Masonry Magazine December 2010 Page. 13
The AMT and estate tax may not be addressed, forcing reform or retroactive extension in the 112th Congress.
Healthcare law
While much of the de-funding efforts will occur in the 112th, Republicans will target certain aspects of the healthcare law, such as the 1099 requirement, for repeal during the Lame Duck.
"Doc" fix (Medicare reimbursements)
Republicans prefer to fix the reimbursement issue with a long-term solution, but that won't be feasible until next Congress, given the complexity of the sustainable growth rate and the cost. However, a delay in the cuts could be in play during the Lame Duck.
Other issues
Talk remains about addressing domestic policy initiatives as well, such as immigration reform (DREAM Act), child nutrition and food safety legislation, Chinese currency manipulation, START treaty, Defense Authorization, public safety collective bargaining, and energy legislation, among others. However, there is not much legislative time left in the year, and Republicans appear willing to force procedural votes on anything that comes to the floor. Therefore, the odds favor a truncated policy agenda during the Lame Duck, although it will take considerable time to debate legislation, overcome procedural votes, and pass bills.
112th Congress possible legislative issues
Spending/Budget
The House Budget Committee (likely Chair: Ryan) will offer a FY11 budget that seeks to limit federal spending to earlier levels (FY10 or earlier) in efforts to "hold the line" on spending. It is very likely that House Republicans will continue with a ban on earmarks.
The Senate Republicans likely will force votes to reduce program-level spending in a number of discretionary domestic programs.
"Repeal-and-Replace" efforts on the enacted healthcare reform likely will turn into targeted efforts to prevent spending on certain aspects of the law.
Oversight agenda
Both House and Senate Republicans are committed to calling Administration officials before oversight committees to defend agencies actions on legislation such as healthcare and financial reform, spending, stimulus and other actions related to climate change and more.
Healthcare law repeal
Both House and Senate Republicans likely will push for votes on straight repeal of the broad overhaul, but these efforts are destined for failure in the Senate. Therefore, the House will take the lead on blocking funding for implementation of the law via appropriations, and the Senate Republicans would seek repeal votes on "egregious" aspects of the law, such as the 1099 provision and others (if not done in the Lame Duck).
Major reauthorizations/Issues of interest
* Elementary Education Reauthorization (NCLB)
* Transportation Reauthorization (TEA-LU)
* Aviation Reauthorization
* Farm Bill Reauthorization
* Energy-Related Issues
* Telecom-Related Issues (net neutrality)
* Ongoing Healthcare/Stimulus/Financial Reform Implementation/ Funding/Repeal.
For more information, contact The Keelen Group, 202-293-8120 or mkeelen@keelengroup.com. IMAS