This Week in the People's House7/18/2010
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.
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
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,
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.
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