Congresspedia's "Congress in the News" updates, May 18-June 21, 2007
- Legislation expanding federally funded embryonic stem cell research was scheduled to be vetoed by President Bush, and lacks sufficient support to override a veto. (AP story)
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Coming Up This Week in Congress: Immigration, Labor, and Defense
Both the House and Senate are in session this week, with each chamber expected to debate and consider several important bills and resolutions. Highlights include:
- The Senate will return to debating a comprehensive immigration bill. Senate leaders have agreed to a list of twenty-four amendments that will receive floor votes, with a final vote on the bill expected by the end of the week.
- The Senate will consider the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill previously passed by the House which would make it easier for workers to form unions.
- The Senate may consider the fiscal year (FY) 2008 Defense Department authorization bill, which was approved by the House last month.
- The House will vote on two fiscal year (FY) 2008 spending bills; a $21.4 billion Financial Services measure and a $27.6 billion Interior-Environment bill. If passed, the Interior measure could face a veto threat as it is $1.9 billion above the Bush administration's request.
After the jump is a full listing of this week's House and Senate hearings, courtesy of GovTrack.
TheWeekInCongress (June 18-22, 2007)
There was lots of action on Capitol Hill this past week, as many high-profile issues were debated and considered in both the House and Senate. The House took up veterans’ legislation and a State Department appropriations bill, while the Senate passed comprehensive energy legislation. For an in-depth look at the bills considered in Congress since Monday, we again turn to Robert McElroy’s TheWeekInCongress.
Bush Vetoes Bipartisan Stem Cell Bill for Second Time
For the second time in less than a year, President Bush vetoed a bill which would have lifted the current ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. The measure had passed in the House and Senate earlier this year by 247-176 and 63-34 margins, respectively (neither margin is veto-proof).
Blessed Unrest for a Wiser Earth: John Stauber Interviews Paul Hawken
My first introduction to author Paul Hawken's work was his 1994 book The Ecology of Commerce. It is essential reading for anyone grappling with issues surrounding capitalism, social justice and ecological sustainability. Hawken is, among his plethora of accomplishments, a highly successful businessman, but The Ecology of Commerce pulled few punches in its criticism of even those companies truly trying to set and reach a higher standard of business social responsibility.
Coming Up This Week in Congress: Energy, Immigration and Labor
Both the House and Senate are in session this week, with each chamber expected to debate and consider several important bills and resolutions. Highlights include:
- The Senate will continue to debate a comprehensive energy bill, including provisions which would raise corporate fuel economy standards, require utilities to produce at least 15% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020, and add loan guarantees to enhance private investment in coal-to-liquids plants.
- The Senate will consider a long list of amendments pertaining to a comprehensive immigration bill, including one which would provide more than $4 billion for border security and employment verification initiatives.
- The Senate will vote on the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill previously approved by the House which would make it easier for workers to form unions.
- The House will likely take up several appropriations measures this week, most likely aiming to pass the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and State-Foreign Operations spending bills.
After the jump is a full listing of this week's House and Senate hearings, courtesy of GovTrack and Thomas.
TheWeekInCongress (June 11-15, 2007)
It was an eventful week on Capitol Hill, as many high-profile issues were debated and considered in both the House and Senate. The House took up veterans’ benefits and a Homeland Security appropriations bill, while the Senate debated a comprehensive energy bill. For an in-depth look at the bills considered in Congress since Monday, we again turn to Robert McElroy’s TheWeekInCongress.
Gonzales' No-Confidence Vote Dies in Senate; Harsh Critics of AG Help Kill It
Guest blogger: Congresspedia intern Herschel Nachlis
Coming Up This Week in Congress: Alberto Gonzales, Energy, and the Budget
Both the House and Senate are in session this week, with each chamber expected to debate and consider several important bills and resolutions. Highlights include:
- The Senate is expected to consider a "no-confidence" vote on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Numerous Democratic and Republican senators have already called for Gonzales' resignation in light of the ongoing Bush administration U.S. attorney firings controversy.
- The Senate will debate a comprehensive energy bill intended to promote energy independence and security, an increase in the production of renewable fuels, an increase in the energy efficiency of products, buildings and vehicles, and additional research on controlling greenhouse gas emissions.
- The House will take up four fiscal year (FY) 2008 appropriations bills, including Homeland Security, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Energy and Water, and Interior and the Environment. The funding levels considered are expected to be greater than those initially proposed by President Bush.
After the jump is a full listing of this week's House and Senate hearings, courtesy of GovTrack.
TheWeekInCongress (June 4-8, 2007)
It was yet another busy week on Capitol Hill, as many high-profile issues were debated and considered in both the House and Senate. The House took up stem cell research and aid for Afghanistan, while the Senate was largely occupied with immigration. For an in-depth look at the bills considered in Congress since Monday, we again turn to Robert McElroy’s TheWeekInCongress.