899 was controversial. For instance, if the rule passed, a $1.12 trillion budget enforcement resolution would also be automatically enacted (this after Democrats announced that for the first time since the current budget rules were enacted in 1974, that a 5-year budget resolution would not be voted on in the House). Other provisions wrapped inside this unorthodox rule: More than $2 billion to settle two federal lawsuits (one involving black farmers and the other related to American Indians) & $1 billion in summer jobs funding.

Finally, this rule made in order 4 amendments, one of with contained $21 billion in domestic spending and the other three pertaining to withdrawal from or reduced funding to Afghanistan). Under the rule, only one of the amendments needed to be adopted in order to send the bill along to the Senate.

While this rule could not muster a majority in the house, it did narrowly pass by a vote of 215-210 (Voting Yes- 215 D's & 0 R's : Voting No- 38 D's & 172 R's).

Amendment #2 Adds $10 billion to hire teachers, $5 billion for Pell Grants, $700 million for border security. Passed 239-182-1 (Voting Yes- 236 D's & 3 R's : Voting No- 15 D's & 167 R's : Voting Present- 1 R). At this point the bill is now approved for the Senate to consider.

Amendment #3 Strikes all military funding for Afghanistan in the bill. Failed 25-376-22 (Voting Yes- 22 D's & 3 R's : Voting No- 208 D's & 168 R's : Voting Present- 22 D's).

Amendment #4 Funding in the bill for Afghanistan could only be used towards withdrawal activities. Failed 100-321 (Voting Yes- 93 D's & 7 R's : Voting No- 157 D's & 164 R's).

Amendment #5 Requires Obama to present a plan to Congress by April 4, 2011 to redeploy U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Failed 162-260 (Voting Yes- 153 D's & 9 R's : Voting No- 98 D's & 162 R's).

Other News of Note

In a blow to the economic recovery, 652,000 dropped out of the workforce, unemployment is at 9.5% and "real unemployment" is at 16.5%. What this likely means for the fall.

The perilous fiscal state of lllinois.

In an apparent victory for the 2nd Amendment, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to extend gun rights to cities. However, if the experience in DC is any indication, gun rights have a long way to go.

Democrats defeat Republicans 13-5 on the diamond. With more than 40 incumbents not running for Congress next year, as well as expected Democrat losses, the rosters for both teams are sure to look very different.

Oil spill recovery efforts, day 76.

Robert Byrd, the Senate's longest serving member, passed away on June 28th. How his death affects the rest of 2010.

Recess

There are 119 days until the 2010 midterm election and just 30 days on the House legislative calendar. A policy-heavy lame duck session appears likely. The next People's House update will be on July 18th.