PENDING IN CONGRESS

Status of Key Legislation*

Airline Security

The Senate has passed a bill that requires creation of a federal force of aviation-security personnel, putting air marshals on most commercial flights and strengthening cockpit doors, and permits pilots to carry guns.

Aviation Security Act S. 1447(Passed in Senate; referred to House 10/16/01 ), HR 2951 (Held.)

Defense

The measure, which includes a supplemental $18 billion request by President Bush, has been passed by both House (S 1438 with HR 2586 text) and Senate (S 1438), but faces a difficult conference to achieve passage.

Defense Reauthorization for FY 2002: HR  2586, S 1438 (To conference 10/23/01 .)

Economic stimulus

The House Ways and Means Committee on Friday approved a $100 billion economic-stimulus plan on a party-line vote. It includes a new round of rebates and accelerated income tax cuts, and effectively reduces capital-gains taxes. This bill barely passed in the House with a 216-214 vote. It has been referred to Senate, where it is expected to undergo significant change.

Economic Security and Recovery Act of 2001: HR 3090 (Referred to Senate10/24/01.)

Terrorism

Amidst a variety of bills considered “Anti-Terrorism Acts”, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 was introduced to the House and rapidly passed through to the Senate, where it passed with a vote of 98-1. It is a measure that approves enhancement of surveillance procedures from wire-tapping to financial monitoring, border protection and immigration procedures, provides aid for families of victims, and stauncher penalties for terrorism-related crimes.

USA Patriot Act of 2001: HR 3162 (Passed; to be signed into law, 10/25/01 .) 

Trade

The president is seeking “fast-track” procedures through 2005 requiring Congress to vote, without amendment, on trade deals negotiated by the administration. Congress would have to act within three months after the president submitted the deal. The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to take up the bill next week, despite concern from Democrats that it does not do enough to enforce labor and environmental side agreements attached to trade negotiations. The Senate has not yet taken action.

Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001: HR 2149, S 599 (Both in committee.)

*Note: Taken from Washington Times 10/18/01 with information added from: http://thomas.loc.gov  website

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