IN THE HOUSE

• The House convenes at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.
• H.R. 3534 – Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act of 2010 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Rahall / Natural Resources Committee)
• H.R. 5851 – Offshore Oil and Gas Worker Whistleblower Protection Act of 2010 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. George Miller / Education and Labor Committee)
• Rangel faces 13 ethics charges  -  The House ethics committee charged Rep. Charles B. Rangel with 13 separate violations of House rules Thursday, saying his various financial dealings broke the “public trust.” (Washington Post)

IN THE SENATE

• The Senate convenes at 9:30am; following any leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.
• There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session of the Senate. The next vote will occur around 5:30 and 5:45pm on Monday, August 2. That vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur with amendment #4557 (Teacher Funding and FMAP) with respect to HR1586.
• Senate plans Wed. test vote on oil spill bill  -  The Senate plans to hold a procedural vote next Wednesday to test whether there is enough support to pass legislation clamping down on offshore oil drilling procedures and expanding alternative energy, a Democratic aide said on Thursday. (Reuters)

OTHER NEWS

• House rejects bill to aid sick 9/11 responders  -  A bill that would have provided up to $7.4 billion in aid to people sickened by World Trade Center dust fell short in the House on Thursday, raising the possibility that the bulk of compensation for the ill will come from a legal settlement hammered out in the federal courts. (AP)
• Supreme Court leery of broad challenges to yet-to-take-effect state laws  -  Some experts say the tack of the judge who blocked parts of the Arizona law leaves her ruling vulnerable to reversal on appeal. But it may stand if the high court follows precedent on immigration. (Los Angeles Times)
• Democrats Under Fire Over Health-Law Reporting Mandate  -  Congressional Democrats may water down or repeal new tax-reporting rules that are supposed to raise $16 billion for health-care legislation, facing a chorus of criticism about the rules. (Wall Street Journal)
• Obama the Velcro president  -  Obama is the White House’s chief spokesman, policy pitchman, fundraiser and negotiator — and blame usually falls on him. Aides are seeking to downsize his exposure. (Los Angeles Times)
• Illinois to have 2 Senate elections in November  -  Illinois voters will cast two votes for U.S. Senate on Nov. 2 — one for a senator who will serve 60 days and the other for one who will serve a six-year term — under an order issued Thursday by Gov. Pat Quinn as required by the federal courts. (Chicago Tribune)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

• Fiscal Year 2010 Request for Proposals to Coordinate Regional Pollution Prevention Information Network Centers- Under this RFP, EPA expects to fund a proposal for the coordination of a national network of eight regional pollution prevention information centers. The centers are referred to as Regional centers in this document and are collectively known as the Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2Rx). Under CFDA 66.717 grants may be awarded to support pollution prevention/source reduction and/or resource conservation projects that help to eliminate pollution at the source. The Regional centers collaborate with State and local technical assistance providers to share pollution prevention (P2) information and training nationwide. The coordinator shall be able to provide leadership in the following areas: 1) support national P2 initiatives, 2) support collaboration and efficiency among the regional centers, 3) support evaluation and ensure quality P2 information products, and 4) assist in marketing P2Rx services nationally.  For more information, see EPA. Application deadline: September 20, 2010

TODAY IN HISTORY

July 30, 1975- On this day, former Teamsters union president Jimmy Hoffa disappeared in suburban Detroit. He is presumed dead, though his remains have never been found.

Source and thanks to www.anchor-consult.com / For more information, contact Anchor Consulting at 703-333-6013

“The Majority has been running up historic levels of spending and national debt, and to pay for it, is primed to raise taxes on hardworking American families and small businesses.  The Democrats’ tax increases will mean higher taxes for married couples and anyone paying income taxes, in addition to new, stricter mandates and increases on small business owners.

“Small businesses account for the greatest number of jobs in America, and yet, they are taking the brunt of Democrats’ overspending and government expansion.  The Majority’s flawed policies are stifling economic growth and job creation and will ultimately keep America in a recession.  What we need are lower taxes to promote increased spending and growth driven by the private-sector.  With all the new mandates and taxes, businesses and workers are waiting anxiously to see what happens next.”

The lead Republican for the Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI), recently released new information from Congress’ non-partisan tax analysts showing that the Democrats’ looming tax hikes will cost millions of American taxpayers thousands of dollars in additional taxes next year.

The Joint Committee on Taxation confirmed that if the tax hikes go into effect as scheduled on January 1, 2011:

• 31 million families will pay an average of $1,033 in higher taxes next year due to a reduction in the child tax credit from $1,000 to $500;
• 35 million married couples will pay an average of $595 in higher taxes next year due to a reinstatement of the marriage penalty; and
• 88 million taxpayers will pay an average of $503 in higher taxes next year due to the elimination of the 10% tax bracket (meaning the first dollar of taxable income will instead be subject to the 15% tax rate).

 IN THE HOUSE

• The House convenes at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.
• Last votes are expected in the evening.
• One Minutes (10 per side)
• A Proposal by Rep. John Adler (D-NJ) to Cut the Advanced Earned Income Tax Credit (AEITC), Saving $1.1 Billion (Sponsored by Rep. Linder / YouCut)
• H.R. 5850 – Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2011 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Olver / Appropriations Committee)
• H.R. 5893 – Investing in American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010 (Closed Rule, One Hour of General Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Levin / Ways and Means Committee)
• Suspensions (10 Bills):

1. H.R. 5900 – Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Oberstar / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
2. H.R. 5901 – Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act (Sponsored by Rep. Crowley / Ways and Means Committee)
3. H.R. 847 – James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Maloney / Energy and Commerce Committee)
4. H.R. 5320 – Assistance, Quality, and Affordability Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Waxman / Energy and Commerce Committee)
5. S. 3372 – Modifying the date on which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and applicable States may require permits for discharges from certain vessels (Sponsored by Sen. Boxer / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
6. H.Res. __ – Recognizing and commemorating The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the National Sit-In Movement (Sponsored by Rep. Lewis (GA) / Judiciary Committee)
7. H.R. 5414 – To provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of National Forest System land in the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina (Sponsored by Rep. Brown (SC) / Agriculture Committee)
8. H.R. 2476 – Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act (Sponsored by Rep. DeGette / Agriculture Committee)
9.  H.J.Res. 90 – Expressing support for designation of September 2010 as “Gospel Music Heritage Month” and honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States (Sponsored by Rep. Jackson-Lee / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

10.  H.Res. 1527 – Congratulating the United States Men’s National Soccer Team for its inspiring performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup (Sponsored by Rep. Gohmert – Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

• Postponed Suspension Votes (3 Votes):

1. H.Con.Res. 266 – Expressing the sense of Congress that Taiwan should be accorded observer status in the International Civil Aviation Organization (Sponsored by Rep. Berkley / Foreign Affairs Committee)
2. H.R. 3040 – Senior Financial Empowerment Act (Sponsored by Rep. Baldwin / Judiciary Committee)
3. H.Res. 1558 – Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that fruit and vegetable and commodity producers are encouraged to display the American flag on labels of products grown in the United States (Sponsored by Rep. Cardoza / Agriculture Committee)

• Special Orders
• House votes to eliminate cocaine sentencing disparity  -  The House of Representatives passed a historic bill Wednesday that narrows sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine convictions, which civil rights and civil liberties experts say contributed to the disproportionate imprisonment of African-Americans in recent decades. (Miami Herald)

IN THE SENATE

• The Senate convenes at 9:30am; following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.5297, Small Business Jobs bill. There will then be 1 hour for debate prior to a cloture vote on substitute amendment.
• At approximately 10:40am, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Baucus-Landrieu amendment #4519 (Substitute) to HR5297, Small Business Jobs.
• Small business lending bill at impasse in Senate  -  Senators struggled to reach agreement Wednesday on a bill that would create a $30 billion government fund to help community banks increase lending to small businesses. (AP)

OTHER NEWS

• Key parts of Arizona anti-immigration law blocked  -  A judge on Wednesday blocked key parts of Arizona’s tough new immigration law hours before it was to take effect, handing a victory to the Obama administration as it tries to take control of the issue. (Reuters)
• White House proposal would ease FBI access to records of Internet activity  -  The Obama administration is seeking to make it easier for the FBI to compel companies to turn over records of an individual’s Internet activity without a court order if agents deem the information relevant to a terrorism or intelligence investigation. (Washington Post)
• Congress Rethinks Its Ban on Internet Gambling  -  With pressure mounting on the federal government to find new revenues, Congress is considering legalizing, and taxing, an activity it banned just four years ago: Internet gambling. (New York Times)
• Congress ready to pass aviation safety measures  -  Congress is getting ready to pass tough new aviation safety measures that were developed in response to a deadly commuter plane crash in western New York in early 2009, a key lawmaker said Wednesday. (AP)
• R.I.P. Electoral College?  -  The Massachusetts Legislature has approved a new law intended to bypass the Electoral College system and ensure that the winner of the presidential election is determined by the national popular vote. (Boston Globe)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

• NCMHD Health Disparities Research- The overarching goal of this FOA is to solicit innovative research addressing elements of health disparities. Research focused on disease and/or conditions that disproportionately affect racial/ethnic minorities and other underserved populations is a growing field and has been employed lately in understanding the dynamics contributing to health disparities. Funding for this FOA will support investigators who propose to conduct health disparities research using its principles to improve health. The research should take into account the characteristics of health systems and health seeking behaviors that propagate disparities. The focus of the targeted research is diverse and may include racial/ethnic minorities and other health disparity populations (such as, rural and low-income populations). Several approaches could be used when designing the specific project. Research aims may include but are not limited to biological, behavioral change strategies, lifestyle factors, environmental, social and structural barriers, economics, institutional and cultural, family influences, delivery system interventions, medical procedures and regimens (including alternative therapy), medical assistive devices and technologies. For more information, see NIH. Application deadline: September 29, 2010

TODAY IN HISTORY

• July 29, 1981- On this day, Britain’s Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Source and thanks to www.anchor-consult.com / For more information, contact Anchor Consulting at 703-333-6013

IN THE HOUSE

• The House convenes at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.
• Last votes are expected at 8:00 p.m.
• One Minutes (15 per side)
• H.R. 5822 – Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 (Structured Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Edwards (TX) / Appropriations Committee)
• Suspensions (16 Bills):

1. H.R. 4692 – National Manufacturing Strategy Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Lipinski / Energy and Commerce Committee)
2. H.R. 5156 – Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act (Sponsored by Rep. Matsui / Energy and Commerce Committee)
3. H.R. 1875 – End the Trade Deficit Act (Sponsored by Rep. DeFazio – Ways and Means Committee)
4. H.Res. 1481 – Supporting the goals and ideals of “National Save for Retirement Week (Sponsored by Rep. Schwartz / Ways and Means Committee)
5. H.R. 1796 – Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Sponsored by Rep. Matheson / Energy and Commerce Committee)
6. H.Res. 1499 – Honoring the achievements of Dr. Robert M. Campbell, Jr., to provide children with lifesaving medical care (Sponsored by Rep. Wasserman Schultz / Energy and Commerce Committee)
7. H.R. 2480 – Truth in Fur Labeling Act (Sponsored by Rep. Moran (VA) / Energy and Commerce Committee)
8. S. 1789 – Fair Sentencing Act (Sponsored by Sen. Durbin / Judiciary Committee)
9. H.R. 5751 – Fee on Lobbyists Act (Sponsored by Rep. Kilroy / Judiciary Committee)

10.  H.R. 5872 – General and Special Risk Insurance Funds Availability Act (Sponsored by Rep. Frank / Financial Services Committee)

11.  Senate Amendments to H.R. 5610 – Independent Living Centers Technical Adjustment Act (Sponsored by Rep. George Miller / Education and Labor Committee)

12.  H.R. 5874 – Making Supplemental Appropriations for the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Mollohan / Appropriations Committee)

13.  H.R. 5875 – Making Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Border Security for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Price (NC) / Appropriations Committee)

14.  H.Res. 1558 – Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that fruit and vegetable and commodity producers are encouraged to display the American flag on labels of products grown in the United States, reminding us all to take pride in the healthy bounty produced by American farmers and workers (Sponsored by Rep. Cardoza / Agriculture Committee)

15.  H.R. 4658 – Benton MacKaye Cherokee National Forest Land Consolidation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Duncan / Agriculture Committee)

16.  H.R. 5669 – To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain Federally owned land located in Story County, Iowa (Sponsored by Rep. Latham / Agriculture Committee)

• Special Orders
• Rep. Rangel explores possible deal in ethics case  -  A second House Democrat called on Representative Charles Rangel to resign on Tuesday while the lawmaker raced the clock to see if a deal could be reached to settle ethics charges against him. (Reuters)

IN THE SENATE

• The Senate convenes at 9:30am; following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business for 1 hour with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the next 30 minutes.
• Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.5297, Small Business Jobs bill.
• Reid unveils pared-down energy and oil bill  -  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled a draft of energy and oil spill legislation Tuesday, having to settle for a far less sweeping bill than the cap on carbon emissions he had hoped for. (AP)

OTHER NEWS

• States setting pace on school change; Obama agenda stalled in Congress  -  While states are moving fast to overhaul public schools, President Obama’s education agenda is hitting a wall in Congress. (Washington Post)
• Lawmakers Offer Bills to Address Spill Issues  -  House and Senate Democratic leaders introduced bills on Tuesday responding to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, with provisions to overhaul the federal regulation of offshore drilling, lift liability limits on companies responsible for damaging spills and funnel more money to spill-related research and restoration projects. (New York Times)
• Campaign-Finance Legislation Dead for Now   -  Senate Democrats on Tuesday failed to advance campaign-finance legislation that had been a top priority of President Barack Obama, falling short of the 60 votes needed to end a GOP filibuster. (Wall Street Journal)
• Obama pushes Congress to pass small business plan  -  President Barack Obama pushed the Senate on Tuesday to pass legislation he says will benefit small businesses and generate jobs, and called on Republicans to back what he described as a plan similar to programs they had supported in the past. (Reuters)
• Women to head GOP, Democratic tickets in Oklahoma  -  Oklahoma will have its first female governor this January. (AP)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

• Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs)
• This FOA issued by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health, supports new and renewal applications for Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs) (centers of excellence in geriatrics research and training). Eligible applicants include public, private and state controlled institutions of higher education, for-profit institutions and others; for more information see NIH. Application deadline: October 21, 2010

TODAY IN HISTORY

• July 28, 2002- On this day, American cyclist Lance Armstrong won his fourth straight Tour de France.

Source and thanks to www.anchor-consult.com / For more information, contact Anchor Consulting at 703-333-6013

IN THE HOUSE

• The House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.  Last votes are expected at 6:00 p.m.
• One Minutes
• Suspensions (22 Bills):

1. Senate Amendment to H.R. 4899 – Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Obey / Appropriations Committee)
2. H.R. 5730 – Surface Transportation Earmark Rescission, Savings, and Accountability Act (Sponsored by Rep. Markey (CO) / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
3. H.Con.Res. 258 – Congratulating the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy and its staff for 100 years of operation of the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut (Sponsored by Rep. Courtney / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
4. H.Res. 1401 – Expressing gratitude for air traffic controllers of the United States (Sponsored by Rep. McCarthy (NY) / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
5. H.Res. 1366 – Recognizing and honoring the freight rail industry (Sponsored by Rep. Hare / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
6. H.R. 5825 – To review, update, and revise the factors to measure the severity, magnitude, and impact of a disaster (Sponsored by Rep. Hill / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
7. H.Con.Res. 266 – Expressing the sense of Congress that Taiwan should be accorded observer status in the International Civil Aviation Organization (Sponsored by Rep. Berkley / Foreign Affairs Committee)
8. H.Res. 1538 – Condemning the July 11, 2010, terrorist attacks in Kampala, Uganda (Sponsored by Rep. Davis (CA) / Foreign Affairs Committee)
9. H.R. 5138 – International Megan’s Law (Sponsored by Rep. Smith (NJ) / Foreign Affairs Committee)

10.  H.R. 5849 – To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (Sponsor Rep. Velazquez / Small Business Committee)

11.  H.R. 5681 – To improve certain administrative operations of the Library of Congress (Sponsored by Rep. Brady (PA) / House Administration Committee)

12.  H.R. 5682 – To improve the operation of certain facilities and programs of the House of Representatives (Sponsored by Rep. Brady (PA) / House Administration Committee)

13.  H.R. 415 – Fallen Heroes Flag Act (Sponsored by Rep. King (NY) / House Administration Committee)

14.  H.R. 3040 – Senior Financial Empowerment Act (Sponsored by Rep. Baldwin / Judiciary Committee)

15.  Senate Amendments to H.R. 2765 – Securing the Protection of our Enduring and Established Constitutional Heritage Act (Sponsored by Rep. Cohen / Judiciary Committee)

16.  H.R. 5281 – Removal Clarification Act (Sponsored by Rep. Johnson (GA) / Judiciary Committee)

17.  H.R. 2780 – Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act (Sponsored by Rep. Rooney / Judiciary Committee)

18.  H.R. 5827 – Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act (Sponsored by Rep. Boccieri / Judiciary Committee)

19.  H.R. 5143 – National Criminal Justice Commission Act (Sponsored by Rep. Delahunt / Judiciary Committee)

20.  H.R. 5810 – Securing Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act (Sponsored by Rep. Lungren / Judiciary Committee)

21.  H.R. 4748 – Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Owens / Judiciary Committee)

22.  H.R. 5662 – Simplifying the Ambiguous Law, Keeping Everyone Reliably Safe Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Loretta Sanchez / Judiciary Committee)

• H.Con.Res. 301 – Pakistan War Powers Resolution (Privileged Resolution) (Sponsored by Rep. Kucinich / Foreign Affairs Committee)
• Special Orders
• Among House Democrats in Rust Belt, a sense of abandonment over energy bill  -   When Democratic Rep. John Boccieri went home to Ohio early this year to talk with voters in his Canton-based district, he figured he would have to do battle with at least some constituents over his support for health-care reform. And the economic stimulus. And the auto company bailouts. (Washington Post)

IN THE SENATE

• The Senate convenes at 10:00am; following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak t up to 10 minutes each with the time until 12:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the next 30 minutes.
• The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
• The Republican Leader will control the time from 2:15pm until 2:30pm and the Majority Leader will control the remaining time until 2:45pm.
• At 2:45pm, the Senate will proceed to a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to the consideration of S.3628, the DISCLOSE Act.
• New Health Official faces hostility in Senate  -  Unlike many other health policy experts, Dr. Donald M. Berwick, the new chief of Medicare and Medicaid, has extensive real world experience. (New York Times)

OTHER NEWS

• Course of Economy Hinges on Fight Over Stimulus  -  Eighteen months after President Barack Obama administered a massive dose of spending increases and tax cuts to a weak economy, a brawl has broken out among economists and politicians about whether fiscal-stimulus medicine is curing the illness or making it worse. (Wall Street Journal)
• Obama asks Senate to pass bill on ad disclosure  -  President Barack Obama on Monday urged the Senate to approve legislation that would reveal who is behind election campaign advertising, and chided Republicans for opposing a measure he said would protect American democracy. (Reuters)
• House acts to improve Internet access for disabled  -  The House on Monday celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by approving legislation assuring that the disabled have full access to the Internet and television. (AP)
• Geithner urges ending tax cuts for the wealthy  -  The Treasury secretary says allowing some Bush-era tax breaks to expire will not harm economic recovery and is ‘the responsible thing to do.’ (Los Angeles Times)
• Tancredo Likely to Enter Colorado Governor’s Race  -  For Republicans, the Colorado governor’s race just keeps getting bumpier, noisier and nastier. (New York Times)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

• Framework for Digitally Inclusive Communities – Institute of Museum and Library Services- IMLS is seeking a cooperator to develop a framework that identifies the overarching principles as well as the elements or key characteristics of organizations and communities that foster digital inclusion. IMLS anticipates that future work, which may be supported by IMLS and/or other partners, will use the framework as a solid foundation to develop actionable benchmarks, evaluation tools, or performance measures that will guide funding and policy decisions that build the capacity of libraries and community-based organizations to support the development of digitally inclusive communities. The ultimate purpose of this work is to provide resource allocators and policy makers with the tools they need to build the capacity of public libraries and community-based organizations to meet the public’s information needs. For more information, see IMLS. Application deadline: August 30, 2010

TODAY IN HISTORY

• July 27, 1940- On this day, Bugs Bunny made his debut in the Warner Bros. animated cartoon “A Wild Hare.”

Source and thanks www.anchor-consult.com / For more information, contact Anchor Consulting at 703-333-6013

IN THE HOUSE

• The House will meet at 12:30 p.m. for Morning Hour debate and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:00 p.m.
• One Minutes
• Suspensions (9 Bills):

1. H.Res. 1504 – Recognizing and honoring the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Sponsored by Rep. Hoyer / Education and Labor Committee)
2. H.R. 3101 – Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (Sponsored by Rep. Markey (MA) / Energy and Commerce Committee)
3. H.Res. 1058 – Honoring and praising the Sojourn to the Past organization (Sponsored by Rep. Lewis (GA) / Education and Labor Committee)
4. H.Res. 1543 – Honoring the educational significance of Dr. Jane (Sponsored by Rep. Polis / Education and Labor Committee)
5.  H.Res. 1456 – Congratulating the University of Dayton (Sponsored by Rep. Turner / Education and Labor Committee)
6. H.Con.Res. 275 – Supporting Arts in Education Week (Sponsored by Rep. Speier / Education and Labor Committee)
7. H.R. 1320 – Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments (Sponsored by Rep. Clay / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
8. H.Con.Res. 226 – Supporting the observance of “Spirit of ’45 Day” (Sponsored by Rep. Filner / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
9. H.Res. 1525 – Honoring the 50th anniversary of the publication of “To Kill a Mockingbird (Sponsored by Rep. Bonner / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

• Special Orders
• House awaits veterans affairs, transportation spending legislation  -  The House could consider two fiscal 2011 spending bills this week, the first of the year to arrive on the floor.  (The Hill)

IN THE SENATE

• The Senate convenes at 3:00pm; following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.3628, a bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit foreign influence in Federal elections, to prohibit government contractors from making expenditures with respect to such elections, and to establish additional disclosure requirements with respect to spending in such elections (DISCLOSE Act).
• There will be no roll call votes during Monday’s session of the Senate.
• Sen. Schumer to work to make transit tax break permanent  -  Senator Charles Schumer said he will push to make the federal mass transit tax break a permanent part of the tax code. (Reuters)

OTHER NEWS

• Emanuel: Obama Aims to Improve Business Relations  -  President Barack Obama, mindful of business complaints about his administration, plans to review regulatory decisions to see whether there are “things that can be done in a more sensible way,” his top aide said. (Wall Street Journal)
• Next Big Battle in Washington: Bush’s Tax Cuts  -  An epic fight is brewing over what Congress and President Obama should do about the expiring Bush tax cuts, with such substantial economic and political consequences that it could shape the fall elections and fiscal policy for years to come. (New York Times)
• Health Law Augurs Transfer of Funds From Old to Young  -  Mark Baumann, a 44-year-old uninsured diabetic, sees in the Obama administration’s health-care law a future with stable coverage to pay for his insulin shots and blood tests. (Wall Street Journal)
• Rory Reid hampered by his last name in race for Nevada governor  -  With Sen. Harry Reid on the ballot, his son Rory is having a hard time in his race for governor persuading Nevada voters to elect two from the family. (Los Angeles Times)
• In Ariz. Senate race, Hayworth hopes to slay giant  -  J.D. Hayworth has a busy resume for his 52 years – college football player, sportscaster, congressman, talk-radio host, even an infomercial pitchman. He’s hoping to add two more titles – giant-slayer and U.S. senator. (AP)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

• Collaborative Science, Technology, and Applied Research (CSTAR) Program- The CSTAR Program represents an NOAA/NWS effort to create a cost-effective transition from basic and applied research to operations and services through collaborative research between operational forecasters and academic institutions which have expertise in the environmental sciences. These activities will engage researchers and students in applied research of interest to the operational meteorological community and will improve the accuracy of forecasts and warnings of environmental hazards by applying scientific knowledge and information to operational products and services. The NOAA CSTAR Program is a contributing element of the U.S. Weather Research Program (USWRP). NOAA’s program is designed to complement other agency contributions to that national effort. The CSTAR Program addresses NOAA’s Mission Goal 3–Serve society’s needs for weather and water information. For more information, see full grant background. Application deadline: October 15, 2010

TODAY IN HISTORY

• July 26, 1775- On this day, the birth of what would later become the United States Post Office is established by the Second Continental Congress.

Source and thanks to www.anchor-consult.com / For more information, contact Anchor Consulting at 703-333-6013

IN THE HOUSE

• No votes are scheduled in the House.
• Rangel to face House trial on ethics violations  -  A House ethics subcommittee announced Thursday that it found Charles B. Rangel, the powerful Democratic congressman from New York, violated congressional ethics rules and that it will prepare for an ethics trial, likely beginning in September. The committee said it will make the details of his alleged violations public on Thursday of next week. (Washington Post)

IN THE SENATE

• No votes are scheduled in the Senate.
• Democrats Call Off Climate Bill Effort  -  The effort to advance a major climate change bill through the Senate this summer collapsed Thursday even as President Obama signed into law another top Democratic priority — a bill to restore unemployment benefits for millions of Americans who have been out of work for six months or more. (New York Times)

OTHER NEWS

• Checks are coming: Obama signs unemployment bill  -  Federal checks could begin flowing again as early as next week to millions of jobless people who lost up to seven weeks of unemployment benefits in a congressional standoff. (AP)
• No ruling in hearing over Arizona immigration law  -  A U.S. judge grilled lawyers for the Obama administration and Arizona on Thursday over the legality of the state’s tough, new immigration law set to take effect next week, but gave no timetable for a ruling. (Reuters)
• President Obama to push Congress on pay-fairness bill  -  President Obama plans to press Congress today to pass pay-equity legislation that would make it easier for women to sue employers who pay them less than their male counterparts, the White House said earlier this week. (USA Today)
• Hearings focus on possible human factors in BP oil spill  -  The third day of the third round of hearings by a federal board meeting outside New Orleans focused on an array of human factors that may have contributed to one of the worst environmental disasters in history. (Washington Post)
• More of the Rich Run as Populist Outsiders  -  Call it the Great Recession paradox. Even as voters express outrage at the insider culture of big bailouts and bonuses, their search for political saviors has led them to this: a growing crowd of über-rich candidates, comfortable in boardrooms and country clubs, spending a fortune to remake themselves into populist insurgents. (New York Times)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

• Fiscal Year 2011 Small Grants for Marine Archaeological Exploration- NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) is seeking pre-proposals and full proposals to support its mission, consistent with NOAA’s Strategic Plan (http:// www.nrc.noaa.gov), to discover significant or potentially significant maritime heritage sites. The program will provide a researcher with the opportunity to assess the feasibility of a potentially larger marine archaeology exploration project. Proposals should examine new ideas or new opportunities with potential to make significant discoveries of maritime cultural resources. The office priorities for this opportunity support NOAA’s mission support goal of: Ecosystems–Protect, Restore, and Manage Use of Coastal and Ocean Resources through Ecosystem-Based Management.  For more information, see full grant background. Application deadline: October 12, 2010

TODAY IN HISTORY

• July 23, 2000- On this day, Tiger Woods became the youngest golfer to complete a career Grand Slam when he won the British Open at age 24.

Source and thanks to www.anchor-consult.com / For more information, contact Anchor Consulting at 703-333-6013

IN THE HOUSE

• The House convenes at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business. 
• Last votes are expected at 5:30 p.m.
• One Minutes (10 per side)
• A Vote to Save $1.2 Billion by Prohibiting 1st Class Subsidies on Amtrak (Sponsored by Rep. Thornberry / YouCut)
• Motion To Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4213 – Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act (Closed Rule, One Hour of General Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Levin / Ways and Means Committee)
• H.R. 1264 – Multiple Peril Insurance Act (Closed Rule, One Hour of General Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Taylor / Financial Services Committee)
• Postponed Suspension Votes (2 Bills):

1. H.R. 5341 – The “Joyce Rogers Post Office Building” Designation Act(Sponsored by Rep. Dingell / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
2. H.R. 1469 – Child Protection Improvements Act of 2009 (Sponsored by Rep. Schiff / Judiciary Committee)

• Special Orders
• House passes tariff bill to help manufacturers  -  The House of Representatives approved a bill on Wednesday to help U.S. manufacturers by suspending import duties on hundreds of raw materials they use to make finished goods. (Reuters)

IN THE SENATE

• The Senate convenes at 9:30am; following any Leader remarks the Senate will proceed to the immediate consideration of S.Res.591, a resolution recognizing and honoring the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.J.Res. 83, a joint resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.
• Roll call votes on these two issues should begin around 12:00 noon:

1. The Senate will resume consideration of the Small Business Jobs bill upon disposition of these resolutions.

• Emergency jobless benefits approved in crucial Senate vote  -  The Senate voted 59 to 39 Wednesday to restore emergency jobless benefits to millions of people who have been out of work for more than six months. (Washington Post)

OTHER NEWS

• Proposed deficit remedy: the healthcare ‘public option’  -  A group of House Democrats seeks to revive the idea of offering a government insurance plan. The reasoning: ‘Because it saves so much money.’ (Los Angeles Times)
• Bush Tax Cuts Roil Democrats  -  Two more Senate Democrats called for extending tax cuts for all earners—including those with the highest incomes—in what appears to be a breakdown of the party’s consensus on the how to handle the expiration of Bush-era tax cuts. (Wall Street Journal)
• Obama signs sweeping Wall Street overhaul into law  -  President Barack Obama signed into law on Wednesday the most comprehensive financial regulatory overhaul since the Great Depression, vowing to stop risky behavior on Wall Street that imperiled the U.S. economy. (Reuters)
• Senate Democrats’ Plan to Aid Small Businesses Hits Resistance  -  Perhaps the last best hope of Democrats to pass legislation aimed at creating jobs before the November elections seemed to be crumbling in the Senate on Wednesday as Republicans signaled that they would block a bill to expand government lending programs and grant an array of tax breaks to small businesses. (New York Times)
• Chafee’s independent RI governor bid no easy road  -  There are no campaign signs, no crowds around former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee. He’s standing, sometimes alone, as baseball fans stream toward the stadium before a Pawtucket Red Sox game. (AP)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

• Healthcare Communities Knowledge Gateway- The purpose of this funding announcement is to provide technical assistance to HRSA grantees and other providers of healthcare services by supporting the Healthcare Communities Knowledge Gateway, a robust knowledge and content management system and related quality improvement efforts that bridge healthcare, public health, local and state based community organizations in improvement efforts across the United States. The websites facilitate community based efforts by organizations to improve healthcare systems and related patient health and outcomes. HCKG provides support to the following: Patient Safety and Clinical Pharmacy Services Collaborative participant organizations and related community based activities; the Donation and Transplantation Community of Practices continued growth and success in saving lives and increasing awareness of the need for additional donors; and sharing of best practices and other resources for the State Health Access Program. Leaders from Organ Procurement Organizations, Transplant Centers, and hospitals use the website to share best practices, tools and resources that will assist in increasing organ donation and success in transplants. For more information, HRSA. Application deadline: August 16, 2010

TODAY IN HISTORY

• July 22, 1934- On this day, a man identified as bank robber John Dillinger was shot to death by federal agents in Chicago.

 Source and thanks to www.anchor-consult.com For more information, contact Anchor Consulting at 703-333-6013

IN THE HOUSE

• The House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.
• Last votes are expected at 5:00 p.m.
• One Minutes (15 per side)
• Suspensions (7 Bills):

1. H.R. 4380 – U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act (Sponsored by Rep. Levin / Ways and Means Committee)
2. Sen. Amend. to H.R. 725 – Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act (Sponsored by Rep. Pastor / Natural Resources Committee)
3. S. 1053 – To amend the National Law Enforcement Museum Act to extend the termination date (Sponsored by Sen. Murkowski / Natural Resources Committee)
4. H.R. 2693 – Federal Oil Spill Research Program Act (Sponsored by Rep. Woolsey / Science and Technology Committee)

• FOR MORE – see detailed House calendar. 
• House Democrats plan manufacturing jobs push  -  Democrats in the House of Representatives are planning action on a number of bills to boost U.S. manufacturing jobs, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said on Tuesday. (Reuters)

IN THE SENATE

• The Senate convenes at 9:30am; following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business for 1 hour with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the final 30 minutes.
• Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message on H.R.4213, a bill to extend Unemployment Insurance benefits through November 30, 2010, post-cloture.
• Following disposition of HR4213, (Unemployment Insurance), the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.5297, the Small Business Jobs bill.
• Roll call votes are expected to occur throughout the day.
• Senate Panel Approves Kagan For High Court  -  Committee Votes Largely on Party Lines; She Would Become Fourth Female Justice (Wall Street Journal)

OTHER NEWS

• Senate breaks GOP opposition on unemployment benefits  -  A vote that would send the legislation to the House could come as soon as Wednesday. The House is expected to pass the bill and send it to President Obama for swift approval. (Los Angeles Times)
• U.S. financial reform bill also targets ‘conflict minerals’ from Congo  -  The financial regulation bill that President Obama will sign into law on Wednesday is supposed to clean up Wall Street. (Washington Post)
• Senator Reid seeking consensus on climate bill  -  With time running out on the congressional calendar, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said on Tuesday he was still grappling for consensus among Democrats to forge a new climate and energy bill.  (Reuters)
• W.Va. gov, a popular Dem, to go for US Senate seat  -  Gov. Joe Manchin, a centrist and popular Democrat known for his calm, compassionate handling of a coal mine disaster that killed 29 in April, declared Tuesday that he will run for the late Robert C. Byrd’s U.S. Senate seat. (AP)
• Runoff for Georgia’s Republican Primary  -  Karen Handel, a former secretary of state who began running for Governor as an underdog, was headed to a runoff in the Republican primary Tuesday. (New York Times)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

• Center of Excellence for Airport Safety Technology- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) intends to establish a Center of Excellence for Airport Safety Technology in 2010 using the selection criteria mandated by Congress in Public Law 101-508. The goal of this endeavor is to create a cost-sharing partnership of academia, industry, and government that will focus on research areas of interest to the FAA and U.S. civil aviation authorities. The FAA intends to forge a union of the public and private sectors and academic institutions to create a world-class consortium that will identify solutions for existing and anticipated problems in airport safety. The FAA expects this COE to perform basic and applied research through a variety of analysis, development, and prototyping activities. To this end, the FAA Centers of Excellence Program Office is soliciting proposals from accredited institutions of higher education and/or consortia of higher education with public and private partners and affiliates that will address the establishment of the COE for Airport Safety Technology. For more information, see FAA. Application deadline: August 17, 2010

TODAY IN HISTORY

• July 21, 1861- On this day, the first Battle of Bull Run was fought at Manassas, Va., resulting in a Confederate victory.

Source and thanks to www.anchor-consult.com / For more information, contact Anchor Consulting at 703-333-6013

IN THE HOUSE

• The House convenes at 10:30 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.  Last votes are expected at 5:00 p.m.
• One Minutes (Unlimited)
• Suspensions (18 Bills):

1. H.R. 5266 – National Commission on Children and Disasters Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Brown (FL) / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
2. H.R. 5545 – To de-authorize a portion of the project for navigation, Potomac River, Washington Channel, District of Columbia, under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers (Sponsored by Del. Norton / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
3. H.R. 5301 – To extend the period during which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and States are prohibited from requiring a permit under section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for certain discharges that are incidental to normal operation of vessels (Sponsored by Rep. LoBiondo / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
4. H.Res. 1463 – Supporting the goals and ideals of Railroad Retirement Day (Sponsored by Rep. Perriello / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
5. H.R. 5604 – Surface Transportation Savings Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Perriello / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

• FOR MORE – see detailed House calendar.
• ‘Tea Party’ movement gains access to US Congress  -  America’s “Tea Party” has gained a touch of political legitimacy as the House of Representatives approved the creation of a caucus for the mainly white, anti-big government movement. (AFP)

IN THE SENATE

• In the Senate, following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with the time until 12:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the next 30 minutes. Senators are permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
• The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
• At 2:15pm, Carte Goodwin, of West Virginia, will be sworn as senator.
• Following the swearing in, the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message on H.R.4213, Unemployment Insurance Extension, with the time until 2:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
• At 2:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.4213, a bill to extend Unemployment benefits through November 2010.
• 60 votes in place, Dems ready to extend jobs money  -  With a new face and a 60th vote for breaking a Republican filibuster, Senate Democrats are preparing to restore jobless checks for 2.5 million people whose benefits ran out during a congressional standoff over deficit spending. President Barack Obama says, “It’s time to do what’s right.” (AP)

OTHER NEWS

• Axelrod: Elizabeth Warren a candidate to head new consumer protection bureau  -  White House senior adviser David Axelrod said this afternoon that Harvard professor Elizabeth Warren was “obviously a candidate” to lead a new consumer protection bureau. (Boston Globe)
• U.S. troops to arrive at Mexico border August 1  -  U.S. National Guard troops will begin arriving along the border with Mexico on August 1 to bolster security as the Obama administration tries to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, weapons and narcotics, officials said on Monday. (Reuters)
• Obama to launch ocean initiative  -  The stewardship policy embraces a controversial zoning practice that could change how the U.S. regulates drilling, fishing and other maritime activities. (Los Angeles Times)
• Officials come together to align K-12 standards, higher ed  -  For years, educators and policymakers have been talking about the need to better align K-12 and higher education so that students coming out of high school have the skills and knowledge they need to do college-level work, as well as reduce the need for remediation once students are in college. (USA Today)
• Dirty diapers, huckster, political ads go negative  -  The dirt – specifically dirty diapers – is flying in Florida’s race for governor. (AP)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

American Studies-Community Partnership Grants to Assist American Studies Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Community Projects in Canada- The U.S. Mission in Canada through its Public Affairs Section is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards (grants) through this announcement. Canadian non-profit institutions, individuals, and educational institutions are invited to apply to the U.S. Mission in Canada American Studies-Community Partnership Program for awards to support collaborative, interdisciplinary community projects utilizing American studies pedagogy, curriculum, research, and other resources to enhance mutual understanding between Canada and the United States. The awards are intended to engage American studies practitioners in genuine collaborations with community organizations and the constituents they serve to provide new cultural and educational opportunities. We will award grants to support projects developed in collaboration with community-based organizations, school districts, libraries, historical societies, museums, and other non-profit entities. For more information, see U.S. Mission to Canada. Application deadline: August 15, 2010

TODAY IN HISTORY

• July 20, 1969- On this day, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon.

Source and thanks to www.anchor-consult.com / For more information or to opt-out of this list, contact Anchor Consulting at 703-333-6013 or cjharper@anchor-consult.com