Following last week’s health care summit hosted by President Obama, Congress looks to use any possible momentum gained from that meeting to help push forward an agreement on legislation. Even the most optimistic advocates for the health care overhaul have to remain skeptical about any consensus or agreement being reached between the two parties. Regardless of those feelings, Congressional leaders will continue to push for it this week.
The issue of “jobs, jobs, jobs” also remains a high priority on the agenda, and the Senate hopes to consider legislation that will address needs to help put Americans back to work — an amalgamation of tax extenders, extending unemployment insurance, Medicaid reimbursements, subsidies for agriculture, etc etc. An uphill battle is expected, as the majority of the bill is not offset.
This week also continues the parade of officials to testify before Congressional panels about the Obama budget proposal for FY2011. On both sides of the Capitol there will be hearings that will feature Interior Secretary Salazar, Energy Secretary Chu, EPA Director Jackson, and others.
Most importantly for this week, IPAA will be holding it’s Congressional Call-Up on Capitol Hill. IPAA members will be blanketing the Hill over the next few days to discuss important issues to the industry — such as taxes, regulations on hydraulic fracturing, implications of climate change legislation, and more. This comes at a critical time, while Congress and the Obama administration struggle to find common ground on how to move forward on energy policy. One thing is clear though: at the end of the day, America’s independent producers of oil and natural gas will play a key role in helping shape America’s energy future.
Here’s to an effective week of advocacy…
