Government

December Sprint: Full Agenda as Congress Tries to Finish for Year

WASHINGTON (AP) — The unemployed and millionaires. Doctors and black farmers. Illegal immigrants hiding from the law and gays hiding in the military. Along with just about everybody else, they all have something at stake as Congress struggles to wrap up its work for the year.

Lawmakers, after taking Thanksgiving week off, arrive in town Monday along with the Capitol Christmas tree for the final stretch of the postelection session. Facing a daunting agenda, they could have that tree in their sights well into Christmas week.

At the top of the to-do list are the George W. Bush-era tax cuts, enacted in 2001 and 2003 and due to expire at year’s end. President Barack Obama and most Democrats want to retain them for any couple earning $250,000 or less a year. Republicans are bent on making them permanent for everybody, including the richest.

The cuts apply to rates on wage income as well as to dividends and capital gains. A failure to act would mean big tax increases for people at every income level.

Obama has scheduled a meeting at the White House with Republican leaders on Tuesday, and possible options for compromise will be on the table, including providing a temporary extension for the wealthy.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has suggested that the Senate hold two votes: one on the Democratic plan confining the tax cut extension to the middle class, the other on Republican leader Mitch McConnell’s plan to extend the cuts to everyone. If both are defeated, as anticipated, then the real negotiations begin.

Congress also has a Dec. 3 deadline to pass a temporary spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. The Senate hasn’t passed a single spending bill for the budget year that began Oct. 1. Democrats are working on a catchall $1.1 trillion to fund the government’s day-to-day operations. Republicans, fresh off their election victory, are unlikely to go along.

“If this election showed us anything, it‘s that Americans don’t want Congress passing massive trillion-dollar bills that have been thrown together behind closed doors,” said McConnell, R-Ky.

One idea is to fund the government at current levels through February, when the next Congress and its influx of anti-spending conservatives, will deal with the matter.

If the pre-Thanksgiving first week of the lame-duck session is any indication, the chances aren’t good that Congress will accomplish much in the weeks ahead.

The House tried, and failed, to extend federal unemployment checks for the 2 million people whose benefits will run out during the holiday season. Republicans objected, saying the $12.5 billion cost of the three-month extension should be paid for so it doesn’t add to the deficit.

The Senate’s main achievement was approval of a long-delayed settlement with black farmers and American Indians who say they were swindled out of aid, subsidies and royalties in past dealings with the government. Under the agreement awaiting House approval, black farmers would receive almost $1.2 billion and American Indians $3.4 billion.

The Senate also postponed, for a month, a 23 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors; it was to begin on Dec. 1. The House is expected to go along, giving lawmakers time to come up with a longer-term plan to avoid cuts that could prompt doctors to stop seeing Medicare patients.

As early as Monday night, the Senate could pass and send to the House a measure that gives the Food and Drug Administration greater authority to order food recalls and inspect imported food.

The House is to take up a Senate-passed child nutrition bill, which promotes healthier school lunches and has the support of first lady Michelle Obama.

Also on the House agenda is a last-ditch effort by Democrats to show they have not forgotten immigration policy. Legislation known as the Dream Act, which has stumbled once in the Senate, would provide a path to legal status for the children of illegal immigrants who either go to college or join the military.

Also on the to-do list:

—Senate Republicans have blocked a defense bill that would end the military’s ban on gays serving opening. The Pentagon is to release a report on Nov. 30 on how lifting “don’t ask, don’t tell” would affect military operations, and Democrats say they will try again to change the policy.

—Obama says the new START treaty that would reduce nuclear weapons arsenals in the U.S. and Russia is a “national security imperative” and he wants the Senate to hold a ratification vote this year. But a key Republican, Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, says the vote should be put off until next year. The addition of more GOP senators in the new Senate will complicate passage.

—Democrats say they want to give the extension of unemployment benefits another shot. One possibility is tying it to the tax cut bill. Democrats could try to portray Republicans as supporting tax cuts for the rich that would cost $700 billion over 10 years while opposing help for the jobless.

—There are numerous other tax breaks, such as for research and development, that need to be renewed. Congress is facing a deadline to shield some 21 million from significant tax increases by adjusting the alternative minimum tax by the end of the year. The cost of that is about $70 billion.

On the sidelines, hearings are expected on new airport screening methods judged by some travelers as being too intrusive, and House Republicans will continue to develop the rules under which they will govern when they become the majority in January. Republicans must settle several disputes over who will become committee chairmen next year.

To darken everyone’s holiday mood, the president’s bipartisan deficit commission on Wednesday is expected to come out with its ideas on long-term cuts to Social Security, Medicare, defense and other federal spending needed to keep the government solvent.

Comments (61)

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  • dizzyinthedark
    Posted on November 29, 2010 at 7:21am

    I hope at this meeting the R. leader McConnell will also add that the uber rich can donate any amount of their money they want if they start screaming one more time about implementing taxes on the so-called ‘wealthy’ $250K + group!

    I wonder if Chewbakka will hang the Mao ornament on the White House Christmas tree this year? What will top the tree–Soros, or better yet the Star and Sickle! Yeah, “They gonna change the whole sysem!” alright!

    Report Post » dizzyinthedark  
  • HeavenlyMinded
    Posted on November 29, 2010 at 6:06am

    The year is almost over, and they just now decided to get to work??? Lord, help us!!

    /sarcasm off

    Report Post »  
  • TruthLover
    Posted on November 29, 2010 at 2:17am

    The govt is no better or smarter than local school districts. Just look at how they both paint dire pictures when faced with budget cuts.

    School: If you don’t pass this 5th property tax referendum in as many years, we will have no choice but to eliminate the music and athletic departments at the high school, and postpone major bus repairs.

    Govt: If you don’t let us take more of your money, we’ll have no choice but to cut Medicare, Social Security, and defense spending.

    When in all reality:

    The school administrators make half a million annually a piece, and the teacher’s union has secured matching funds for all 401K plans and full wage retirement benefits for all teachers including the 20 or so who make over 150k a year teaching grade school. Oh, and the pedophile from the jr high is still sitting at home collecting his paycheck too.

    The govt could easily cut their own salaries, pensions, federal workers pensions, salaries and benefits, buy their toilet seats at Menards for way under $200 a pop, and let all the econutjobs find their own funds to research nutty bug habitats and the historical significance of amberized bird poop.

    Report Post » TruthLover  
  • pamela kay
    Posted on November 29, 2010 at 2:12am

    Thank-you all for the info that I have aquired from this site. Not to shabby for a bunch of fat lazy and stupid racist, huh? They treat us like we are the lowlives of the world, yet we seem to continue to bring the truth and the common sense to the table that the progressives wish to destroy. It makes me proud to read all the comments and info that this site provides . What some on this site fail to understand is our thirst for more information and our commoraditiy. What we share keeps us focused and allows us the hope and the support we need to continue in our efforts to save this country from the progressives and their agenda to destroy everything sacred that we have known. THANKS GLENN for giving us this opportunity.

    Report Post » pamela kay  
  • George1
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 11:30pm

    I’m really tired of tax cuts being referred to as a cost to government. IT IS NOT YOUR MONEY TO BEGIN WITH. Tax cuts are not a COST to anyone, except those trying to put their hands in our pockets!!

    Report Post »  
  • grickm
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 11:04pm

    It’s simply stupid to say tax cuts “cost” $700 billion (or whatever number you want to use). IT’S OUR MONEY, NOT THEIRS. There is no “cost” involved, cut the #@$& spending!

    Report Post » grickm  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 10:44pm

    I am praying for a major snow storm to hit Washington DC that is so powerful the senate & congress cannot make it to the People’s House until January. Sorry citizens. When the new congress comes into power we demand a repeal of every anti American piece of legislation passed against the will of the people, and we demand it every day TILL THEY LISTEN TO US, WHO THEY WORK FOR & REPRESENT!

    Report Post »  
  • robespierre
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 10:30pm

    The Bush Tax Cuts–It’s so easy; Just ‘Change’ the name to The Obama Tax Cuts. He sees his name; He’ll sign it.

    Report Post » robespierre  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 11:00pm

      Now that’s using your brain. Bravo!

      PatriotShops.com

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • charliego
      Posted on November 29, 2010 at 8:43am

      @ROBESPIERRE
      BRAVO!!! Now that is ‘thinking out of the box’!!!!

      Report Post » charliego  
  • MiketheTrucker
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 8:57pm

    I think it’s time that a new rule be enacted for lame duck sessions——– require a 2/3 majority for all legislation to pass.

    Report Post »  
  • charliego
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 8:15pm

    CONGRESS a hint to make your job easier—-listen to the American citizens. Benjamin Franklin requested the constitutional developing committee to stay decisions and take time for prayer due to the deadlock. They returned and were able to work together for the prudent and wise decisions in completing the Constitution. You work for America and her citizens—think about it-pray about it.

    Report Post » charliego  
  • green_manalishi
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 8:09pm

    Stop the Nightmare Before Christmas Act, that will be the best Christmas Ever, Stop the Nightmare Before Christmas Act, Happy Holidays, Stop The Nightmare Before Christmas Act, Felice Navidad, Stop thre Nightmare Before Chistmas Act, Happy New Year

    Report Post »  
  • justice
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 7:42pm

    The Dems are probly making out their christmas list. They do not have time for we the tax payers. They are using our tax credit card and ready to spend like hell!

    Report Post »  
  • mark t
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:59pm

    The illegal’s are not hiding what a f#@%ing joke, what about sanctuary city’s??????

    Report Post » mark t  
  • green_manalishi
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:58pm

    Stop the Nightmare Before Christmas Act, that will be the best Christmas Ever, Stop the Nightmare Before Christmas Act, Happy Holidays, Stop The Nightmare Before Christmas Act, Felice Navidad, Stop the Nightmare Before Chistmas Act, Happy New Year

    Report Post »  
  • mark t
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:56pm

    The rest is BS WHEN YOU CONCIDER the shape of the economy and unemployment;;;
    Shouldn‘t job’s and the economy be the only thing on the table??????????

    Report Post » mark t  
    • Tyrone
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 7:21pm

      MT: Did you miss the stimulus and Obama care bills? According to the Messiah, Harry and Nancy they have and will create millions of jobs. The Dims feel that the unemployment problem is solved. Now if they can raise taxes the deficit will be solved. Just turn on the Cable news channels and their will be a flock or maybe a gaggle of Dims telling all that soon everything will be just fine and dandy.

      Report Post »  
    • mark t
      Posted on November 29, 2010 at 5:24am

      the left’s answer to everything throw some more money at it (like education)

      Report Post » mark t  
  • mark t
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:51pm

    I diddn‘t see anything in there that mentioned how to get business’s to expand and hire!!!!
    The tax cut’s would help but there is still too much uncertanty!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » mark t  
  • Conserving Ink
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:47pm

    They could go home tonight and the world would be a safer place. I like Jindal’s idea of a part time congress. Like it used to be.
    __________________________________________________
    http://conserving-ink.blogspot.com

    Report Post » Conserving Ink  
    • vennoye
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:54pm

      I agree with you!!! Texas still has a part time state congress. They have less time to think things up!

      Report Post » vennoye  
  • green_manalishi
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:37pm

    Stop the Nightmare Before Christmas Act, that will be the best Christmas Ever, Stop the Nightmare Before Christmas Act, Happy Holidays, Stop The Nightmare Before Christmasd Act, Felice Navidad, Stop thre Nightmare Before Chistmas Act, Happy New Year

    Report Post »  
  • copper
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:34pm

    I am silently SCREAMING!!

    Eight year Irac War = $622 billion,
    OBAMA’S WELFARE STATE BILL FOR ONE YEAR = $888 billion

    The $850 Billion stimulus did NOT add or create jobs! Just a slush fund for socialists/unions. They spent $3 T and now cry that to NOT increase taxes is too expensive. This is just to do what Van Jones said “ GIVE THEM THE WEALTH”. Black farmers and Indians? Take the money earned by the the job creators and throw it in the black hole to disappear. I have always felt the Indians were kept in poverty by NOT allowing them the dignity to OWN their land and to be sovereign. This is NOT the way to do it. It is just Van Jones Communist dream being realized. The Food Act is simply more govt bureaucrats that will cut down the amount of food availabble by killing businesses.

    DO NOT COMPROMISE, WE WON!

    NO START, NO DREAM and KEEP don‘t ask don’t tell.

    We don’t want mamby-pamby nice guys. Show you have some backbone!

    JUST VOTE “NO!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Bad Thunder
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:25pm

    I wonder how many of the surviving democrats will demonstrate kamikaze tendencies

    Report Post »  
  • DagneyT
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:11pm

    “Republicans are bent on making them permanent for everybody, including the richest.”

    Can anyone tell me why they didn’t do this when they were in charge the last time? Have they learned their lesson? If they have not, they’re DONE!

    Report Post » DagneyT  
  • SHOESHINEBOY
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:08pm

    the “wiki” sheet will hit the demo-communist fan..pretty hard..and make for a big distraction..left hand..watch..left hand dealing with “wiki” sheet..and..right hand..more communist take over…

    Report Post »  
  • NHABE64
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 5:59pm

    No to the START treaty despite all of Hillary the Witch Clintons best efforts to SNEAK it by us. No to illegal immigration OR Harry Reids DREAM act. Harry Reid is nothing more than a cowardly cockroach and should be sent to prison for life along with the resf of the socialists trying to ruin this country. I have never in my adult life seen such scum as I do in Washington DC. Shame on them all!

    Report Post »  
  • dwh320
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 5:59pm

    Sum it up like this… Bend over America for a Lame Ducking that will cost billions.

    Report Post » dwh320  
    • James
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 7:03pm

      @dwh320
      Yes, it will cost us big time.

      Report Post »  
    • Fear The Voices
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 7:07pm

      So right! It doesn’t matter what “we the people” say; this group of trolls hasn’t listened to the people they claim to represent for far too many years. They are going to do what they will with the hopes of screwing things up as much as possible. They are hell bent on pushing though as much legislation to help stuff the voting box in their favor for years to come; and that’s the bottom line.
      Perhaps that should be on the Republicans agenda for the lame duck session… Stop the destructive policies from ever being voted on during any lame duck session.

      Report Post » Fear The Voices  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 8:23pm

      I am just waiting for Pelosi and Soros to decide enough with Obama is enough, and then dispose of him politically. Biden will last only a breath in office, if he is even found to be competent for holding the office of the Presidency.

      After that, only question will be who gets into power first – Pelosi or Hillary.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 29, 2010 at 1:57am

      They are ramming it all right .. and we know where — don’t forget this in 2012 .. throw the rest of the bums out!

      Report Post »  
  • tower7femacamp
    Posted on November 28, 2010 at 5:45pm

    S 510 senate bill

    Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 5:54pm

      Agreed. S 510 needs to go down in flames.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • TruthTalker
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:09pm

      Now, back to defying the American people

      Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:14pm

      http://www.gradegov.com has an article that may be of interest about the lame duck session: because CO, DE, FL, IL, NY & WV have appointed senators, the elected senator on 11/2/10 is immediately able to vote in the lame duck session, except NY (most of you probably knew this but I am just trying to get up to speed on gov). This is a very good site to write directly to your congress person and stays up-to-date on Capitol Hill news.

      Report Post »  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:17pm

      No to the Dream Act, No to extended unemployment unless it is PAID for, no to anymore intrusive government such as child nutrition just because FLOTUS says so, No to the START treaty. YES to keep the Bush tax plan like it is across the board and quit playing class warfare games. NHABE64 said it the best below; these people in Washington are scum and out of touch with reality.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 6:20pm

      let‘s add Ron Paul’s American Traveler Dignity Act to the list.
      http://conservativetimes.org/?p=6913
      we really need to get behind this one.

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 7:06pm

      All in all we should have been better off if they had just stayed home until after the new year. The more that Congress does, the more we seem to get screwed.

      PatriotShops.com

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 7:10pm

      Is the “child nutrition bill” the same as S 510 SENATE BILL?

      Forgive my ignorance, I have been very busy and have not kept up with this bill.

      PatriotShops.com

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • republitarian
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 7:21pm

      The article didn’t even mention S-510 which is will be brought to a vote on Monday. It passed the senate on party lines so we probably screwed.

      Even the radical left (not the statists) know what this bill is. In fact, some have been sounding the alarm for years. Contact your liberal friends (if you have any) and tell them to call their entrenched congressmen to stop this.

      Report Post » republitarian  
    • what4
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 7:53pm

      If only we could lock the bums out till January!

      Report Post »  
    • kindling
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 8:06pm

      I say the end will come if taxes go up or not, it is just a matter of if it happend soon or sooner. But this is the real point, will they take away our right to grow our own food because we can’t afford to buy any? I guess a lot of people will be going to jail or re education camps if 510 goes through because I am going to keep growing my own food, milking my own cow and giving away my extra.

      Report Post » kindling  
    • PeterThePainter
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 8:21pm

      Thanks to person that posted the Agenda 21 <google it, flip thru and also check the North American Union – The wildlands project and Amero the new currency that may be comming. Stuff to give you nightmares over.

      Report Post »  
    • Its Gonna Getcha
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 8:31pm

      Remember Congress. JOBS JOBS JOBS. Any little thing you can do for this would be greatly appreciated by our productive (and producing) INDEPENDENT workers.

      Report Post » Its Gonna Getcha  
    • Doc_Slammin
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 8:41pm

      Already emailed both Senators about S 510. No response, yet.

      Report Post » Doc_Slammin  
    • mrclean
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 9:05pm

      “The Senate also postponed, for a month, a 23 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors; it was to begin on Dec. 1. The House is expected to go along, giving lawmakers time to come up with a longer-term plan to avoid cuts that could prompt doctors to stop seeing Medicare patients.”

      The House is expected to GO ALONG. More of the same BS.

      This would definitely be the last straw for perhaps millions of elderly (who must see several doctors on a monthly basis), putting them into another statistical group, the homeless. Oblahma thinks this is OK, to kick the elderly to the curb and out into the elements. At this rate, this terrorist bastard in the WH, the wannabe POTUS, may start getting a perpetual stiff neck from having to watch his own back.

      This is what WE THE PEOPLE can expect from oblahma care, when the entire population is on medicare and the government has to cut payments made to doctors. It’ll happen.

      Report Post » mrclean  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on November 28, 2010 at 10:34pm

      I contacted Durbin my senator and got back a nice form letter, he wants immigrants to stay, farms to be closed, etc.. a real PROGRESSIVE he is HOWEVER.. my new senator will be taking his seat should be this week.. he KNOWS he’s on probation and what we want so we shall see what happens.. at least they should cancel out each others votes..

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
    • GOTT-EM-MAUSER
      Posted on November 29, 2010 at 12:42am

      SB-510 will be an interesting situation here in Texas. IF it is defeated, that will definately be a WIN. IF it is passed, it will also be a WIN of sorts. ALMOST ALL of the small growers that sell produce here, are Hispanic and largely aligned with the Democrat-Socialist Wing of the Big Government Party. It will be very interesting to see just how they react to being put out of business overnight. I have an 8X12 Glossy Photo of the Stazi Police harassing the roadside vendors over the “ Transfer of Illegal Tomatoes”. I can garantee you that they will eventually “Bust” the wrong Mexican Produce Peddler and get their asses shot dead on the spot. That will get the ball rolling in a heartbeat.

      Report Post »  
    • JKN
      Posted on November 29, 2010 at 12:00pm

      Yes. Cut Social Security, Medicare and Defense for the American people but grant amnesty to millions of illegal alien “children” up to the age of 35 and then extend that amnesty to millions of other family members… Makes sense.

      Report Post » Jackers  
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