Analysis –

An extension of unemployment insurance benefits will occupy the Senate for most of the week, again. Not only is this the wrong way to address the lack of jobs, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has numerous amendments, including those that may actually spur job creation. Shutting down the amendment process does not bode well for the upcoming health care debate. Americans and Senators are eager to start the health care debate, but Senator Reid has refused to release any details of the legislation.

Major Floor Action –

  • The extension of unemployment benefits (HR 3548) faces a key procedural vote Monday afternoon. If successful, that measure will pass the Senate this week.
  • Several stalled spending bills remain on the Senate’s backburner, including the Military Construction-VA appropriations bill (HR 3802) and the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill (HR 2847).

Major Committee Action –