House Cloakroom:  May 10 – 14

House Analysis:

Last week the House passed a bill to authorize $6.6 billion for its cash for caulkers program ^[1] reminiscent of last years cash for clunkers program.  This week they are taking the spending to a whole new level with an $82.5 billion authorization bill for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation, and research programs at the Department of Energy.  On top of the spending there are also other concerns including how this duplicates efforts already going on in the federal government and in some cases goes beyond basic research and development.  Besides this bill, expect another week full of suspensions with no votes on Monday or Friday.

Major Floor Action:

• HR 5116 ^[2] (PDF) – America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010
• Suspension bills

Major Committee Action:

• The House Armed Services Committee ^[3] will begin mark up in the subcommittees for the 2011 Defense Authorization bill.
• The House Energy and Commerce Committee ^[4] will hold two hearings of note this week.  First on Wednesday the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee will examine the oil rig accident ^[5] in the Gulf of Mexico.  On Thursday the Communications, Technology and the Internet subcommittee will discuss the “National Broadband Plan.”

Senate Cloakroom:  May 10 – 14

Senate Analysis

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) seems intent on ending debate on Senator Chris Dodd’s (D-CT) financial regulation bill ^[6].  Reid’s rush to finish the bill, despite having voted on just seven amendments, should concern Americans because significant flaws remain.  The President is also set to make news next week by announcing his nominee for the Supreme Court.  Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) are rumored to be announcing their global warming plan – notably absent will be Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

Major Floor Action

• The Senate will debate and vote on amendments relating to Senator Dodd’s financial regulation bill (S.3217).

Major Committee Action

• The Finance Committee will hold a hearing on taxing financial institutions ^[7].
• The Energy Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee will hold hearings on offshore drilling ^[5].