WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 – With both chambers of Congress back in session this week, the chairmen and ranking minority members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees are expected to get together and finalize their plans for cutting $23 billion out of farm bill spending over the next ten years.
The Ag Committee leaders originally planned to have their package finalized and delivered to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction by Nov. 1, but sources close to the process say it may take a little longer.
On Nov. 1, the so-called “Super Committee” will review previous attempts to build consensus on cutting the federal deficit. Witnesses include former Senator Alan Simpson and former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles, along with former Office of Management and Budget Director Alice Rivlin and former Sen. Pete Domenici.
The U.S. Senate is expected to approve the $182 billion “minibus” package which will fund agriculture, criminal justice, transportation and housing agencies through September 30, 2012. The House passed the agricultural appropriations bill on June 16, 2011.
House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) said last week that work is beginning on a one-month continuing resolution to fund the government past Nov. 19, which is when funding expires.
For other events and hearings in Washington this week:
Monday Oct. 31, 2011
10 a.m., Field Hearing: Regulatory Reform: Examining How New Regulations are Impacting Financial Institutions, Small Businesses and Consumers Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.
1:00 p.m. Te House will meet at 1:00 p.m. in Pro Forma session.
3:00 p.m.: The Senate convenes and begins a period of morning business.
USDA Reports: Agricultural Prices, Egg Products, Crop Progress
Tuesday Nov. 1, 2011
The Senate resumes consideration of H.R.2112 and will proceed to votes on the remaining amendments;
12:00 p.m. 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. 1002 - Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011 (Sponsored Rep. Zoe Lofgren / Judiciary Committee)
2) H.Con.Res 13 - Reaffirming "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions (Sponsored Rep. Randy Forbes / Judiciary Committee)
3) S. 1280 - Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 (Sponsored by Sen. Johnny Isakson / Foreign Affairs Committee)
Wednesday Nov. 2, 2011
10:00 a.m. The House will meet for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.
Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:
1) H.R. 2061 - Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2011, as amended (Sponsored Rep. Richard Hanna / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
2) H.R.1070 - Small Company Capital Formation Act of 2011 (Sponsored by Rep. David Schweikert / Financial Services Committee)
3) H.R. 1965 - To amend the securities laws to establish certain thresholds for shareholder registration, and for other purposes (Sponsored by Rep. James Himes / Financial Services
Committee)
4) S. 894 - The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011 (Sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)
1:00 pm. Judiciary Committee Markup of "H.R. 3010, The Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011"
USDA Reports: Broiler Hatchery
Thursday Nov. 3, 2011
President Obama will be in Cannes, France, for the G-20 Summit.
9:00 a.m., Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Subcommittee on Investigations holds a hearing to examine speculation and compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act. 342 Dirksen Senate office building.
10:00 a.m. Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry. Public hearing to review the Implementation of Phase II of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL Watershed Implementation Plans and their impacts on rural communities, 1300 Longworth House Office Building.
10:00 am. The House will meet for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.
Pesticide Use Risks to Endangered Species - The 1st Meeting of the Committee on Ecological Risk Assessment Under FIFRA and ESA. Keck Center, 500 5th Street, NW Washington D.C. 20001
USDA Reports: U.S. Export Sales
Friday Nov. 4, 20111
9:00 am. The House will meet for legislative business. Last votes for the week are expected no later than 3:00 p.m.
H.R. 2940 - Access to Capital for Job Creators Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Kevin McCarthy / Financial Services Committee)
H.R. 2930 - Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Patrick McHenry / Financial Services Committee)
Pesticide Use Risks to Endangered Species - The 1st Meeting of the Committee on Ecological Risk Assessment Under FIFRA and ESA. Keck Center, 500 5th Street, NW Washington D.C. 20001
USDA Reports: Dairy Products Prices, U.S. and Canadian Hogs, Peanut Prices
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