Second Session Begins

Legislative Update

• Outlook for 2008
• Presidential Agenda
• Economic Stimulus
• Annual Conferences
• Indian Health Service

The House reconvened setting the stage for the rest of the year. Its first week back was relatively low on drama. There was a lot of talk about what (not if) Congress should do to stimulate the economy.

In the House, the major item on the legislative program next week is an attempt on Wednedsay to override the President's veto of the SCHIP bill. Then it adjourns early for the minority conference and the following week for the majority conference.

The Senate, plans to return from its non-recess on January 22, and is expected to take up the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Sen. Vitter intends to file an amendment that would codify 26 years of precedent against funding abortions with federal Indian Health Service funds except to save the life of the mother, or in cases of rape or incest of a minor.

Read today's edition of Inside the Mountain for further details.