Recently in Washington

Last week the House passed H.R. 3797, the Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment (SENSE) Act, by a vote of 231-183.  H.R. 3797 provides flexibility in the application of the Environment Protection Agency's (EPA) Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for Power Plants (MATS) that utilize coal refuse to generate electricity. On Wednesday, the House passed the H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act, by a vote of 411-0.  This legislation extends by five years the temporary exemption granted to small business by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from enhanced disclosure requirements for Internet Service Providers in the Open Internet Order.  On Thursday, the House adopted H.Res. 639, a resolution authorizing the Speaker to appear as amicus curiae on behalf of the House of Representatives in the matter of the United States, et. al. v. Texas, et al., No. 15-674, by a vote of 234-186. Congressman Simpson supported all three bills.

Simpson Challenges Obama on Constitutional Authority over Immigration

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported H.Res. 639, authorizing an amicus brief—also known as a “friend of the court” brief—to be filed on behalf of the House Representatives in the Supreme Court.  This brief supports the 26 states that filed legal action against President Obama for his infringement on Article I authority over immigration policy in the case, U.S. v. Texas.  It is the first time the House has taken an official position and filed an amicus brief on a Supreme Court case.  H.Res. 639 was adopted in the House by a vote of 234-186.

“The President’s actions are contrary to the way the American people expect the President and Congress to interact,” said Simpson.  “I am deeply concerned by the President’s continued overreach and disregard of Congress’ role in making laws.”

Simpson has long supported legislation to block unilateral actions by the Executive branch and to restore power to the appropriate branches of government. Simpson previously filed in the 5th Circuit Court an amicus brief in support of the states’ suit against the President. 

The primary argument of the brief involves an Article I v. Article II controversy regarding the discretion of the executive branch to make laws without authority.

“With the Supreme Court considering a fundamental case on the role of the executive and legislative branches in making laws, it is imperative that we use all tools at our disposal to stop the President’s overreach,” said Simpson.  “We have found ourselves in this situation far too often in the last seven years, so I do hope that the Supreme Court will send a clear message to the Administration that will restore the balance of powers dictated by the Constitution.”

In November, the 5th Circuit Court ruled against the Administration, preventing the 2014 executive action from being implemented.  The Administration subsequently appealed their case to the Supreme Court.

Committee Schedule

Tuesday

At 9:00 a.m., the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee on Appropriations will hold a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2017 budget request for the Environmental Protection Agency with Administrator Gina McCarthy.

At 10:00 a.m., the House Labor, Heath and Human Services and Education Subcommittee on Appropriations will hold a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2017 budget request for the Department of Education with Acting Secretary John King, Jr.

Wednesday

At 10:00 a.m., the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee on Appropriations will hold a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2017 budget request for the Smithsonian Institution with Secretary David Skorton.  

At 10:00 a.m., the House Labor, Heath and Human Services and Education Subcommittee on Appropriations will hold a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2017 budget request for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with Director Thomas Frieden.

Floor Schedule

MONDAY, MARCH 21ST
On Monday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 1670 - National POW/MIA Remembrance Act of 2015 (Sponsored by Rep. Stephen Lynch / House Administration Committee)

2) House Amendment to S. 192 - Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Sen. Lamar Alexander / Education and Workforce Committee)

3) H.R. 4314 - Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Lee Zeldin / Foreign Affairs Committee)

4) S. 2393 - Foreclosure Relief and Extension for Servicemembers Act of 2015 (Sponsored by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)

5) Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4721 - Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Bill Shuster / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

6) S. 1180 - Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015 (Sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

TUESDAY, MARCH 22ND
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 4742 - Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act (Sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Esty / Science, Space, and Technology Committee)

2) H.R. 4755 - Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act (Sponsored by Rep. Barbara Comstock / Science, Space, and Technology Committee)

3) H.R. 482 - Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Boundary Revision Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Sanford Bishop / Natural Resources Committee)

4) H.R. 2857 - To facilitate the addition of park administration at the Coltsville National Historical Park, and for other purposes (Sponsored by Rep. John Larson / Natural Resources Committee)

5) H.R. 4119 - Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Steven Palazzo / Natural Resources Committee)

6) H.R. 4472 - Modernizing the Interstate Placement of Children in Foster Care Act (Sponsored by Rep. Todd Young / Ways and Means Committee)

7) H.R. 4336 - Women Airforce Service Pilot Arlington Inurnment Restoration Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Martha McSally / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)

Begin Consideration of H.R. 2745 - SMARTER Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Blake Farenthold / Judiciary Committee)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23RD AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.

On Thursday and Friday, no votes are expected in the House.

Complete Consideration of H.R. 2745 - SMARTER Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Blake Farenthold / Judiciary Committee)