TWICMAY18

More direct oversight of Construction projects in Iraq and the Iraq Government's progress towards taking initiative in the war is sought in this bill that authorizes $141 billion for FY 2008 and adds $3.2 billion for procurement including vehicles that withstand improvised explosive devices and other immediate military needs in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the wake of recent reports from the Military that resources are wearing thin, the bill aims to assess and report to the Secretary of Defense and Congress on the Nation's industrial base's ability to rebuild and meet emergency needs of the Armed Forces.

Troop end strengths are increased with the option of adding and additional 22,000 to Army ranks and 13,000 to the Marines, if need be.

Although the bill is predominantly about procurements it provides extensively for military personnel and healthcare, DoD management and foreign matters.

{Full Report with Amendments and Votes} Indexed for Research

{Additional and Opposing views on the bill}

SENATE AMENDS HOUSE WATER RESOURCES BILL

Everglades and Upper Mississippi River Plans Continue

More Money to Rebuild Gulf Coastal Buffer

Iraq Withdrawal Provision Defeated

Gulf Coast After Hurricane Katrina

The Senate adds to the House version with most additional funds directed towards rebuilding the Gulf Coast environmental buffers. Approximately 600 water projects are approved nationwide.

An Amendment was not agreed to that would have begun withdrawal of forces from Iraq in 120 days to be completed by March, 2008 and offered no opportunity for a presidential waiver.

The bill now moves to a House Senate Conference to settle. differences.

{Full Report with Amendments and Votes}

{Vote on Withdrawal Amendment}

CONGRESS APPROVES CONGRESSIONAL

BUDGET RESOLUTION

Photo: Jane M. Sawyer

Supporters of the Budget calculate that it will result in a budget surplus of $41 billion in 2012. The current budget is reportedly reducing the deficit to under $200 billion this year. The budget highlights efforts to extend more healthcare to children and veterans, increases spending for educational training, grants and loans, and promises not to increase taxes and limit the Alternative Minimum Tax--a tax program requiring basic taxes from the very wealthy that, because it was not indexed for inflation, will impact about 20 million middle-income taxpayers.

{Highlights of the conference report}

House Vote: 214 to 209 May 17, 2007 RC 377

Senate Vote: 52 to 40 May 17, 2007 RV 172

{Report on Senate Resolution (SCR 21)}

{Report on House Resolution (HCR99)}

SENATE PASSES HOUSE WAR SPENDING BILL

Iraq Benchmarks and Releasing Funds for War in Two Phases Included

Next to House / Senate Conference

Photo: Johan Van Boers

The bills represents the original bill vetoed by the President. After the veto the House voted on three bills including this HR 2206 that provides funds for the troops and other supplemental spending asked for by the President but would release around $45 billion now and then reconsider the remaining $50 billion in September. Voted on separately was disaster relief removed from the vetoed bill and another bill requiring Iraq to meet benchmarks. Those bills were divided for separate vote. Disaster relief passed, benchmarks failed and are included in this bill.

Cloture was invoked in the Senate on the amendment "Expressing the sense of the Congress that no action should be taken to undermine the safety of the Armed Forces of the United States or impact their ability to complete their assigned or future missions." The bill was then agreed to by voice vote allowing for the House / Senate conference to move forward.

{Report HR 2206}

→The Original Bill, HR 1591, Conference Report Details as Passed and Vetoed
→The Bill, HR 1591, Language Regarding Benchmarks for Iraq to Meet.
→Text of the Bill, HR 1591, Indexed for Research

Bills Aim to Aid Prisoner Transition / Bolster Police Forces / Hire Prosecutors.

Murder Victims Remembered

Prisoners Transition to the Community to be Improved with Services

A 1984 bill requiring mandatory minimum sentences is now causing prison overloading. Increased for monitoring and guidance programs for released offenders aims to reduce inmates and cost of incarceration.

{Report}

COPS Bill to Put $5.5 Billion on the Streets

The 1982 law is amended to provides grants for hiring of community police and others. Funds can be spent on technology and hiring discharged military.

{Report}

Public Defenders & Prosecutors Given Incentives to Sign on.

Student loans up to $60,000 would be paid for if lawyers take three year State or Federal positions.

{Report}

Toll Taken by Murder Victims Survivors Recognized

The resolution establishes a remembrance day.

{Report}

SENATE TO TAKE UP IMMIGRATION REFORM MAY 21ST

Some bill highlights include offering a renewable resident visa to those who entered the US prior to January 1, 2008. Visa holders must pass a criminal background check, remain employed and pay a $5,000 fine and then may remain and renew the vsa.

The bill calls for nearly 20,000 new border agents and 370 miles more of border fence. That accomplished the bill would then provide 400,000 2- year work-visas, renewable after the immigrant leaves the country.

A contentious provision limits immigrant citizens from sponsoring family members beyond spouses and children under 21. Others who might be sponsored would be assessed for English proficiencies, work and educational experience prior to determining eligibility.