washingtondccapitalThe following is a roundup of political activity going on in Washington and across the nation. It’s courtesy of Scott Wilk, Community Organizer, and Anchor Consulting group. The Beacon will be posting these daily as they become available.

IN THE HOUSE

  • The House convenes at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.
  • Last votes expected are expected in the evening.
  • One Minutes (10 per side)
  • Conference Report on H.R. 3288 – Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (Rule Waves all Points of Order, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Obey / Appropriations Committee)
  • H.Res. 962 – Same Day Consideration Rule – Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules (Sponsored by Rep. Slaughter / Rules Committee)
  • Continued Consideration of H.R. 4173 – Rep. Barney Frank’s Permanent Bailout (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Frank / Financial Services Committee)
  • Postponed Suspensions Votes (3 Bills):
  1. 1.       H.R. 4017 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 43 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, as the “Ann Marie Blute Post Office”  (Sponsored by Rep. McGovern / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
  2. 2.        H.Res. 35 – Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should provide increased Federal funding for continued type 1 diabetes research (Sponsored by Rep. Gene Green / Energy and Commerce Committee)
  3. 3.       H.Res. 55 – Expressing support for the designation of a National Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness of and promote research into this challenging disorder (Sponsored by Rep. Royce / Energy and Commerce Committee)

 

  • Special Orders
  • Dinner crashers ordered to testify – Lawmakers on the House Homeland Security Committee voted yesterday to compel the attention-hungry couple to answer questions about the Nov. 24 incident. (Boston Globe)

IN THE SENATE

  • The Senate convenes at 10:00am to resume consideration of H.R.3590, Health Care Reform.
  • Following Leader remarks, the time until 11:00am will be controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • The time from 11:00am and 1:00pm will be controlled in 30-minute alternating blocks of time. The Majority will control the first block and the Republicans will control the next block.
  • The time until 1:00pm will be for debate only with the time equally divided.
  • Senate Democrats satisfied with deal  -  Senate Democrats on Wednesday largely embraced a compromise that dropped a “public option” from health-care legislation, setting aside their concerns about aspects of the consensus plan in the hopes that the deal hatched by negotiators would serve as a rallying point in their push for the passage of reforms. (Wash Post)

OTHER NEWS

  • Wartime US president picks up his peace prize   -  A wartime president being honored for peace, Barack Obama said Thursday that criticism of his Nobel prize as premature might recede if he advances goals such as a nuclear-free world and tackling climate change. (AP)
  • U.S. Extends TARP Until October 2010  -  Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the Obama administration would extend the $700 billion financial-sector bailout but limit new spending to such areas as housing and small business. (WSJ)
  • House Votes to Extend Tax Breaks—For Now  -  The House passed legislation Wednesday extending temporary tax breaks for businesses and individuals, but lawmakers served notice that some tax breaks may be on the chopping block as early as next year. (WSJ)
  • Staff Shortages Stymie Effort to Spend Stimulus Funds on Energy  -  The Department of Energy’s inspector general on Wednesday warned that staffing shortages and other internal weaknesses increased the risk of fraud and could delay the agency’s efforts to spend about $37 billion in economic-stimulus funds. (WSJ)
  • Bid to Legislate Football Playoffs Takes Step in House  – The legislation, which still faces steep odds, would ban the promotion of a postseason college football game as a national championship unless it results from a playoff. (WSJ)
  • SC Govenor dodges impeachment, lawmakers push rebuke  -  State lawmakers made it clear they want Gov. Mark Sanford to resign, but wouldn’t recommend ousting him over his travels and trysts with an Argentine mistress. (Wash Post)
  • The return of the Carter name to Georgia politics  -  On Wednesday night, the grandson of Jimmy Carter hosted a gathering in Decatur to launch his campaign for a state Senate seat that is not quite available yet. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

GRANT OF THE DAY

  • FY 2010 Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program- The United State Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) (www.ovw.usdoj.gov) is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications for the Legal Assistance to Victims Grant Program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by strengthening civil and criminal legal assistance programs for adult and youth victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking who are seeking relief in legal matters arising as a consequence of that abuse or violence. Private and public institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations and others are eligible; see OVW for more information. The closing date for receipt of applications under this announcement is February 4, 2010.

TODAY IN HISTORY

  • December 10, 1906- On this day, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to President Theodore Roosevelt.  He is the first American to ever win a Nobel Prize.

Source and thanks to www.anchor-consult.com / For more information, or to be removed from this list, contact Anchor Consulting, LLC at beacon@anchor-consult.com.