A Weekly Legislative Update From CUNA
The House and Senate This Week (11/26/2012)
The House and the Senate return to Washington this week to continue the post-election session. We’re obviously at a critical time in terms of our chances to enact member business lending legislation, and we look forward to seeing many of you here in Washington this week with credit union advocates and small business owners.
The Lame Duck
Based on our conversations with leadership staff, we understand that the target adjournment for the 112th Congress is now December 21; however, that date could slip depending on the outcome of fiscal cliff negotiations.
As we approach the end of the Congress, it is critical to keep a few things in mind: most of the negotiations on critical end-of-year legislation is being done with a small number of Representatives, Senators and administration officials; because of this, floor leaders will be looking for measures to consider on the floor to keep rank-and-file members occupied (and in Washington). The floor schedules below appear light, but we expect them to develop significantly over the week. And, as the lame duck extends into December, frequent changes to announced schedules are expected.
This Week’s Floor Schedule
The Senate comes back today at 2:00 p.m. to complete consideration of S. 3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. The agenda for the Senate for the remainder of the week has not been announced.
The House convenes tomorrow at 2 p.m. and will consider several bills under suspension of the rules. On Wednesday, the House will consider additional bills under suspension of the rules. Thursday and the balance of the week, the House will consider H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012, legislation that amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify immigration and work visa law.
Committee Meetings
On Thursday morning, the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee and Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee will hold a joint hearing on "Examining the Impact of the Proposed Rules to Implement Basel III Capital Standards." In the afternoon, the Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology Subcommittee will have a hearing on "The Future of Money: Dollars and Sense."
Swearing-in Day for the 113th Congress
I know several of you are trying to make plans to attend swearing-in day. The schedule for the 113th Congress has not yet been released; however, we expect that next year’s schedule, including the swearing-in day, will be released in the next two weeks. Generally, we get this in late November or early December; for reference, the schedule for the first session of the 112th Congress was announced on December 8, 2010. The Constitution provides that the new Congress will convene on January 3rd unless the previous Congress otherwise designates by law (which happens regularly). As we get more information, we will let you know.
Ryan Donovan
Senior Vice President, Legislative Affairs
The Lame Duck
Based on our conversations with leadership staff, we understand that the target adjournment for the 112th Congress is now December 21; however, that date could slip depending on the outcome of fiscal cliff negotiations.
As we approach the end of the Congress, it is critical to keep a few things in mind: most of the negotiations on critical end-of-year legislation is being done with a small number of Representatives, Senators and administration officials; because of this, floor leaders will be looking for measures to consider on the floor to keep rank-and-file members occupied (and in Washington). The floor schedules below appear light, but we expect them to develop significantly over the week. And, as the lame duck extends into December, frequent changes to announced schedules are expected.
This Week’s Floor Schedule
The Senate comes back today at 2:00 p.m. to complete consideration of S. 3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. The agenda for the Senate for the remainder of the week has not been announced.
The House convenes tomorrow at 2 p.m. and will consider several bills under suspension of the rules. On Wednesday, the House will consider additional bills under suspension of the rules. Thursday and the balance of the week, the House will consider H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012, legislation that amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to modify immigration and work visa law.
Committee Meetings
On Thursday morning, the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee and Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee will hold a joint hearing on "Examining the Impact of the Proposed Rules to Implement Basel III Capital Standards." In the afternoon, the Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology Subcommittee will have a hearing on "The Future of Money: Dollars and Sense."
Swearing-in Day for the 113th Congress
I know several of you are trying to make plans to attend swearing-in day. The schedule for the 113th Congress has not yet been released; however, we expect that next year’s schedule, including the swearing-in day, will be released in the next two weeks. Generally, we get this in late November or early December; for reference, the schedule for the first session of the 112th Congress was announced on December 8, 2010. The Constitution provides that the new Congress will convene on January 3rd unless the previous Congress otherwise designates by law (which happens regularly). As we get more information, we will let you know.
Ryan Donovan
Senior Vice President, Legislative Affairs