Congress 2010: Second Session of the 111th Congress

Congress gets back to work this month and some important legislation is pending at the beginning of this new decade.

First up might be Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking minority member Lisa Murkowski's “Motion of Disapproval,” which would strip EPA of authority to implement 'Endangerment Finding' and 'Tailoring Rule' regulations. A vote is expected on the Senate floor on January 20th, but it could be delayed.

Next up could be The Jobs For Main Street Act (H.R. 2847), which has already passed in the House and will be taken up in the Senate. Note 'Jobs' in the title of this bill. So it will be on the fast track and includes lots of energy measures and money.

And finally, a climate/energy bill has already passed in the House and the Senate must decide if it is going to take up legislation. Although a bill, Boxer/Kerry, passed out of the Environment and Public Works Committee, with Republicans boycotting the vote, alternative legislation is being touted by Senators John Kerry, Lindsey Graham and Joe Lieberman.

The Conference Committee will also try to finalize the health legislation that has passed in both bodies. The Center supports cap and trade legislation and we support the health bill.