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May 7-11, 2007
Latest Congressional Action
Senate
- Senate Opposes FAA's Air Traffic System Reform
Senators introduced an alternative to the Federal Aviation Administration air traffic reform. The administration-backed bill would eliminate the tax on the price of a plane ticket and replace it with a fee levied on airlines based largely on a plane's size. The Air Transport Association, the major airlines' trade group, called the Senate bill a "good move"; yet, the commercial airlines support the FAA plan, arguing their industry now bears an unfair financing burden when compared with general aviation airplanes. The Chamber supports an airport and air traffic management system with the capacity to efficiently handle much greater volumes of traffic, to meet an expected doubling in aviation over the next ten years.
- Senate Passes Drug Reimportation Law, Amendment Nullifies
The Senate passed an amendment that would allow the importation and re-importation of cheaper prescription drugs. However, they also passed an amendment by Thad Cochran, R-Miss., that would require the Health and Human Services Department to certify the safety and cost savings of any drug imports. HHS says they cannot do that, rendering the bill moot. The underlying bill, which would renew the FDA's role of providing reviews for pharmaceutical companies that pay user fees, is expected to wrap up. The House has yet to take up FDA overhaul legislation but is likely to be more amiable towards drug importation.
- Biofuels and Energy Security Debated
A Senate panel considered four bills promoting biofuels, energy efficiency, and technologies including the Biofuels for Energy Security and Transportation Act of 2007, a bill to enhance the energy security of the U.S. by promoting biofuels. The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee is scheduled to mark up a bill to improve passenger automobile fuel economy and safety, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and for other purposes.
- Senate Approves FDA reforms
The Senate voted by a 93 to 1 vote to give the FDA the power to force drug companies to conduct studies on the safety of drugs already on the market. The Senate also approved legislation giving the FDA authority to change drug warning labels without first negotiating with firms and approved an increase in fines if companies fail to comply with FDA orders. Some believe the bill will help restore consumer confidence toward an industry that has become infamous due to drug recalls and reports of serious health risks to consumers.
House
- House Passes Small Business Legislation
The House passed legislation by a 409-13 vote that will mandate more federal contracts be awarded to small businesses. The federal government will leave more contracts "unbundled" allowing small businesses to compete.
- House Passes Iraq Funding Bill
The House passed by a 221 to 205 vote its second plan to fund the war and reform war policy. The legislation would provide partial funding but hold back most of the money until President Bush reports on the war's progress in July. Bush said that he will include benchmarks in a final compromise for war funding but will veto legislation that does not fund the troops for a year. The Senate is still selecting their proposal.
Trade
- Administration And Congress Reach Trade Deal
After almost six months of negotiations, a trade deal was reached between Democratic congressional leaders and the White House. The deal requires that trading partners reach internationally recognized labor and environmental standards before Congress will vote to pass the trade agreements. These requirements will have to be ratified by law in the other countries as well. Trade pacts with Peru and Panama look promising following this agreement, while beef and human rights issues still plague South Korea and Colombia respectively. The agreement came just as the trade deficit jumped up 10% in March, putting the deficit at its highest level in six months.
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