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A recent study, included in the bill, concluded that DHS is "“last in job satisfaction, last on results-oriented performance culture, next to last on leadership and knowledge management, and third from last on talented management.”"

DHS, in the 109th Congress was notorious for ignoring Capitol Hill requests for progress reports on many critical programs funded by Congress. The bill aims to improve the relationship and will withhold funds to programs until detailed plans are provided. Other areas of the bill would improve protection at US ports, require more passenger airline cargo inspections and other provisions deemed necessary to further protect the US.

The bill became a lightening rod for Minority Member's concerns about earmarks in future appropriation bills and the mechanisms and timelines to incorporate and debate those earmarks, despite HR 2638 containing none. Earmarks are, simplistically, requests by Members, to direct funds or resources to specific entities or specific districts. Although House rules require earmark identification in most House bills a procedure is forthcoming to identify the additions in each subsequent appropriation bill so that Members can review and object to any of them before the bill is passed and sent to the Senate. The agreement will not apply to the Military Construction bill that is also without earmarks other than some specified by DHS. The new rule and procedures will apply beginning June 18, 2007 on the remaining nine appropriation bills with one exception. The Energy and Water Appropriation bill that is already out of committee will be considered as is but before it goes to the Senate any earmarks will be considered in a separate bill or will be attached to and considered in another appropriation bill.

The House completed its business and passed the DHS appropriations bill on June 15th.

{HR 2638 with votes}

SENATE BUILDS ENERGY BILL

House-Passed Bill is Expanded

The Senate debated HR 6, passed by the House in January, and amended it to include content from S 1419, the Senate version that is much more involved.

HR 6 creates the The Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve in which royalties to the US from gas and oil exploration and related revenues will be deposited and used for research into renewable energy production. HR 6 focuses on recouping royalties lost due to an exclusion in 1990's contracts with energy companies that would have required them to pay royalties on oil extractions from public land if the cost of oil reached $39 per barrel. The trigger provision was left out of the contracts, oil rose above $39 per barrel but royalties are yet to be paid. HR 6 concerns itself with other royalty and contract provisions less favorable to the oil companies and more to the US taxpayer.

S1419 aims to address consumer concerns through price gouging protections, goals for increasing percentages of renewable fuels in gasoline and diesel through grants and incentives. The increased production of renewable fuels and an infrastructure to deliver those fuels to the consumer are also supported by grants. The bill builds US energy policy, promotes energy efficiency in appliances and lighting and automobile mpg levels and extends into international diplomacy by creating foreign energy partnerships that look to sustainable energy production elsewhere, and responding to energy crisis' and stabilizing access to and delivery of petroleum products.

{The Senate will continue to amend the bill with votes coming on June 19th and passage expected soon thereafter}

{HR 6 with House votes}

{S 1419 }

{HR 6 as amended with S 1419 provisions. Amendments and votes}

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Appropriation Bill Begins to Set Spending for Military Construction / Veterans;

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Florida Election Contests Dismissed

Military Construction Spending Adds to VA Overhaul

VA benefits and department improvement takes the center stage with improvements to military quality of life spending. Construction projects address the President's proposal to increase Army by 74,200 and Marines by 27,000 over the next five years.

{HR 2642}

Four Contested Elections in Florida, Louisiana Dismissed

Florida:

Louisiana:

Week Ending June 22

The Senate Will Continue Consideration of HR 6

The House will take up Appropriations for Energy and Water and the Department of Interior/EPA and other bills