CONGRESS RETURNS TO HECTIC SPRING AGENDA
News Date April 02, 2008
The House and Senate returned to work on March 31 after a two-week recess. Lawmakers are facing a hectic spring schedule on a variety of legislative priorities before the Memorial Day recess in May.
The legislative work schedule is already short due to the presidential election year and long, contentious debate is expected on a number of issues. Agricultural leaders are pushing hard to reach an agreement on a final 2007 farm bill before the extended current law expires on April 18 (see separate story). Lawmakers are also trying to complete work on the congressional budget resolution so that the appropriations committee can start writing their FY09 spending bills. The Senate plans to consider a housing stimulus package and renewable energy tax credit. House lawmakers hope to pass legislation to overhaul the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The White House will send Congress another emergency supplemental defense spending bill for the Iraq war which is certain to generate prolonged debate in both chambers. Another White House priority is a free trade agreement with Colombia and legislation may be delivered to Congress this week. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)