Copyright 1999 The National Journal, Inc.
The National Journal
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SEPTEMBER 4, 1999
SECTION: CONGRESS; Pg. 2496; Vol. 31, No. 36
LENGTH: 509 words
HEADLINE: A
Handicapper's Guide
BODY:
Before adjournment, tentatively scheduled for Oct. 29,
Congress must
pass the 12 remaining appropriations bills in some
form, but relatively few
other bills appear likely to win
approval. Here's the outlook for major
legislation that's still
on Congress's plate this fall:
Bet the Ranch
Continuing Resolution
Congressional leaders acknowledge that they will
be unable to
finish the 13 appropriations bills by the end of the fiscal
year
on Sept. 30, so a continuing resolution will be necessary to keep
the federal government running.
Appropriations Bills
Congress must
pass the 12 remaining bills, even if many are
bundled into an omnibus
spending package like last year's.
Adjournment Resolution
Many members
would like to go home sooner rather than later.
Toss-ups
Tax Cuts
Republicans are split over whether to continue to push the issue
after
President Clinton's expected veto of the $ 792 billion tax
cut bill, or
whether to simply take the issue to the voters
during the 2000 election
campaign.
Minimum-Wage Increase
The support among Democrats and some
moderate Republicans for a
boost in the minimum wage could be too strong for
GOP leaders to
resist.
Financial Services Reform
Although both
chambers have passed this legislation, squabbling
in conference committee
could doom the bill.
Bankruptcy Reform
The Senate would like to resolve
the issue, but Democrats could
try to tack on the controversial minimum-wage
legislation.
Gun Control
Juvenile-justice legislation, including
contentious Senate-passed
gun control provisions, awaits action in
conference committee.
Managed Care Reform
While the
Senate has passed a patient protection bill, House
Republicans are in
disarray, with some joining Democrats to push
for more-sweeping changes than
GOP leaders want.
Prescription Drug Benefits
Expanding prescription drug
coverage for Medicare recipients is a
priority for the Clinton
Administration, but the plan could get
bogged down over other budget
matters.
Health Care Fix
Health care lobbyists and others are seeking
relief from certain
Medicare rules that were part of the 1997
balanced-budget
agreement and that have hit health care providers harder
than
expected.
FAA Reauthorization
Negotiations are continuing on
legislation to reauthorize the
Federal Aviation Administration, but Congress
may be unable to
resolve the thorny issues. Another short-term extension
might be
needed.
Sure Losers
Medicare Reform
Time has run out
for a huge overhaul this year.
Social Security Reform
Again, time is too
short and disagreement is too widespread.
Campaign Finance Reform
Many
House Republicans are counting on the Senate to again kill
the bill.
Budget Process Changes
Most lawmakers would like to change the process,
but the Clinton
Administration opposes a key House provision to establish an
automatic continuing resolution that would take effect when
Congress
cannot finish the funding bills.
LOAD-DATE: September
09, 1999 
