The Senate Cloakroom: Nov. 2 – 6

Posted November 1st, 2009 at 3.01pm in Ongoing Priorities.

Analysis –

An extension of unemployment insurance benefits will occupy the Senate for most of the week, again. Not only is this the wrong way to address the lack of jobs, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has numerous amendments, including those that may actually spur job creation. Shutting down the amendment process does not bode well for the upcoming health care debate. Americans and Senators are eager to start the health care debate, but Senator Reid has refused to release any details of the legislation.

Major Floor Action –

The extension of unemployment benefits (HR 3548) faces a key procedural vote Monday afternoon. If successful, that measure will pass the Senate this week.
Several stalled spending bills remain on the Senate’s backburner, including the Military Construction-VA appropriations bill (HR 3802) and the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill (HR 2847).

Major Committee Action –

The Environment and Public Works Committee will proceed to a markup of the Kerry-Boxer national energy tax next week, if Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has her way. However, Republicans on the panel are considering whether to delay the markup because they do not have a full economic analysis of the legislation.
An Energy and Natural Resources’ Subcommittee will hold a hearing on water and power bills. While it may be a mundane hearing, one would hope Senators would ask what impact cap-and-trade would have on electricity rates.
The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will hold a hearing on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Despite the innocuous sounding title, there are significant concerns with the proposed policy.

Author: Dan Holler
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9 Comments

November 1, 2009 Gina writes:

Finally!

November 1, 2009 Greg writes:

So adding amendments having to do with ACORN has anything to do with an unemployment extension? I love the way you people try to have it both ways. You’re pathetic!

November 1, 2009 steve chicago writes:

if unemployment benefits is the wrong way to deal with unemployment, please, right wing moron, tell us what to do. oh, that’s right, the party of no has no ideas or solutions.

November 1, 2009 JOhn New York writes:

Just when are the Dems going to realize that they control both Houses and the White House. When are they going to start taking action on legislation to help the American people. They were put in office to help get back for the American People all we lost over the past 8 years.
I fear the Dems will once again blow the opportunity they were given and leave the people out in the cold. When are our elected people going to save us from the Banks who took our money to save themselves and then (and now) are taking everey dime from us to pay us back !

November 2, 2009 Kirby (Denver) writes:

I can’t wait for a full economic analysis of Kerry-Boxer! An honest analysis will show a HUGE negative impact.

November 2, 2009 Conservatives Worried Unemployment Vote Foreshadows Health Reform Debate | GSA Schedule Services writes:

[...] theme is becoming popular in the conservative echo chamber. Yesterday, the Heritage Foundation made a similar link between the amendment process surrounding the unemployment and health reform bills. An extension of [...]

November 2, 2009 Dan Holler writes:

Steve – I would refer you to an analysis completed by two of my colleagues at The Heritage Foundation. They found that extending unemployment benefits has the unfortunate consequence of actually increasing the unemployment rate. Additionally, extensions “do not create wealth or spur economic growth.” It’s a tedious read, but well worth it.

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Economy/cda08-13.cfm

November 2, 2009 Mogul, Indiana writes:

So, after three weeks of stall tactics and BOGUS amendments to an already urgent bill. The republican’ts want to once again play victim even though you don’t care if you hurt families who need THEIR cash. Food, gas, utilities, etc…need $$$$$$$$ to function you clowns. So finally the process has run its course. Sen Reid it right to not allow your WEAK amendments because they weren’t offered to help the bill. You just don’t want the Dems to solve problems you created so your party won’t look outdated/callous. You Republitards are a JOKE and your done when the polls open up. 2010/2012

November 6, 2009 Michelle Morin » Blog Archive » 11/02/09 Health Care Alert and Update – It’s time to kill the House bill! writes:

[...] In the Senate, we wait for Senator Reid…: http://blog.heritage.org/2009/11/01/the-senate-cloakroom-nov-2-%e2%80%93-6/ [...]

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