Congress Update

Folks at the AAU report that when the Senate reconvenes on Monday, November 16, it is expected to pass the FY10 Military Construction-Veterans appropriations bill (H.R. 3082), which would be the ninth of 12 FY10 appropriations bills the Senate has passed. The House has approved all of its FY10 bills; five have been enacted into law. A continuing resolution that expires on December 18 is maintaining funding at FY09 levels for those agencies and programs whose regular appropriations bills have not been completed.

CongressDaily reports that the Senate next week also may begin consideration of a health care reform package, although key votes are likely to occur after the Thanksgiving break. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is waiting for the Congressional Budget Office to score specific healthcare provisions before putting together a bill.

The House next week is expected to consider legislation to modify the Medicare formula for physician reimbursement.