THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON: STATE OF THE UNION, DISCRETIONARY SPENDING FREEZE
News Date January 26, 2010
President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address to Congress Wednesday night in which he is expected to outline a proposal to freeze domestic discretionary spending for three years. Early reports on the president’s proposal indicate the plan would save approximately $15 billion a year and could result in significant cuts for some programs, while others would see increased funding.
The Senate will continue to consider legislation that would increase the statutory debt limit to $14.294 trillion. Senators are also expected this week to vote on an amendment that would create a deficit reduction commission. The House will vote on a number of minor bills this week and will end its work for the week prior to the president’s address to Congress. Congressional Democrats continue to strategize a path forward on potential job-creation legislation, as well as healthcare. (Contact: Farm Policy Staff)