Constitutional Law

CapHill Round-Up: 3/30/09

'There is just one small thing standing in the way of lawmakers and the beginning of the two-week spring recess: a $3.6 trillion budget for the federal government,' reports CongressDaily. The Senate schedule tells the tale of the next five days on Capitol Hill. The budget will appear to be all that matters. And according to The Huddle, 'By adjournment Friday, the president should get most of what he wants out of Congress.'

However, other items deserve note. Lawmakers will be watching the contentious special election Tuesday to determine who will take the House seat formerly held by Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) from New York's 20^th congressional district. Also, after a 'third way' proposal on labor law reform, and Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) revoking his support for 'card check,' expect continued wrangling on the Employment Free Choice Act.

IN the HOUSE

On the budget, the House is openly threatening to employ a procedure known as 'reconciliation,' which 'creates a privilege that cannot be filibustered in the Senate,' according to The Washington Post. 'That means that Democrats could pass the measure with 51 votes,' in the Senate, where the House Democrats have seen their agenda frustrated to some degree.  

The House is also scheduled to consider Senate amendments to the Sen. Edward M. Kennedy Volunteerism Act, formerly known as the Generation Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. Among other expansions in volunteering opportunities, the legislation would more than triple AmeriCorps positions from 75,000 to 250,000.

IN the SENATE

The Senate hopes to conclude its required 50 hours of consideration on the budget by Thursday. Beyond this, the Senate is currently scheduled to give no other item consideration of the full chamber this week.

In committees, a handful of nominations are moving forward. Among them is the nomination of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-Kan.) – who recently published a piece in ACS's official journal the Harvard Law & Policy Review – for Health and Human Services secretary. Also this week, the Judiciary Committee will consider President Obama's first nomination to the federal bench, U.S. District Judge David F. Hamilton nominated for the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

Full post as published by ACS Blog on March 30, 2009 (boomark / email).