TWICJUN22

The bill provides funding for international programs through the Department of State and related agencies and helps shape US foreign policy through authorized activities.

Included is humanitarian aid, democracy building funds as well as grants and loans for military training and services and military equipment purchases. Target areas for such spending includes most Middle East and Central Asia countries, including Iran.

Economic aid is provided for many countries around the world, usually with conditions. Recipients must not be a sponsor of terrorism, provide government transparency and generally be without an major humanitarian issues.

The bill passed 241 to 178 {Vote}

{HR 2764 bill report with amendments and votes}

{HR 2764 Committee Report}

SENATE PASSES ENERGY BILL

Calls for Investments in Renewables,

Clean Nuclear, Higher MPG

Photo: Donny Harding, Jr.

HR 6, the House-passed bill, deals with recouping royalties from energy companies due to a contract flaw and other royalty provisions as well as the goal or using those returned revenues to fund "use of clean domestic renewable energy resources and alternative fuels; to promote the utilization of energy-efficient products and practices and conservation and to increase research, development and deployment of clean renewable energy and efficiency technologies."

Provisions of a Senate bill, S 1419, were amended to the underlying bill to include detailed strategies for investment in renewable energy research and development and an infrastructure to deliver the products to the consumer and their vehicles. The combined bills would also set improved mile per gallon standards for vehicles over the next twenty years and require increasing percentages of bio-fuel in petroleum-based fuels with the idea of moving the US away from stringent reliance on foreign gas and oil.

The bill also proposes creating international energy partnerships based on renewable and other fuel production and the ability to respond quickly to an energy crisis.

A tax incentive package amendment was not agreed to. The Amendment aimed to stimulate investment in the energy sector through tax break incentives.

The bill passed 65 to 27 June 21, 2007 {Vote}

{HR 6 with House votes}

{S 1419 }

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

HOUSE RESOLUTION PROHIBITS CONSIDERING BILLS WITH EARMARKS INCLUDED DURING CONFERENCE

The Resolution sets the rule prohibiting consideration of a Conference Report containing earmarks when returned to the House for final passage. The conference report must identify the earmarks and their sponsors. Lawmakers may use a point of order against the bill to emphasize opposition to earmarks.

{HRES 491}

ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS

NEARS PASSAGE IN HOUSE

The Nation's water infrastructure, navigable waterways and energy programs are funded. Department of Energy programs include increased research into global climate change, cleaner nuclear energy production.

Funding for a program to burn nuclear waste is reduced as are funds for weapons production. Experimenting with nuclear explosions to search for oil is prohibited.

The bill was amended but a vote on final passage has been delayed.

(HR 2641}

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH SPENDING

The House is expected to pass the appropriation bill for the legislative branch on Friday, June 22. The bill would spend $3.1 billion for the House and the Capitol Complex Agencies but does not include about $980 million for the Senate.

The bill makes decided cuts in several agency budgets.

{HR 2771}

Bills Aim to Improve Small Business Help for Women, Veterans, Native Americans-Alaskans

Program would provide training and counseling for women-owned businesses.

{HR 2397}

Veteran outreach is expanded to clarify small business opportunities. Women Vet program is created.

{HR 2366}

Economies and economic development would be stimulated on Native American, Alaskan and Hawaiian land

{ HR 2284}

SBA Development Centers, Grants to support and promote small business concerns.

{HR 2359}

The Senate Next Week Will Consider A Bill Pertaining to Union Representation and a Modified Immigration Bill Providing An Additional $4 Billion for Border Security