House Considers Omnibus Appropriations, Other Issues
During the month of March, Congress completed work on a fiscal year 2009 omnibus appropriations measure that opponents argued increased spending too much (H.R. 1105). Specifically, the $410 billion measure would increase spending on related programs by 8.3% above the fiscal year 2008 level. Opponents also criticized the measure for containing thousands of “earmarks” that received little or no scrutiny prior to passage.
Congressman Todd Platts voted against H.R. 1105. He pointed out that the spending increases contained in the bill will be in addition to the $790 billion of spending contained in the recently-enacted stimulus bill. H.R. 1105 ultimately passed, however, by a vote of 245-178 in the House and 62-35 in the Senate. President Obama signed the measure into law on March 11, 2009. Work is now beginning on the budget resolution and appropriations measures for fiscal year 2010.
Also during the month of March, the House passed a bill by a vote of 234-191 that would allow judges to order mortgages to be reduced for certain individuals who are behind on their mortgage payments (H.R. 1106). Congressman Platts voted against H.R. 1106, arguing that the cost of so-called mortgage “cram downs” would be paid by other homeowners (through increased interest rates) and taxpayers (for federally-guaranteed mortgages). The measure is now pending consideration in the Senate.
Other bills considered during the month of March included: a bill to provide clean water grants to states and through the Environmental Protection Agency (H.R. 1262); a bill aimed at recouping certain bonuses awarded at federally-assisted companies, unless those companies repay most of the funds that they have received through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (H.R. 1586); and, a public lands bill aimed at protecting specific wilderness areas, scenic rivers, and historic sites (H.R. 146). Congressman Platts voted in favor of each of these measures, which passed by margins of 317-101, 328-93, and 285-140, respectively.
Other Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Floor Statement on H.R. 1388 - The Generations Invigorating Volunteering and Education (GIVE) Act
On March 18, 2009, the House passed legislation by a vote of 321-105 to reauthorize and improve national service programs like the National Senior Volunteer Corps, the National Civilian Community Corps, Learn and Serve America, and AmeriCorps (H.R. 1388). The Senate subsequently passed the bill by a vote of 79-19 and the President is expected to sign the measure into law. Congressman Platts managed the bill on the House floor and voted in favor of its passage. A copy of his statement in support of the legislation is posted on the web site.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/pa19_platts/GIVEact2009.shtml)
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