On December 18, 2007, Congress passed the FY2008 Omnibus Spending bill, which includes the eleven unfinished spending bills pending action at the end of calendar year 2007.
The FY2008 Omnibus Spending Bill (H.R. 2764) has been posted on the House Rules Committee website.
The text of the bill can be accessed online at: http://www.rules.house.gov/110_fy08_omni.htm
The White House, under pressure from anti-earmark conservatives, has indicated that it is considering an Executive Order aimed at eliminating more than 10,000 earmarks contained within the bill. Congressional appropriators and supporters of earmarked funding have voiced concerns and are urging the President to leave the earmarks intact.
ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE EXPECTED TO BE CONSIDERED IN QUICK ORDER
Many ideas are being put forth as an economic stimulus package is taken into consideration to prevent the economy from falling into a recession due to the foreclosure problem. The Bush Administration believes the stimulus package should include tax breaks that benefit both consumers and small businesses.
Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, believe that tax rebates will provide the economy with its needed jolt. Democrats propose that the rebates focus more on low- and middle-income families and those who pay payroll taxes but not income taxes.
Associations such as the National Governors Association (NGA), National Association of Counties (NACO), and National League of Cities (NLC) are considering their positions on the stimulus package and are expected to weigh in on the decision process.
DHS RELEASES REAL ID REGULATION
On January 11, 2008 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule establishing minimum security standards for state-issued drivers’ licenses and identification cards. The rule sets uniform standards that enhance the integrity and reliability of drivers’ licenses and identification cards, strengthen issuance capabilities, and increase security at drivers’ license and identification card production facilities.
DHS estimates that the final rule will reduce state implementation costs by roughly 73 percent, but state officials have indicated they will need time to conduct their own analysis in order to produce an updated implementation cost estimate.
Real ID seeks to address document fraud by setting specific requirements that states must adopt for compliance, to include: (1) information and security features that must be incorporated into each card; (2) proof of the identity and U.S. citizenship or legal status of an applicant; (3) verification of the source documents provided by an applicant; and (4) security standards for the offices that issue licenses and identification cards.
The first deadline for compliance with Real ID is Dec. 31, 2009. By then, states must upgrade the security of their license systems, to include a check for lawful status of all applicants, to ensure that illegal aliens cannot obtain Real ID licenses.
Compliance will be needed for access into a federal facility, boarding commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants. Federal agencies will continue to accept licenses for official purposes from residents of states that comply with the law.
BRAC-LIKE COMMISSION RECOMMENDED TO HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Last Thursday, members of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to address the reforming and financing of the surface transportation system.
One of the commission’s recommendations was to empower a BRAC-like commission to propose appropriate revenue levels to Congress for an up-or-down vote. The commission also explained the effects of the recommendations to rural America and discussed how the freight program would help distribute the cost of infrastructure improvements.
Jack Schenendorf, vice chair of the commission, concluded that the vision and dramatic increase in investment included in their recommendations would help states overcome this debate and every state would benefit as a result.
The second longest east-west Interstate, I-80, and the fourth longest north-south transcontinental interstate, I-15, cross Nevada and constitute a majority of the heavy freight and light passenger vehicle traffic in the region.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is expected to hold a similar hearing this week.
