GLWP Hill Happenings August 2013

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

  • The debate on whether to use military force in Syria will take up quite a bit of time and bandwidth the first week Congress is back in session (September 9th). Once that decision is resolved, legislators will turn their attention to other areas, possibly including:
    • Appropriations: House Speaker Rep. Boehner (OH-) indicated his intent to move a short-term Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded and open beyond the end of the 2013 Fiscal Year, which ends in September. His plans include maintaining the sequester, as well as funding for Healthcare Reform.
    • Water Resources (Reform and) Development Act: Though the Senate already passed its bill in May, the House has yet to act. Chairmen Bill Shuster (PA-) and Bob Gibbs (OH- ) announced their plans to address their version in September when Congress returns from its August break, with potential consideration by the full House in October. NEMWI will host a “WRDA in the Great Lakes” briefing to provide additional understanding on potential regional impacts.
    • Farm Bill: The House passed a “farm-only” bill in July after failing to pass a traditional farm bill that pairs farm with nutrition policy. House leadership indicated their plans, though not yet firm, to try to pass a nutrition bill in September with plans to go to conference with the Senate afterward, whether or not the bill passes.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Great Lakes Week, including annual meetings for the Great Lakes Commission and the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, as well as the Triennial meeting of the International Joint Commission
September 9-12, 2013 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin

WRDA in the Great Lakes briefing for the House
September 13, 2013 | Longworth House Office Building, 1310 | 2 – 3 p

Asian Carp eDNA briefing – what is it? Where’s the science? What’s its use in policy?September 16, 2013 | Capitol Visitor’s Center, Congressional Meeting Room North CVC-268
10:30 a – 12 p | RSVP

THE GREAT LAKES “FUNNY”

Minnesota State Fair 8.28.13%20DC:%205%20Summer%20restaurant%20openings%20you%20need%20to%20know%20about">featured for its creative cuisine