New Recess Reports Help Political Journalists and Policy Pros Jump Back into Congress

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Jumping back into Congress after the summer recess will be easier with four new Recess Reports available from VoteTocracy, a nonpartisan policy platform. Senior researchers highlighted the key legislation and critical issues facing lawmakers when they return, as well as the legislative ramifications of a Republican takeover in the House and Senate in November. The Recess Reports include:

Critical Issues when Congress Returns on Sept. 8th
This Report highlights the top legislative issues facing Congress upon its return, especially those that involve deadlines and expiring provisions. Important legislation includes:

• Funding for the Federal Government: Federal agencies run out of funds on September 30.^. Lawmakers must provide new funds to avoid a government shutdown and keep agencies open through the beginning of 2015.
• Export-Import Bank Reauthorization: Authorization for the federally funded bank also expires September 30. Debate over whether to continue authorization for the bank, which supports businesses in export-driven industries, has caused a rift between establishment Republicans and conservatives aligned with the Tea Party.
• Keeping Internet access free from taxes: The existing law that prevents state and local municipalities from taxing Internet access expires on Nov. 1. The House-passed version has stalled in the Senate, where Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is attempting to tie it with another Internet taxation bill – the controversial Marketplace Fairness Act, which would require online retailers to collect state and use taxes from online purchases.
• Expiring Tax Provisions: Congress must pass extension legislation to enable citizens and businesses to take advantage of a host of tax provisions when filing 2014 taxes. Congress is considering over a dozen bills, many of which will lead to confrontations with the White House.

Senate Committees and the Mid-Term Elections 
This Report provides an overview of the political landscape of Senate committees, including current leadership, the general jurisdiction, and what could change under a Republican Senate.  VoteTocracy Analysts point out that Senate committees such as Budget, Environment and Public Works, Finance, and Judiciary, under Republican Chairs would create major changes in the treatment of House bills, and equally important, the type and scope of bills introduced and passed in committee.

House Committees and the Mid-Term Elections 
This Report provides an overview of the political landscape of House committees, including whether there is a history of bipartisanship or partisanship, current leadership, and whether that leadership could change following the November elections. A core focus for this report is changes even if the majority stays the same. VoteTocracy Analysts point out that committees that address contentious issues such as oil and gas development, immigration, alternative energy and spending issues may be significantly altered.

Committees Producing in the 113th
This Report provides a productivity indicator on the 113^th Congress, often referred to as a "do nothing" Congress.  While only 146 of 9,640 bills, have made it past both chambers and the President's desk to become law, the report highlights the committees within both chambers, which have been productive.  Issues driving the committees will continue to drive the next Congress since bills not passed into law by January 1, 2015 will likely be re-introduced in 2015. 

About VoteTocracy
VoteTocracy is a nonpartisan, technology enabled political information resource and engagement platform designed to Make Congress Easy for Everyone. Subscribers include editors and publishers, journalists, advocacy organizations, educators, and lawmakers connecting with constituents. VoteTocracy was re-launched in January 2013 and recognized as a 2014 Honoree in Politics by The Webby Awards, the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. The company is privately held and operates as a for-profit entity.  For more information, contact sales at: 917-517-0132, or 551-804-0180, or e-mail [email protected]

CONTACT: Charles Saldarini - 551.804.0180 or David Kraljic - 917.517.0132

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SOURCE VoteTocracy