Cloakroom: November 12 – November 16

House

Analysis: The House returns from the pre-election recess on Tuesday to confront the looming issues of the fiscal cliff. Negotiations will begin with President Obama and the congressional leadership on how best to resolve the issue of the automatic tax hikes and deep defense cuts. As a result, the floor looks to be relatively quiet, with the House taking up a bill to move toward normalized trade relations with Russia.

Major Floor Action:

• HR 6156 – Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012
  

Major Committee Action:

• The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on the “Investigation of Benghazi Attack.”
• The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold a hearing on the “High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Program.”
• The House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency and Financial Management will hold a hearing on “Trade Adjustment Assistance.”
  

Senate

Analysis: The Senate is in a similar place as the House with the focus on resolving the fiscal cliff. The sportsmen’s bill is still pending on the floor from before the recess, and the Senate will resume work on that legislation this week.

Major Floor Action:

• S 3525 – Sportsmen’s Act of 2012
  

Major Committee Action:

• The Senate Select Intelligence Committee will hold a hearing on the “Investigation of Benghazi Attack.”
• The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will hold a hearing on the “2012 Meningitis Outbreak.”
• The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on “Proposed International Banking Rules.”