Rural Development & The President’s Jobs Plan
During the President’s speech to a Joint Session of Congress on September 8, he said, “Every proposal I’ve laid out tonight is the kind that’s been supported by Democrats and Republicans in the past.” Typically, the opposition party would be totally dismissive of such remarks, but with the U.S. economy on the ropes and a U.S. electorate demanding action to remedy it, that’s why many congressional Republicans cannot totally dismiss the remarks of the President.
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Cansler Consulting: A member of the American League of Lobbyists
Cansler Consulting is a proud member of the American League of Lobbyists, (ALL) which represents the profession of lobbying. ALL recognizes the need to represent clients effectively before Congress and federal agencies. Lobbyists increasingly need to possess the level of education, training, practice, and skill to do so ethically and professionally. While the interests of lobbyists cut across political, ideological, philosophical, and economic lines, the effective and respected lobbyist is not only well trained but also possesses characteristics of integrity and judgment that advance the legislative and regulatory processes! Read more
Reducing Regulatory Burdens & Stimulating Jobs
The U.S. House continues to focus on numerous federal regulations deemed as “overburdensome” and that if ended, may stimulate the economy and create jobs. Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) has sent a letter to President Obama requesting a list of all proposed regulations that are estimated to have an economic impact exceeding $1 billion. Read more
Transportation Reauthorization
The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee led by Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Ranking Member Jim Inhofe (R-OK) wasted little time after Congress’ return from the August recess to adopt a short-term extension of the surface-transportation legislation, Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA; P.L. 109-59). SAFETEA-LU is set to expire at the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, 2011. The adopted extension funds highway programs at current levels through January 31, 2012.
The republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives responded by adopting a six- month funding extension (at current levels) for surface-transportation and a four month funding extension for the Federal Aviation Administration.
With funding deadlines fast approaching and to prevent funding lapses, the U.S. Senate will adopt the same extension provisions later this week. Read more
2012 Appropriations Bills & Food Safety Fight May Be Brewing
On Wednesday of this week the U.S. House is scheduled to take up H.J. Resolution 79, making continuing appropriations for seven weeks into the new (FY 2012) fiscal year. H.J. Res 79 funds most federal programs through November 18 at the FY 2011 level, minus a 1.4 percent reduction. This level of appropriations was established in the recently enacted debt limitation law (P.L. 112-25) establishing a $1.043 trillion spending cap.
The U.S. Senate must quickly take up the bill as Congress is scheduled to recess the last week of September. With the new federal fiscal year beginning in 11 days (on Oct 1), none of the 12 appropriations bills have been enacted by Congress.
According to the 112th congressional calendar, 26 legislative days remain until the targeted adjournment on December 8. With only a few legislative days remaining already the House and Senate are headed for heated arguments in the usually congenial agriculture appropriations subcommittee over the new food safety law enacted at the beginning of this year.
Earlier this month the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee adopted their version of an FY 2012 spending bill for the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. The U.S. House adopted their version of the bill on June 16 by a vote of 217-203. The provisions showcase a difference of opinion in implementing the new food safety law.
Specifically, the FY 2012 FDA budget request was $4.36 billion for all programs, of which just over $1.2 billion was allocated for food safety and animal drugs and feed. FDA requested an additional $324 million for the food safety initiative. Previously, the Congressional Budget Office estimated an additional $1.4 billion would be needed over the next five years to implement the Food Safety Modernization law (FSMA).
JSCDR First Meeting & “Recommendations”
Find Deficit Cuts!
The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reductions (JSCDR) is charged with identifying $1.5 trillion in deficit cuts by November 23. Should the Committee not surface at least $1.2 trillion in cuts, automatic cuts will be triggered to domestic and defense program spending in 2013. The first meeting of the JSCDR showcased some of the major difficulties panel members will face over the course of the next 76 days. Read more
Fiscal Year 2012 begins in less than 3 weeks!
The new FY 2012 begins on October 1. Yes, that is less than 3 weeks away.
Currently, the U.S. House of Representatives has adopted half of the 12 annual appropriations bill including Homeland Security, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy & Water and Legislative Branch. Three Committees have voted to send their bills to the House floor for debate and final passage including Commerce, Justice and Science, Financial Services, Interior & Environment. Three Committees have yet to adopt their bills; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, State and Foreign Operations and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. Read more