Congress returned yesterday (11/17) to start discussions on
various organizational changes, including elections for committee and
leadership positions. Votes are expected
in both chambers, in their respective caucuses, as Members work to restructure -
given the Democratic seats added in the November 4th election.
Equally important will be efforts to address outstanding
priorities, including plans to advance a second stimulus package. However, given the closely divided Senate, it
appears that a full-blown $100 billion package will not garner the support
needed to pass the Senate. The House is
scheduled to convene on Wednesday (11/19) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has
said that the chamber will not begin work on a stimulus bill unless the Senate
and Bush Administration agree to one first.
Currently, however, there is opposition from Republicans and the
Administration to a second stimulus bill.
If a larger stimulus bill does move, it may include an
extensions of clean energy tax incentives, including additional funds for the
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) program. Morgan Meguire has been in
contact with certain House offices that are promoting such a provision. Separately,
we may see provisions relating to borrowing authority of the Bonneville Power
Administration and loans to the Western Area Power Administration to build
transmission for the primary purpose of accessing renewable energy.
Absent sufficient support for a broad stimulus package,
Democrats will push for a smaller measure to extend unemployment insurance and
provide an additional $25 billion in assistance to the auto industry. Currently, both stimulus plans seem in
trouble.
If a stimulus bill does not advance in the "lame-duck"
session, President-elect Obama said stimulus legislation would be his first
priority after being sworn into office on January 20.