Congress Returns to Debate Auto Bail-Out, Unemployment Benefits
During the month of November, Congress returned to session to debate whether taxpayers should provide an additional $25 billion in funds to the automobile industry. A $25 billion loan program already exists to help automobile companies develop more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Congressman Todd Platts expressed concerns about providing yet more taxpayer funds to the automobile industry, noting that the industry needs to reform itself significantly to be able to compete in the global marketplace. He stated that federal resources would be more wisely directed to rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure and used on programs—like unemployment compensation—meant to directly assist citizens impacted by recent job losses in the private sector.
On November 20, 2008, the United States Senate did take up unemployment compensation legislation already passed by the House (H.R. 6867). Congressman Platts voted in favor of H.R. 6867, which extends unemployment benefits by seven weeks in all states and by thirteen weeks in states with high unemployment rates. The House passed H.R. 6867 by a vote of 368-28, and the Senate passed the measure by a vote of 89-6. President George W. Bush signed the bill into law on November 21, 2008.
Ultimately, no legislation for an automobile bail-out was voted on by the full House or Senate during the month of November. It is unclear at this point whether the 110th Congress will reconvene during December to address the issue.
Visiting Washington, D.C., in December
If you are planning to visit Washington, D.C., during the month of December, there are a number of attractions which may be of interest to you. Please feel free to call the office of Congressman Platts at 202-225-5836 for more information about the following or other attractions:
Capitol Visitors Center
The new Capitol Visitors Center will be opening on December 2nd to enhance the experience of visitors to the United States Capitol Building.
(http://www.aoc.gov/cvc/)
Capitol Christmas Tree
The Capitol Christmas Tree, which is travelling across the Nation this year from Montana, will be lit on the Capitol grounds on December 2nd.
(http://www.aoc.gov/cc/grounds/hol_trees/index.cfm)
National Christmas Tree
The National Christmas Tree, which is originally from York, Pennsylvania, will be lit at the White House Ellipse on December 4th.
(http://www.nps.gov/whho/national_christmas_tree_program.htm)
U.S. Botanic Garden:
The “Windows to Wonderland” exhibit at the Botanic Garden will run through January 4th, with free performances of seasonal music on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
(http://www.usbg.gov/)
Please do not attempt to reply to this message, as it is an unattended mailbox. If you wish to contact me about an issue addressed in this newsletter, or would like more information on what is happening in Congress, please visit my Web site at www.house.gov/platts for more information.
To unsubscribe to this newsletter, please visit my Web site and click the "E-Newsletter" link and follow the instructions.