There was lots of action on Capitol Hill this past week, as many high-profile issues were debated and considered in both the House and Senate. The House took up veterans’ legislation and a State Department appropriations bill, while the Senate passed comprehensive energy legislation. For an in-depth look at the bills considered in Congress since Monday, we again turn to Robert McElroy’s TheWeekInCongress [3]. His site is a great resource for citizens wishing to keep track of what their members are up to in Washington, and we urge you to check it out. Follow the headlines below to the Congresspedia [4] articles covering the respective issues, which in turn link to and heavily rely on McElroy’s analyses.

• The Senate passed a comprehensive energy bill [5] which would mandate an increase in fuel economy standards, set penalties for gasoline price-gouging and provide federal grants and loans to promote research into fuel-efficient vehicles.
• The House passed a bill appropriating funds to the State Department [6] for fiscal year (FY) 2008. The measure would launch a new initiative to improve drinking water around the world, as well as provide military and economic aid to developing nations.
• The House passed bills authorizing small business aid (training, counseling, and outreach opportunities) for both women [7] and veterans [8].
• The House passed a resolution requiring that all earmarks [9] included in appropriations bills be identified (along with their sponsors) in conference reports, which are made available before final votes are taken.