Both the House and Senate returned to Washington facing a full agenda. With the House having passed 10 of 11 spending bills, the Senate will focus on getting a few appropriations bills through the chamber before the August recess along with legislation dealing with stem cell research. The House plans to focus on what Speaker Denny Hastert (R-Ill.) considers the “American Values Agenda,” which includes anti-flag burning legislation, a ban on human cloning, a ban on Internet gambling, and a series of tax cut extenders. The House also plans to take up reauthorization of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and both chambers are planning to act in light of the recent Supreme Court decision that military tribunals for suspected terrorists in Guantanamo are unconstitutional.

Of interest specifically to the aggregate industry, is Senate consideration of the death tax compromise bill passed by the House on June 22 that would increase exemptions but not fully repeal the tax. Additionally, according to Senate staff, a time agreement has been reached on consideration of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) along with a limit on what amendments will be offered by that chamber. The House passed its version, authorizing $10.6 billion in spending a year ago this week. Now that a time agreement has been reached, the only hurdle remaining is finding the time on the Senate floor for consideration. The Senate has less than 20 work days before Senators head home for a one-month recess on Aug. 4. You can count on NSSGA to be advocating for this important legislation and reporting back on developments that matter to your business. Please contact Pam Whitted if you have any questions.