Friday, December 17, 2010

Lame Duck Round-Up

As the semester and Congress draw to a close, here's a look at some of the bills that are going to be brought up in Congress:

1. Tax Cuts:  As I previously mentioned, a tax deal compromise was being sent through Congress.  It's now been passed by both the House and the Senate and is waiting for Obama to sign.  This deal will extend all the tax cuts from the Bush era as well as unemployment benefits.  It will be a huge campaign issue in 2012 since the extension is only for two years.  Ezra Klein has his reaction.

2. DREAM Act: This act would be a huge boost to many immigrant children who were brought at a young age to America and wouldn't be able to survive if they were deported to their "home" country where they have no ties.  This act would allow for children of illegal immigrants to attend college or serve in the military for two years so they could gain citizenship.  It would go a long way to help solve the immigration problem the US is currently facing.

3. Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal:  With a vote set for Saturday on this bill, this would end discrimination against gays and lesbians who want to serve in the military.  Following a report that concluded that including gays and lesbians in the military wouldn't harm readiness or effectiveness, many Senators are ready to vote to repeal this act.  Hopefully the Senators will follow through and vote to end this discriminatory practice.

While that's only some of the bills coming up, time is running out for other initiatives such as the START treaty as well as these bills.  However a lot can still be accomplished over the next week and it will be exciting to see how Congress, especially the Senate votes.

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