U.S. Congress

Less than two weeks after President George W. Bush issued his call for action, Congress approved an economic stimulus package designed to put spending money in the hands of Americans. While the Senate was able to exert some pressure on the legislation, expanding eligibility for seniors and disabled veterans, Republicans successfully blocked additional measures geared toward lower-income workers and the unemployed.

Meanwhile, the debate over the stimulus package stalled work on the RESTORE Act (the FISA reform bill) in the Senate. With the recently approved 15-day extension of the Protect America Act expiring on February 16, time is again running out for electronic surveillance reform.

Major differences exist between the House and Senate versions of the bill, including the question of whether phone companies that helped the administration eavesdrop on Americans’ phone calls should receive immunity from civil lawsuits. The House approved its bill last year without an immunity provision. Meanwhile, the Senate spent the first few weeks of the year fighting over immunity, which President Bush has said is essential in a completed bill.

For more on FISA and on energy legislation, follow the link after the break.

Details of a proposed economic stimulus package were revealed this week. It includes rebate checks (of at least $300, with individuals set to receive $600 and couple's $1,600) for most Americans and a series of tax incentives for businesses. While the Senate hasn’t had a chance to really contribute to the conversation, most observers believe the proposal will quickly move forward following President Bush’s State of the Union speech on Monday.

Also on Monday, the Senate will debate a cloture motion on a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act overhaul bill. Known as the RESTORE Act, the legislation outlines oversight roles for the collection of electronic communications intelligence. Today, the Senate voted down a proposal to increase oversight, tighten restrictions in intelligence collection. A competing measure -- which includes legal immunity for phone companies that helped the federal government spy on Americans without a warrant – is to be debated on Monday. If the cloture motion succeeds, members will continue with a vote on the overall bill, without discussing a number of amendments introduced during debate.

By Avelino Maestas, Assistant Managing Editor, Congresspedia

Congress is back up to half-strength this week, following the winter recess. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) kept the Senate in a special “pro forma” session in a bid to prevent President Bush from making any recess appointments. That didn’t stop Bush from attempting a pocket veto on the Defense Appropriations Act, which funds the Defense Department and provides money for soldier and sailor enlistment bonuses.