April 2009

Returning fresh from its two-week spring recess, the 111th Congress will attempt to resolve the differences between House and Senate passed versions of the fiscal 2010 budget resolution (H Con Res 85, S Con Res 13) that include much of President Obama’s major policy initiatives. – Congress will also take initial steps on health care overhaul legislation with the goal of having a bill by early summer 2009. Action is also expected on the confirmation of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services – a key department central to the Administration’s push for health care reform. – Negotiations  continue on legislation that would allow mortgage relief through bankruptcy proceedings, and the House will hold a hearing on legislation to overhaul mortgage regulations and curb predatory lending practices.