What is going on in Washington, DC?
Senate PASSES Farm Bill… Again.
On June 5th, the United States Senate passed a new Farm Bill by a vote of 77 to 15. As you may recall, the Senate had already passed a version of the Farm Bill that was subsequently vetoed by President Bush.
The latest version of the Farm Bill, however, passed the United States with enough support to overcome a potential Presidential veto. The House of Representatives has already acted on this legislation, but its future is uncertain as the President can either sign it into law or veto the legislation knowing that it has the requisite Congressional support to override a veto.
Obesity-Related Legislation Likely Dead for 2008
Upon returning from a week-long Memorial Day recess, the United States Senate moved to consideration of the America’s Climate Security Act of 2008 – legislation that would address rising concerns over global warming.
Some, including the Campaign to End Obesity, have praised Congress for addressing higher greenhouse gas emissions by making investments in infrastructure improvements that also help Americans be more physically active.
However, due to a myriad of problems highlighted by $130 barrels of oil and strong partisan politicking on the issue – consideration of climate change legislation was effectively ended for the year when the Senate was unable to limit debate and move to a vote on the legislation and other amendments. The issue, however, will likely be a key topic of discussion on the campaign trails of both presumptive Presidential candidates and is positioned to be addressed in 2009.
Other potentially obesity-related legislation, such as the “No Child Left Behind” Act has not garnered any significant attention this year. It is expected that many of these controversial items will be held off until the 111th Congress begins work in late January.
What’s Next on Congress’ To-Do List?
Now, given the upcoming elections and the myriad of appropriations measures Congress must consider, it is unlikely that Congress will pass any legislation that isn’t deemed “must pass”. Among those “must pass” pieces of legislation is a Medicare ‘fix’ that will address the impending decline in physician reimbursement rates and a tax ‘extender’ bill that will address the approaching expiration of current tax cuts. The rest of the 110th Congressional calendar will likely be filled with appropriations and reauthorization of several government-funded agencies and programs.
In terms of time left in the 110th Congress, it appears that there are approximately 6 work weeks left before Congress adjourns for the August recess and then Congress will return for a few weeks after Labor Day in September. The goal is for Congress to adjourn at the end of September to allow lawmakers to do campaign-related work before the November elections. However, Congress may have to return after the elections if they are not able to address all of the appropriation bills in the weeks and months ahead.
