Masonry Magazine February 2007 Page. 11
Democrats also pushed for action to implement all recommendations from the 9/11 Commission on national security. In addition, legislation was introduced to raise the minimum wage to $7.25, eliminate corporate subsidies for oil companies, allow the government to negotiate Medicare drug prices, impose new restrictions on lobbyists, cut interest rates on college loans, and support embryonic stem-cell research.
The House and Senate also worked to increase oversight of large domestic industries. Specifically, Democrats focused on drug prices, oil-company profits and FDA-regulated industries. During the month of January, the Democratic leadership made it clear that Congressional oversight would focus heavily on the Bush administration's FY 2008 budget proposal. Finally, House Democrats began examining "waste, fraud and abuse" across the federal government-particularly the rebuilding efforts in Iraq and the Hurricane Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast.
During the next two years, Congress and the White House will debate a host of issues critical to businesses, municipalities and non-profit organizations. In addition, they will consider business left unfinished by the previous Congress, issues triggered by national and international events and matters arising from the requirements of the legislative process itself.
While legislation may advance quickly in the House, Senate rules require a more deliberative process. On issues related to education, immigration, health care and homeland security, there will be opportunities for compromise between the Democratic-controlled Congress and President Bush.
Jessica Johnson Bennett is director of Government Affairs for MCAA. She brings to the Association an extensive background in public affairs and government relations. Her expertise in strategic planning, PAC management and operations help leverage the position of the MCAA on key policy issues that are important to the masonry industry.
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