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.