Congress is Back, But Politics May Dominate Session
Dateline: 01/24/2000
The 2nd Session of the 106th US Congress starts today, but with the elections coming in November, little if any landmark legislation is expected. Instead, look for politics to rule the floor as legislators from both parties work to score election points. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott has already stated he does not look for any major legislation to pass this year. In past election years, compromise has proven to be a pretty scarce Congressional commodity.
Of course, there is still some unfinished business Congress could act on, like...
Patients' Rights & Health Care Policy
S. 1344 - Patients' Bill of Rights ...to amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to protect consumers in managed care plans and other health coverage.
- S. 300 - Patients' Bill of Rights Act ...to improve access and choice of patients to quality, affordable health care.
H.R.2824 - Patient Protection Bill ...to amend title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to protect consumers in managed care plans and other health coverage.
Tax Reform / Tax Reduction
H.R.2488 - Financial Freedom Act of 1999 ...to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce individual income tax rates, to provide marriage penalty relief, to reduce taxes on savings and investments, to provide estate and gift tax relief, to provide incentives for education savings and health care, and for other purposes. (Vetoed by President Clinton on 9/23/99)
The "marriage penalty" is a section in the tax law that under certain conditions, results in married couples paying more in taxes than unmarried couples with comparable incomes. H.R. 2488, which would repeal the marriage penalty clause was vetoed by the President on September 23, 1999.
H.R.3 - Ten Percent Tax Cut bill ...to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce individual income tax rates by 10 percent.
Social Security
H.J.RES.32 - Social Security Guarantee Initiative ...expressing the sense of the Congress that the President and the Congress should join in undertaking the Social Security Guarantee Initiative to strengthen and protect the retirement income security of all Americans through the creation of a fair and modern Social Security Program for the 21st century
H.R.1.- Social Security Reform Request bill ...to provide for Social Security reform.
Gun Control
H.R.2122 - Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act ...to require background checks at gun shows, and for other purposes.
S.254 - Violent and Repeat Juvenile Offender Accountability and Rehabilitation Act of 1999 ...to reduce violent juvenile crime, promote accountability by rehabilitation of juvenile criminals, punish and deter violent gang crime, and for other purposes.
Trade With China
One issue Congress will be forced to act on this year is President Clinton's proposed trade agreement with Beijing, which would allow China to enter the World Trade Organization. H.J.RES 57, a resolution opposed to this action, failed in the House and is now before the House Ways and Means Committee.
H.J.RES.57 - China Trade resolution ...disapproving the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of the People's Republic of China.
Besides being more concerned with partisan politics than with passing bills this session, Congress just won't be around as much due to the elections. Members will be taking long weekends for campaigns and primaries, a longer summer break for the conventions, and an early recess in October for final campaign efforts.
Keeping Up With Congress 
Some handy resources for following the
United States Congress. From your About.com Guide.
Congress Today
Daily schedules and agendas, plus links to resources for learning about the US Congress and the legislative process. Updated daily when Congress is in session.Legislative Update
Keep up with the status of major bills before the House and Senate.For the Record
Interesting, controversial, or profound remarks made by Members of Congress in open sessions and recorded in the Congressional Record.New Laws from the 1st Session of the 106th Congress
Take a look at some of the important laws passed during the 1st Session of the 106th.The Legislative Process
A basic explanation of how our laws are made.
Also on US Government Info/Resources |
Should the President Get a Raise?
From $200 - $400,000 a year, that is? Take our Instant Poll.Election 2000 Index
Links to these and other election resources on US Government Info/Resources and other About.com Guide Sites.
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