Congress is back in session today with plenty of work to do. The Republicans are gloating and the Democrats are trying to push through pet projects. However, they both return to face a deadline to avoid government shutdown on December 3rd, as Bush-era tax cuts that are holding the IRS 2011 withholding federal rates hostage, and unemployment benefits run out November 30th.
Senate Democrats wanting a vote on the Food Safety Modernization Act may have to consider votes on two Republican amendments to get there. One amendment is to ban all earmarks permanently. The other is TSCPA’s favorite, a repeal of the health care provision for Form 1099 expanded reporting requirements. The Democrats will bring up the big defense bill again blocked by Republicans because of the “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” debate. Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid wants a vote on his Dream Act. President Obama wants the Senate to take action on the nuclear weapons treaty between U.S. and Russia.
The House may also see votes to repeal parts of the health care bill. A vote is expected on an annual adjustment for doctors who treat Medicare patients. They may find time for a censure vote of Rep. Charles Rangel, D-NY, over ethics violations. Democrats don’t want to leave out immigration reform. In addition to these issues, there is another bill to patch the alternative minimum tax.
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