Recently in Washington

Last week the House passed H.R. 444, the Require a PLAN Act, which requires the President to submit a supplemental balanced budget by April 1, 2013 in the event that his initial budget does not achieve balance.  Congressman Simpson supported the bill.  A number of upcoming major issues remain on Congress’ “to-do” list, including issues associated with the budget sequester scheduled to come into effect on March 1, the current Continuing Resolution expiring on March 27, and the debt limit scheduled to come into effect on May 18.

Americans Deserve a PLAN
House passes ‘Require a PLAN Act’ in an attempt to get a responsible budget from the Administration

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson last week supported passage of H.R. 444, the Require a PLAN Act.  H.R. 444 requires the President to submit a supplemental budget proposal by April 1, 2013, in the event that the President’s initial 2014 budget submission does not achieve balance.  It would require that the President’s supplemental budget identify how he would achieve a balanced budget, include policies that will be implemented to attain this goal, and offer an explanation of those policies. The bill passed the House with a final vote of 253-167.               

“In Idaho, we know how to live on a budget. Families do it. Our Governor and State Legislators do it. The Federal Government needs to do the same,” said Congressman Simpson. “Congress is willing to make the difficult decisions in order to balance the budget, but the President needs to make similar decisions - he needs to produce a PLAN to get our economy back on track.”

The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 requires the President to submit a budget each year on the first Monday in February. Despite this legal obligation, the President has failed to submit a timely budget four out of the last five years. The first and last timely budget submission occurred on February 1, 2010.  Moreover, with respect to the FY 2014 budget, the President acknowledged on January 11, 2013 that he would not submit his budget as required by law and failed to identify a date for submission.

“America realizes we can’t borrow our way out of this situation,” Simpson said, “House Republicans have already passed legislation this year that would require the House and the Senate to pass their budgets on time, with the penalty of failure being withholding the pay of the Members in each body. This policy is heavily supported by the American people and is now law. The President should also be held accountable.”

When President Obama’s then Budget Director, and current Treasury Secretary nominee Jack Lew testified before the House Budget Committee on the FY12 Budget, Congressman Simpson asked him similar questions about when the President’s budget plan would achieve balance. Lew admits that the President’s budget never balances. Watch the video clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jntteCGI47g


Floor Schedule

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH
On Monday, the House is not in session.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. The House will recess no later than 5:30 p.m. to allow a security sweep of the House Chamber prior to the President's State of the Union address. The House will meet again at approximately 8:35 p.m. for the purpose of receiving, in a joint session with the Senate, the President of the United States. No votes are expected.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 267 - Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2013 (Sponsored by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers / Energy and Commerce Committee)

2) H.R. 316 - Collinsville Renewable Energy Promotion Act (Sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Esty / Energy and Commerce Committee)

3) H.R. 235 - Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act of 2013 (Sponsored by Rep. Adam Kinzinger / Energy and Commerce Committee)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH, AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday and Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.

H.R. 592 - To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to clarify that houses of worship are eligible for certain disaster relief and emergency assistance on terms equal to other eligible private nonprofit facilities, and for other purposes (Suspension, 40 minutes of debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

H.R. 273 - To eliminate the 2013 statutory pay adjustment for Federal employees (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Ron DeSantis / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)