Several big votes are expected this week, as the farm bill [1] finally leaves conference negotiations and hits the floors of the House and Senate for possibly final votes, amendments to the latest Iraq War funding bill [2] wind through the House, and congressional elections are held in Mississippi [3], West Virginia [4] and Nebraska [5].

Farm bill
The Farm bill [6] is finally hitting the floor in the Senate and House this week. President George W. Bush [7] has threatened to veto the bill, and White House actually posted a list of its objections on its Web site this afternoon. They include:

• $20 billion over Bush’s recommendations
• insufficient cuts to subsidy levels for individual farmers
• more farm subsidies even while food prices hit record levels

Iraq War funding
In addition to action on the Farm bill, expect votes on three separate amendments related to the Iraq supplemental [8]. House Democrats have decided to push the amendments to give different factions within their caucus an opportunity to vote on the war and on troop withdrawal, all while forcing a slate of domestic funding options into a must-pass defense bill.

The first amendment includes $166 billion for funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through early 2009. That would give the incoming president several months of time before the controversial question of Iraq hits the 111th Congress. A second amendment would set a non-binding goal for taking American troops out of Iraq.

The third amendment contains measures designed to ram several domestic concessions through Congress and outside the normal budget process. The amendment will fund extended unemployment benefits and an expansion of veterans education benefits. Since the bill is considered “emergency” legislation it doesn’t comply with “pay as you go” rules (which requires new spending to be offset by reductions elsewhere). That doesn’t sit well with conservative Democrats (the so-called Blue Dogs) and might violate a campaign pledge made my Speaker Nancy Pelosi [9] (D-Calif.). The domestic amendment would cost $10 billion over 10 years.

Congressional elections
The perceived shift in support away from Republicans has been a constant theme since the 2006 mid-term elections, when Democrats were able to hold every one of their seats in the House and Senate. In turn, they were also able to defeat numerous Republican incumbents, wresting control of both chambers of Congress in the process.

Recent events have indicated additional problems for the GOP this election cycle: in two previously stalwart Republican districts, Democrats wrought surprising victories during special elections. First came Bill Foster [10] (D) in Illinois [11], where he defeated Republican Jim Oberweis [12] in a March contest to fill the remaining term of retired House Speaker Dennis Hastert [13] (R-Ill.).

Then, just last week, Democratic candidate Don Cazayoux [14] defeated Woody Jenkins [15], a Republican, to replace former Rep. Richard Baker [16] (R) in Louisiana [17].

Both districts voted for President Bush in 2004, and Hastert and Baker were both elected to office in 1987: their district had voted Republican for at least 20 years. The dramatic reversal of fortunes for the GOP in those districts begs the question: are they a bellwether of things to come or aberrations rooted in local politics?

Another special election tomorrow might hold at least part of the answer: Mississippi [18]’s 1st congressional district is another long-time Republican stronghold, most recently represented by Roger Wicker [19]. Wicker served seven terms in the House of Representatives before taking over former Sen. Trent Lott [20]’s term.

Democrat Travis Childers [21] earned the most votes in a recent special election – though not a majority – among a field of candidates, including Republican Greg Davis [22]. Tomorrow Childers and Davis are in a runoff that might have implications outside the district. If Childers can secure another Democratic win, it will lend more credence to the argument that GOP candidates face greater obstacles in the fall.

Finally, Nebraska [23] and West Virginia [24] hold their congressional primaries on Tuesday.

Hearings Schedules:
May 13, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation [25]
  To hold an oversight hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), 10 a.m., SR-253.
• Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources [26]
  To hold hearings to examine the impacts of climate change on the reliability, security, economics, and design of critical energy infrastructure in coastal regions, 10 a.m., SD-366.
• Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works [27]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed legislation on mercury, 10 a.m., SD-406.
• Senate Committee on Finance [28]
  To hold hearings to examine cracking the code, focusing on tax reform for individuals, 10 a.m., SD-215.
• Senate Committee on Indian Affairs [29]
  To hold an oversight hearing to examine the successes and shortfalls of Title IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, focusing on 20 years of self-governance, 2:30 p.m., SD-562.
• Senate Committee on the Judiciary [30]
  To hold hearings to examine the Bulletproof Vest Partnership program, focusing on protecting our nation's law enforcement officers, 10 a.m., SD-226.
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [31]
  To hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219.

May 14, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense [32]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the United States National Guard and Reserve, 9:30 a.m., SD-192.
• Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government [33]
  To hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Federal Trade Commission, 3 p.m., SD-192.
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Automotive Safety [34]
  To hold hearings to examine plastic additives in consumer products, 10 a.m., SR-253.
• Senate Committee on Foreign Relations [35]
  To hold hearings to examine responding to the global food crisis, 9:30 a.m., SD-419.
• Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Subcommittee on Children and Families [36]
  To hold hearings to examine addressing the challenge of children with food allergies, 2:30 p.m., SD-430.
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs [37]
  To hold hearings to examine the nomination of Paul A. Schneider, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, 10 a.m., SD-342.
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security [38]
  To hold an oversight hearing to examine the National Archives, focusing on protecting our nation's history for future generations, 3 p.m., SD-342.
• Senate Special Committee on Aging [39]
  To hold hearings to examine the future of Alzheimer's disease, focusing on current breakthroughs and challenges, 10:30 a.m., SD-106.

House

• House Committee on Armed Services [40]
  To mark up H.R. 5658, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Education and Labor [41]
  Hearing on the following bills: H.R. Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act; and H.R. 5876, Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008, 10:15 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health [42]
  Hearing entitled ``Discussion Draft of the `Food an Drug Administration Globalization Act' Legislation: Device and Cosmetic Safety Provisions,'' 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Financial Services [43]
  Hearing entitled ``Contributing Factors and International Responses to the Global Food Crisis,'' 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs [44]
  To mark up Merida Partnership to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Violence Authorization Act of 2008, 11 a.m., 2172 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Europe [45]
  Hearing on Improving America's Security, Strengthening Transatlantic Relations: An Update on the Expansion of the Visa Waiver Program, 1 p.m., 2200 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia [46]
  Hearing on U.S. Assistance to South Asia: Is there a strategy to go with all that money? 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response [47]
  Hearing entitled ``Advancing Public Alert and Warning Systems to Build a More Resilient Nation, 10 a.m., 311 Cannon.
• House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection [48]
  Hearing entitled ``Partnering with the Private Sector to Secure Critical Infrastructure: Has the Department of Homeland Security Abandoned the Resilience-Based Approach?'' 2 p.m., 311 Cannon.
• House Committee on House Administration, Subcommittee on Elections [49]
  Hearing on Election Contingency Plans: What Have We Learned and Is America Prepared? 2 p.m., 1310 Longworth.
• House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Laws and the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security [50]
  Joint hearing on Allegations of Selective Prosecution Part II: The Erosion of Public Confidence in Our Federal Justice System, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Natural Resources [51]
  To mark up the following bills: H.R. 554, Paleontological Resources Preservation Act; H.R. 3022, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Wilderness Act of 2007; H.R. 2632, Sabinoso Wilderness Act of 2007; H.R. 5680, To amend certain laws relating to Native Americans, and for other purposes; and H.R. 3682, California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act, 11 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform [52]
  Hearing on Should FDA Drug and Medical Device Regulation Bar State Liability Claims? 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement [53]
  Hearing on Management of Civil Rights Programs at USDA, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Science and Technology [54]
  Hearing on Water Supply Challenges for the 21st Century, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Regulations, Health Care and Trade [55]
  Hearing on the Impact of CMS Regulations and Programs on Small Health Care Providers, 2 p.m., 1539 Longworth.
• House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Aviation [56]
  Hearing on Impact of Consolidation on the Aviation Industry, with a Focus on the Proposed Merger Between Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials [57]
  Hearing on Amtrak Reauthorization, 10 a.m., 2167 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Health [58]
  Hearing on Health Savings Accounts and Consumer Driven Health Care: Cost Containment or Cost-Shift? 10:30 a.m., 1100 Longworth.
• House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming [59]
  Hearing entitled ``Building Green, Saving Green: Construction Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Buildings, 2 p.m., room to be announced.

May 15, 2008

Senate

• Senate Committee on Appropriations [60]
  Business meeting to mark up the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2008, 2 p.m., SD-106.
• Senate Committee on Armed Services [61]
  Business meeting to consider pending military nominations, 9:30 a.m., SR-222.
• Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs [62]
  To hold hearings to examine the condition of our nation's infrastructure, focusing on perspectives from our nation's mayors, 10 a.m., SD-538.
• Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources [63]
  To hold hearings to examine development of oil shale resources, 2:30 p.m., SD-366.
• Senate Committee on Foreign Relations [64]
  To hold hearings to examine United States-China relations in the era of globalization, 2 p.m., SD-419.
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs [65]
  To hold hearings to examine nuclear terrorism, focusing on providing medical care and meeting basic needs in an aftermath, 10 a.m., SD-342.
• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia [66]
  To hold hearings to examine the organizational structures of the State Department responsible for arms control, counterproliferation, and nonproliferation, focusing on the processes they have in place for optimizing national efforts, and how responsive those structures and processes are to the Executive Branch's nonproliferation and counterproliferation polices, 2 p.m., SD-342.
• Senate Committee on Indian Affairs [67]
  To hold hearings to examine S. 1080, to develop a program to acquire interests in land from eligible individuals within the Crow Reservation in the State of Montana, H.R. 2120, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to proclaim as reservation for the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians a parcel of land now held in trust by the United States for that Indian tribe, S. 2494, to provide for equitable compensation to the Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation for the use of tribal land for the production of hydropower by the Grand Coulee Dam, H.R. 2963, to transfer certain land in Riverside County, California, and San Diego County, California, from the Bureau of Land Management to the United States to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, and S. 531, to repeal section 10(f) of Public Law 93-531, commonly known as the ``Bennett Freeze'', 9:30 a.m., SD-562.
• Senate Committee on the Judiciary [68]
  To hold hearings to examine S. 2913, to provide a limitation on judicial remedies in copyright infringement cases involving orphan works, S. 2511, to amend the grant program for law enforcement armor vests to provide for a waiver of or reduction in the matching funds requirement in the case of fiscal hardship, S. 2565, to establish an awards mechanism to honor exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by Federal law enforcement officers, H.R. 4056, to establish an awards mechanism to honor Federal law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty, S. 2774, to provide for the appointment of additional Federal circuit and district judges, S. 1738, to establish a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction within the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, to improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, to increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, and to make other improvements to increase the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute predators, S. 2756, to amend the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to establish a permanent background check system, D582S. 1515, to establish a domestic violence volunteer attorney network to represent domestic violence victims, S. 2942, to authorize funding for the National Advocacy Center, S. 2982, to amend the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to authorize appropriations, and the nomination of G. Steven Agee, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, 3:30 p.m., SD-226.
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence [69]
  To hold closed hearings to examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH-219.

House

• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health [70]
  Hearing on H.R. 5998, Protecting Children's Health Coverage Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee Oversight and Investigations [71]
  Hearing entitled ``In the Hands of Strangers: Are Nursing Home Safeguards Working?'' 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment [72]
  Hearing on Our Forgotten Responsibility: What Can We Do To Help Victims of Agent Orange? 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight [73]
  Hearing on UN Security Resolution 1325: Recognizing Women's Vital Roles in Achieving Peace and Security, 2 p.m., 2172 Rayburn.
• House Committee on the Judiciary, Task Force on Competition Policy and Antitrust Laws, hearing on H.R. 5546, Credit Card Fair Fee Act of 2008, 11 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. [http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=House_Committee_on_Natural_Resources House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans [74]
  Oversight hearing on the management of West Coast salmon fisheries, 10 a.m., 1324 Longworth.
• House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform [75]
  Hearing on Defense Base Act Insurance: Are Taxpayers Paying Too Much? 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
• House Committee on Small Business [76]
  Hearing entitled ``Food Prices and Small Businesses,'' 10 a.m., 1539 Longworth.