Tag: house
House Finance Subcommittee Chair Mia Costello Holding Up Senate Bill to Continue Film Tax Credits
A program using tax credits to encourage film and television producers working in Alaska will get another hearing today. Representative Mia Costello of Anchorage chairs the Finance subcommittee reviewing Senate Bill 23, the film subsidy tax credit act that sunsets next year. In her mind, there is still a lot to resolve before moving the bill. Read More
House Natural Resources Committee Subpoenas Records of Federal Offshore Moratorium Decision
As a House Natural Resources subcommittee was blasting the Obama administration's ocean policy at a field hearing in Alaska, committee Chairman Doc Hastings of...
US House Republicans Plan To Reject Payroll Tax Cut Extension
Republicans in the U.S. House are rejecting a plan to extend the popular payroll tax cut Americans are now getting.
Lawmakers Study Texas Prison Reform
State Legislative Committees today (Monday) began looking at the steps needed to cut back on the cost of prisons at the same time as maintaining a “tough-on-crime” reputation. The House and Senate Finance Subcommittees on Corrections heard of strategies in other states – most predominantly Texas, where state Representative Jerry Madden recalled how he was part of a bipartisan approach to prison reform.
Short Term Spending Bill Shot Down in House
The U.S. government again faces threat of a shutdown because of Congressional disagreements. The House failed to pass a short term spending bill Wednesday night that would keep government running past Sept. 30. Its defeat was a surprise blow to House GOP leadership. Despite Speaker John Boehner’s entreaties four dozen Republicans defected and voted against the bill.
Committee Considers Issues Raised By Recent Court Cases
Monday, legislators revived what once was a regular step in preparing for upcoming legislative sessions – the House Judiciary Committee discussed recent court cases that might need action next year.
Partial FAA Shutdown Will Continue Through Congressional Recess
Congress wrapped up its summer work Tuesday without passing legislation to keep the Federal Aviation Administration open. Political bickering has partially shut it down – and may continue to until after Labor Day when Congress returns from its August recess.
Obama Signs Debt Deal Legislation into Law
President Obama has signed into law a deal to raise the debt ceiling, fending off a national default, which he warned could roil the markets and leave the U.S. without enough money to pay its bills.
Alaska Delegation Will Vote in Favor of New Debt Ceiling Plan
All three members of Alaska’s Congressional delegation say they will vote for the deal to raise the debt ceiling and cut spending. The plan announced Sunday night by President Obama slashes spending by about a trillion dollars over the next decade and raises the debt ceiling in time for the U.S. to avoid defaulting on its bills.
House Delays Vote on Debt Ceiling Plan
Despite a big build-up Thursday and a late night on Capitol Hill, the U.S. House did not vote on a plan to raise the debt ceiling and cut spending. House Speaker John Boehner couldn’t muster enough votes. He has the lukewarm support and promised vote of Alaska’s Congressman Don Young, but conservative Republicans say the plan doesn’t make deep enough cuts, and Democrats are staunchly opposed.
Congress Goes into Final Week to Come Up with Debt Ceiling Deal
Congressional experts say there’s just one week left until politicians in Washington have to come up with a debt ceiling deal. It's actually two-and-a-half weeks when the U.S. will hit its debt limit, but the Congress needs the extra time to write up a plan and get it passed through the House and Senate.
Redistricting Board Approves New Boundaries
Monday, the state Redistricting Board approved new boundaries for legislative districts. Lawsuits are likely. The new maps also will face federal review to be sure they do not dilute Native voting power.