Monday, November 13, 2006

4:48 Senator Wyden spoke about Prescription Drug prices Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon spoke about a measure he and Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine introduced to lift a restriction on Medicare Part D that does not allow Medicare to bargain for lower prescription drug prices.  Senator Wyden cited a recent poll that says 93% of Americans want this restriction lifted.  The Senate supported this measure earlier this year in a vote of 54 to 44.  Senator Wyden said that this measure will ensure that senior citizens and tax payers can hold down the cost of medicine.  It would also help employers who are protecting their retirees by providing them with insurance.  The measure would work by allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate on behalf of all people in smaller Medicare private plans that need a particular drug. 5:31:35 PM

4:15 Senator Akaka spoke on HR 5385, the Military Construction Approps bill Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii introduced an amendment to the Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations bill.  His amendment would fully fund the Veterans’ Affairs Office of the Inspector General (OIG).  Senator Akaka expressed disappointment that the appropriations bill includes a cut of 27 staff members from the Inspector General’s office. His amendment would provide $2.5 million to reinstate these positions.  Senator Akaka noted that without a fully funded OIG, it would be impossible to ensure that the billions of dollars in this bill were spent wisely.  He urged his colleagues to support his amendment. 4:54:22 PM

3:10 Senator Hutchison on the Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropiations Bill Senator Kay bailey Hutchison of Texas introduced the Military Construction and Veteran’s affairs appropriations bill.  This bill includes $16.26 billion for military construction, $77.9 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and $143 million for related agencies.  Senator Hutchison said that this bill provides much needed resources for veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, provides funding for family housing initiatives at the Department of Defense, and funds prosthetic research and development for soldiers who are injured.  She also said this bill will meet the needs of military construction and veterans.  Senator Hutchison thanked Senator Dianne Feinstein from California for her bipartisanship and support in drafting this legislation.  She also mentioned that this will come before the Senate for a vote sometime after 2:15 pm on Tuesday November 14. Senator Feinstein then spoke and also thanked Senator Hutchison for her bipartisanship in supporting this legislation, which will provide the veterans will services they were promised and deserve.  Senator Feinstein believes this is a good bill and she would like to see a conference report sent to the President to be signed into law before the end of the year. 3:42:28 PM

2:15 Senator Reid Spoke about the upcoming months Senator Reid spoke about the upcoming months as the Democrats take over the leadership of the Senate.  He outlined three main priorities: bipartisanship, open government, and results.  Without bipartisanship, neither party can accomplish anything, so Senator Reid urged his colleagues to work across the aisle to find the best solutions to problems.  He also mentioned that there have not been any congressional conference committees that have been open to the public, and that should change in the 110th Congress.  Additionally, Senator Reid urged Senator Frist to revisit the lobbying and ethics reform legislation that passed the Senate, but died in the House of Representatives.  2:36:55 PM

2:00 Senate Reconvenes The Senate has reconvened after the October recess and is currently in morning business.  Majority Leader Senator Frist has said that the Senate will begin consideration of the Military Construction – Veterans’ Affairs appropriations bill.  He also said that he hopes this bill will be completed Tuesday November 14.  The Senate will also take up consideration of a short-term continuing resolution, to extend the CR that expires on November 18.  This will allow many federal programs to continue running under current spending levels.  The Senate will also consider the Vietnam trade legislation, as well as the U.S.-India nuclear agreement.  Senator Frist also mentioned that both the Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats will hold leadership elections this week 2:12:28 PM

Senate Convenes for Lame-Duck Session The Senate will convene at 2:00 p.m. today for a post-election lame-duck session that is expected to last this week and continue in December after the Thanksgiving holiday.  The Senate must pass a Continuing Resolution, before the current one expires on November 18, to continue the funding stream for many government programs.  The Senate begins consideration of the Military Construction – Veterans’ Affairs appropriation bill today, with several other Fiscal Year 2007 appropriations bills to follow.  The Senate may also consider bills on easing restrictions on offshore drilling, establishing rules for the National Security’s warrantless wiretapping, and a bill to allow the United States to export nuclear technology to India for the first time in thirty years. The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold several hearings this week, including one on Thursday on “Oversight of the Civil Rights Division.”  The House and Senate Armed Services Committee will hold hearings on Wednesday and Thursday on the status of the war in Iraq.  The head of U.S. Central Command, General John Abizaid, is scheduled to appear before the panels. 1:44:47 PM