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Sun. Jul 6, 2008
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Lieberman, Warner To Push Nuclear Energy In Carbon Bill

Two of the main architects of Senate global warming legislation today will unveil a section for the bill intended to promote nuclear energy, which could open the floodgates for a myriad of potentially controversial proposals from both parties when floor debate starts next month.

Nussle: Democrats Hold Troops Hostage Over Spending Bill

OMB Director Nussle today denounced the supplemental spending bills emerging from the House and Senate, saying that President Bush will reject them and that the Defense Department will soon have to take drastic measures to address the absence of needed funding.

Bush Vetoes Farm Bill; Congress Prepares For Override

President Bush today vetoed the 2008 farm bill, but the House and Senate are planning quick votes that are expected to override it.

White House Is Threatening Veto Of Tax 'Extenders' Bill

The White House threatened today to veto a $55.5 billion tax bill the House was expected to pass later this afternoon, further exposing divisions within the business community and emboldening Republicans opposed to offsetting tax increases.

Baucus: No Bipartisan Deal For Medicare Payment Fix

Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus has ruled out the possibility of reaching a bipartisan compromise on legislation to prevent Medicare physicians from taking a pay cut, saying today Democrats would move forward with their bill that will include offsets staunchly opposed by the White House.

NRCC, In A Switch, Will Assume Active Role In Primaries

The National Republican Congressional Committee, trying to move beyond a series of stinging special election losses and fundraising problems, will become more active in primary elections under changes presented to GOP lawmakers this morning.

Panel Votes To Overturn Calif. Emissions Waiver Decision

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee narrowly approved legislation today that would overturn EPA's decision last December denying California a waiver to enforce its program to reduce global warming pollution from automobile tailpipes.

Boehner, Issa Blast Waxman For ‘Heavy-Handed’ Tactics

House Republicans are hoping to capitalize on a flash of temper in which House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Henry Waxman threatened to eject Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., from a hearing Tuesday on EPA ozone standards.

House Panel Divided Over Insurers' Use Of Credit Scores

House Financial Services Committee members clashed today over legislation that would curtail insurers from using credit scores to help set premiums, as Democrats charged that such use unfairly targets minorities while Republicans argued the scores are predictive on those who will file more claims.

IT Firms, Groups Craft Report On Guarding Online Speech

A broad coalition of companies and human rights watchdogs is finishing up a set of guidelines for corporations that deal with foreign governments that repress online speech, sources close to the group told CongressDaily today.

Dem Speaker Wins Nomination To Oppose Smith In Oregon

Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley, capitalizing on support from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Tuesday held off a spirited challenge from political activist Steve Novick to win the nomination to take on GOP Sen. Gordon Smith in November.

Nussle Calls House Defense Earmark Provision 'Veto Bait'

Defense. OMB Director Nussle today suggested that a provision in the House's FY09 defense authorization bill that shields the measure from a recent executive order on earmarks would almost certainly provoke a veto threat.

Senate Vote On FEC Nominees Faces Possible Delay

Politics. Though the Senate appears poised to reconstitute the dormant FEC after Hans von Spakovsky withdrew his controversial nomination from consideration last week, continued wrangling over nominations may delay the effort.

Oil Execs Defend Record Profits As Prices Spiral Upward

Energy. Under intensive grilling from Senate Judiciary Committee members, top executives from five major oil companies defended their record profits today and insisted they were merely reflecting world market prices as they strive to produce more energy.

Graham, Burr, McCain Increase GI Benefits Proposal

Defense. Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Richard Burr of North Carolina and John McCain of Arizona have made changes in their GI benefits bill that have increased its cost $4 billion to $38 billion, Graham and Burr announced today.