The House of Representatives passed funding for high-speed rail projects, lifted a stupid ban on using taxpayer dollars for needle exchange programs for intravenous drug users, and passed a measure to require PAYGO, or "pay-as-you-go" budget rules. House committees approved bills to Puerto Ricans decide their island's political status and to shift student loan lending from FFELP to the Department of Education's Direct Loan program instead per President Obama's request.
The Senate approved a defense spending bill that includes the F-22 and alternate F-35 engine cuts that President Obama and the Pentagon wanted. The Senate also rejected an amendment to would have let people carry hidden guns in 48 states if they have a concealed weapon permit in any one of them. Differences now need to be resolved with the House.
As for health care, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says the Senate will miss the August deadline for a vote on legislation and it will be postponed until September. The House may vote next week (or not), but work is still ongoing. The White House isn't happy, of course, but still hopeful.
Friday, July 24, 2009
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