On the Hill as of June 15, 2010

The Senate will vote on three judicial nominations. After that, the Senate will return to consideration of a bill to extend expired tax provisions (HR 4213) and social safety-net programs. — Extending expired tax provisions and other programs

The House votes on amendments to a bill to create a small-business lending fund. (HR 5297)

House and Senate conferees continue to meet to work out differences on a bill to overhaul financial regulations (HR 4173 ). Currently there are 12 Senators and 31 Representatives present in the conference proceedings.

The primary conversations on the Hill surround concerns regarding deficit spending vs the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs, and the gull oil spill payback coverage. President Obama sent out a letter of plea to Congressional Leadership requesting that members recognize the necessity of retaining jobs and unemployment benefits. Many Congressional members are hesitating because of political liabilities this coming November.

Senator Bill Nelson, Chairman for the Subcommittee on Science and Space sent a letter to Senator Barbra Mikulsiki Chairwoman for Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies on June 14, 2010 outlining his intentions of proposing a new bill to not only outline transitions in the NASA organization but also workforce interventions.


Hearing Highlights

House Transportation and Infrastructure hearing on “Proposed United-Continental Merger”. 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, 2167 Rayburn

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs confirmation hearing on the “Nomination of John S. Pistole to head the Transportation Security Administration”. 10 a.m. Wednesday, 342 Dirksen (Postponed and moved to Thursday June 17, 2010 at 2:30pm)

House Ways and Means hearing on “China’s Trade Policies”. 10 a.m. Wednesday, 1100 Longworth

House Judiciary hearing on “Airline Competition”. 2 p.m. Wednesday, 2141 Rayburn

Senate Veterans’ Affairs hearing on “VA Health Care in Rural Areas”. 2 p.m. Wednesday, 562 Dirksen

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing on the “Gulf Coast Oil Spill”, with BP CEO Tony Hayward. 10 a.m. Thursday, 2123 Rayburn

Senate Energy & Natural Resources hearing on “Airline Industry Finances and Consolidation”. 10 a.m. Thursday, 253 Russell