February 9, 2004

 
Senate Continues Debate on Highway Bill
 
The Senate will continue its consideration of the $311 billion surface transportation bill (S. 1072) with the hope of finishing its work by Friday, February 13.  Floor action is already being slowed by a non-germane amendment authored by Senator Judd Gregg (R-N.H) on collective bargaining rights for firefighters and police officers that enjoys broad, bipartisan support.  Because passage of this amendment would open the door to other non-germane issues, which would likely stall the bill, leadership is trying to figure out how to proceed.  In addition, the possibility still remains that a stripped-down version of the energy bill (H.R. 6) might be added as an amendment to S. 1072.  All amendments are expected to be filed by the close of business today, Monday, February 9 or Tuesday, February 10.  It appears that more than 200 amendments have been prepared, but that only 50 will be considered.
 
House action on its version of the surface transportation reauthorization legislation (H.R. 3550) remains stalled because of unresolved funding issues, but a vote is scheduled this week on a four-month extension of the current law since the present five-month extension expires on February 29. 
 
 
House Passes CSBG Reauthorization with Six-Month Extension of Unemployment Benefits
 
On Thursday, February 5, the House passed by voice vote, H.R. 3030, a bill to reauthorize the Community Services Block Grant, after adopting an amendment to provide a six-month extension of unemployment compensation benefits.  CSBG provides flexible federal funds through states to local Community Action Agencies who operate a variety of anti-poverty programs.  H.R. 3030 reauthorizes the current level of funding for the program through FY 2009 and makes a number of changes designed to ensure quality and accountability.  In FY 2003, $646 million was provided for CSBG.
 
Senate Banking Committee Approves Transit Measure
 
On Wednesday, February 4, the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee approved by voice vote legislation that would authorize $56.5 billion in spending authority over six years for public transit programs.  This bill will be added to the overall surface transportation reauthorization package during Senate floor consideration. 
Of the total amount allocated, $47 billion would flow from the Highway Trust Fund, and $9.5 billion from the general fund, which represents a modest change from the traditional funding mechanism of 80 percent from the trust fund and 20 percent from the general fund (a slight increase in the percentage coming from the trust fund).  In addition, the measure contains several new provisions requested by the Administration, including inducements to local communities to develop bus rapid transit as an alternative to subways and light rail; increased funding for rural transit systems; and increased flexibility to local communities for utilizing transit funding.  Members of the Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee are working together to develop an amendment that would guarantee both highway and transit dollars.
 
 
LIHEAP Funds Released
 
On Thursday, February 5, HHS Secretary, Tommy Thompson announced the release of $191.5 million in Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for states, territories, and tribes.  LIHEAP is a block grants program that helps eligible families pay the costs of heating their homes in the summer.  All states would receive a portion of the funds, with $40 million allocated according to the base block grant formula.  The remaining funds will be provided to the 18 states (AL, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, PA, RI, UT, VT, VA and WV) that experienced January temperatures much colder than normal.  The list of state allocations is available on the HHS website:  www.hhs.gov
 
 
Internet Tax Moratorium
 
A compromise bill on the Internet access tax moratorium will likely be introduced this week by Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn), Carper (D-Del), Graham (D-FL) and Voinovich (R-OH).  The legislation is expected to temporarily extend the original moratorium and address industry concerns that the bill apply equally to all technologies.
 
 
Senate Passes Legislation Upgrading First Responder Equipment
 
On Wednesday, February 4, the Senate passed by voice vote, a bill that would authorize $50 million per year to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in upgrading training equipment used for terrorist attacks.  The bill establishes a technology transfer program within the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Domestic Preparedness, where determinations would be made about access to cutting edge technology for state and local first responders.
 
 
Key Committee Meetings
 
Budget and Appropriations:  Numerous hearings are scheduled this week to review the President's FY 2005 budget proposals.
Budget Hearings on Administration's Proposal for Health and Human Services
Budget Hearings on Administration's Proposal for the Department of Education
Budget Hearings on Administration's Proposal for the Department of Interior and the Department of Energy
Budget Hearings on Administration's Proposal for the Department of Homeland Security
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education has scheduled a hearing on the Administration's funding request for the U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday, February 12 at 10:00 AM in 2359 Rayburn House Office Building.  Secretary Chao is scheduled to testify.
 
The House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity will hold a hearing on the Administration's FY 2005 budget proposals for housing programs on Thursday, February 12 at 10:00 AM in 2128 Rayburn House Office Building.
 
Base Closures - The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction has scheduled a Thursday, February 12 hearing at 9:30 AM in B-300 Rayburn House Office Building on the Base Realignment and Closure program.
 
Homeland Security - The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law has scheduled a Tuesday, February 10, hearing at 3:00 PM in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building, titled "Privacy in the Hands of the Government:  The Privacy Officer for the Department of Homeland Security," to be followed by a markup session on privacy legislation (H.R. 338).