Underground Bunker

The First 100 Hours: The Clock Is Ticking

http://www.nytimes.com/ref/washington/100HOURS_GRAPHIC.html
Hey Congress How About Do Something About The Illegals


THE HOUSE PROPOSAL

THE SCHEDULE

THE SENATE'S VIEW

THE ADMINISTRATION'S VIEW
Sept. 11Commission

Would enact various recommendations of the Sept. 11 commission, including initiatives intended to disrupt global black markets for nuclear weapons technology and to enhance cargo inspection. One of the more controversial provisions of the bill mandates comprehensive cargo screening of airplanes and ships entering the United States.

PASSEDDate: Jan. 9Hour: 6Vote: 299-128Republicans in Favor: 68• Related Article

Some Senate Leaders, including Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, who leads the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, have expressed concern that the bill's requirement that shipping containers be inspected may be unreasonable.

The Bush administration opposes the bill, citing practicality concerns about the screening mandate.
Minimum Wage

Would raise the federal minimum wage from the current level of $5.15 per hour to $7.25 per hour over the course of two years.

Scheduled for consideration and a vote on Wednesday, January 10• Related Article

The bill may have a difficult time, as Senate Republicans are pushing to include tax breaks for small business in it. Senate Republicans have hinted that without such tax cuts they may filibuster the measure.

President Bush has said he supports the proposed increase but wants to pair it with tax cuts to assist the small businesses that he contends will be hurt by having to pay higher wages.
Stem Cell Research

Would overturn President Bush's restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.

Scheduled for consideration and a vote on Thursday, January 11

In July 2006, the Republican-controlled Senate approved similar legislation by a vote of 63 to 37.

President Bush, in the only veto of his presidency, struck down the 2006 legislation.
Prescription Drug Costs

Would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate with drug manufacturers on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries. Under the current law, insurers and their agents negotiate the prices.

Scheduled for consideration and a vote on Friday, January 12

On his Web site, the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, says that he is committed to "allowing Medicare to use the power of its 42 million beneficiaries to negotiate bulk discounts." Mr. Reid was previously a cosponsor of similar legislation in the Senate.

President Bush opposes the requirement for Medicare to negotiate prices.
Student Loans

Would cut the interest rate on federally subsidized student loans to 3.4 percent from 6.8 percent.

Scheduled for consideration and a vote on Wednesday, January 17

Although the rate cut has support, Senate Democrats may be interested in adding provisions regarding the federal Pell grant program and other need-based aid.

President Bush has not spoken directly about whether he would support the proposal.
Energy Policy

Would seek to ensure that oil companies pay adequate royalties on disputed leases, roll back some industry subsidies from a recent energy bill and create a renewable energy reserve to spur investment in new technologies and conservation.

Scheduled for consideration and a vote on Thursday, January 18

The bill may have a difficult time as Senator Jeff Bingaman, the Democratic chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has expressed skepticism about the bill and has scheduled competing hearings on "the geopolitics of oil and its implications for U.S. economic and national security."

President Bush has not spoken directly about whether he would support the proposal, but members of the administration have argued in the past that increasing taxes on oil companies would hurt the economy. President Bush has spoken about the need to step up research for new energy technologies.

posted by David @ 2:58 PM