Lame Duck Session Continues; Scheduled Return Week of December 6

Congress is scheduled to return the week of December 6 to address a "fix" to the FY 2005 omnibus appropriations package (H.R. 4818/H. Rpt. 108-792) and could consider intelligence reform legislation if an agreement is reached. The Administration and GOP leaders are expected to meet this week in an attempt to resolve differences in the House and Senate intelligence reform bills.

House consideration of a Senate-approved correcting resolution (H. Con. Res. 528) to the omnibus was postponed until the week of December 6 because House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) wants to hold a roll call vote on the resolution. (Originally, the House was scheduled to approve it last week by voice vote.) The "fix" would strip a controversial rider from the measure that would have allowed the chairmen of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, as well as their staff, to view taxpayer's individual tax returns. Once the House approves the fix, the omnibus will be sent to the President for signature. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, November 24, the House passed and the Senate cleared a continuing resolution (CR) (H.J. Res. 115) to fund government operations through Wednesday, December 8, since the previous CR was scheduled to expire on Friday, December 3.

Omnibus Bill Includes Additional Funding for Election Assistance Commission

The FY 2005 omnibus appropriations package contains $14 million in additional funding for the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), representing an increase from the $1.2 million that the EAC received as start-up operational funding. EAC was established under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 to set standards for voting systems, including the new generation of computerized electronic systems utilized in 2004. In addition, the EAC plans to set guidelines for the creation of statewide voter registration databases, which HAVA requires all states to have in place by 2006, as well as guidelines for the use of provisional ballots, which is also a HAVA requirement.

DHS Launches New Ready Campaign for Citizen Emergency Planning

Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge unveiled the new Ready public service announcements designed to encourage people to develop a family emergency plan in case of a terrorist attack or other emergency. The campaign specifically requests families to obtain an emergency supply kit; develop a family emergency plan; and stay informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and plan appropriate responses.

In addition, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Susan Neely wrote to state Homeland Security Advisors inviting them to join with DHS and the Advertising Council in this initiative to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks and other emergencies. The announcements will be formatted so that state and local officials can add a state or district specific message. More information is available on the Ready Web site.

Best Performing Cities List Released

The Milken Institute has released its Best Performing Cities index, which ranks US metropolitan areas based on economic performance and their ability to create and keep jobs. Cities with low business costs and a knowledge-based economy have been able to create new jobs in a competitive global economy.

The components of the index measure long-term and short-term job, wage and salary, and technology growth. There are also four measurements of technology output growth, which are included due to tech's crucial role in regional economic growth.

Common attributes among the best performing cities are:Robust recovery in tourism; Growing populations; Low interest rates for homeownership which affect related consumer industries; and Growing populations of retirees, fueling growth in healthcare and other services.

The top large metro on this year's list is Fort Myers, Florida, one of seven Florida metros on the top 20. Following Fort Myers are Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona. The top small metro is Missoula, Montana.