On May 11, 2010, Senate Republicans introduced a resolution (S.J.Res.30) that would disapprove and nullify a new rule submitted by the National Mediation Board to allow a majority of ballots cast to determine union representation. The new rule that Senate Republicans oppose is consistent with statute, was considered in an open and transparent process, and…
UPDATE: September 22, 2010 On July 27, 2010, the Senate failed to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3628 (Roll Call No. 220) and Senator Reid entered a motion to reconsider the vote. On September 22, 2010, Senator Reid announced on the Floor that he will call the bill up for reconsideration at…
Summary On May 5, 2010, the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee reported the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (S.3307). This bill would reauthorize all child nutrition and women, infant, and children (WIC) programs, currently scheduled to expire on September 30, 2010, though Fiscal Year 2015. The legislation would also make changes to the…
Summary While the economy is starting to grow and recover from the worst financial and economic crisis since the Great Depression, a real economic recovery is not possible without long-lasting, meaningful job creation. That’s why Senate Democrats are committed to putting America back to work and strengthening our economy. As a part of our year-long,…
UPDATE July 28, 2010 On July 28, 2010, the Senate resumed consideration of the Small Business Jobs bill. H.R. 5297, the Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 was originally introduced in the House on May 13, 2010. On June 17, 2010, the House passed H.R. 5297 by a vote of 241 – 182. The legislation was…
Summary In January 2010, the Supreme Court issued a closely divided 5-4 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Under this ruling, big businesses are permitted to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections, counter to long-standing law and precedent that had restricted political expenditures by corporations. In response, Senator Schumer introduced the…
UPDATE On July 20, 2010, the Senate is expected to resume consideration of the House Message with respect to H.R.4213. By consent, the motion to reconsider will be agreed to, and the Senate is expected to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House Amendment to the Senate…
Background and Summary The Senate has entered into a unanimous consent agreement to consider S.J.Res.26 on June 10, 2010, which would disapprove of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) endangerment and cause or contribute findings. The EPA’s action responds to Supreme Court’s order in Massachusetts v. EPA that it make a determination about whether or not…
Summary H.R.4899, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010, includes provisions to meet the needs of our troops and fund military operations and security initiatives in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The bill also includes funding for expanding benefits for disabled veterans, and to respond to natural disasters, including the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The Senate version…
Revised Summary Over the last two, years millions of Americans have suffered from the effects of the worst financial and economic crises since the Great Depression: 8.4 million Americans have lost their jobs, small businesses have failed, nearly seven million people in the United States have lost their homes to foreclosures, and millions more have…