The weekly report on US and World Public Policy
by Edwina Rogers
President Obama’s Budget: On Monday, February 2nd, the President sent his budget for fiscal year 2015-2016 to Congress. On Wednesday, February 4th the House held a hearing on the budget. Item of note this week: Climate Change Plan: the budget provides $239 million to support EPA’s efforts on climate change, including, $25 million to help states develop plans to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG). In addition, the Obama Administration wants to create the “Clean Power State Incentive Fund,” a $4 billion pile of taxpayer dollars that the federal government will give to states to reduce GHGs below EPA’s threshold. In total, the Budget requests $452 million more in EPA spending over the 3015 enacted figure.
US Senate: After the successful passage of Keystone last week the Senate is receiving feedback from regulatory agencies on its possible impact. This week the Senate is focused on the Department of Homeland Security’s appropriation bill as the funding expires near the end of February. The lawmakers are taking issue with the President’s immigration proposal and are looking ways to bring bring the administration to the negotiating table. SPI staff met with Senators McConnell and Sullivan’s staff on Wednesday and there is a meeting on Friday at 3 pm with Senator Cornyn to discuss a range of issues of interest to SPI.
US House: Is focused on social networking this week to stay in touch with its constituents. The members have been participating in listening sessions back in their states on different topics through Google Hangouts. There was a full member listening session on boarder security. The focus this week is to educate House Members.
SPI staff met with Pam Stevens who runs Outreach and Media Affairs for the Republican House Conference to secure Republicans for the SPI’s World Future Forum. A number of Democrats have already been asked to participate. Additionally, the SPI staff visited the offices of Sessenbrenner and Cox.
In the hearing on Wednesday the budget hawks pointed out that in the President’s budget for the next 10 years that spending increases 65%, taxes increase by 2.1 trillion; interest payments will be 800 billion annually by the 10th year from 220 billion today. The interest payments will be higher than social security payments at that time. The budget never balances even in the 10th year.
Additionally this week the House is focused on a bill to cut unfounded mandates and regulations on small businesses.
Looking Ahead To Next Week:
Chinese Lunar New Year: SPI CEO Edwina Rogers has been invited by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year on Thursday 12 at the Meridian International Center. Ms. Rogers met with Representatives Cox’s staff regarding the hearing they are planning in the House regarding a possible press freedom bill targeting China.
Darwin Day International – The Darwin Day Celebration will be celebrated around the world next Thursday, February 12, 2015. Secular Policy Institute will participate by sending a Darwin Day message to all US Members of Congress and their staff. The day is meant to celebrate the accomplishments of Darwin, science and humanity. Register and promote your own Celebration at www.DarwinDay.org.
There are two different ways that humans think when they are attempting to answer questions. Scientific Thinking requires empirical evidence and results in verifiable knowledge. Mythological Thinking relies on claims made by revealed knowledge, without the foundation of empirical evidence required by science. SPI’s mission is to promote scientific thinking.