Washington Update: The 107th Session of the U.S. Congress
The story in Washington this month is more about gridlock and what has not happened than Congressional action. This Congress has adjourned leaving a lot of unfinished business that will be left to the lame duck Congress currently in session. This includes welfare reform (TANF), affordable housing and social security measures! See Election Results under Fact File
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On October 16th, Congress approved the 4th continuing resolution allowing government programs to be funded at current levels through November 22, 2002.C
The President signed the conference report, HR. 5010, for Defense Department appropriations. It provides $355.1 billion for the department in fiscal year 2003 – a $21 billion increase over fiscal year 2002.Action:
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Call congress to urge a three-year extension of TANF. This will avoid having another discussion about welfare reform in 2004, a Congressional and Presidential election year.C
Call the White House at (202) 456-1111`and tell the President that a one-year extension of TANF won’t work for states facing budgetary crises.