So, which of the pending items on the legislative agenda will the lame duck session of Congress tackle?
- Extending the “Bush tax cuts”. What would they be called then? My guess is they’ll be called the “Bush tax cuts” when they’re re-extended in 2050.
- The inheritance tax
- The alternative minimum tax
- The scheduled cut in physicians’ reimbursements under Medicare
- The DREAM Act (allowing immigrants who came to this country illegally at a young age to obtain legal status)
- Card check
All? None? Something else?
I seem to recall that the Congress failed to pass a budget and we’re operating under a continuing resolution. Since they’ve kicked that can down the road until February I doubt anything will be done on that one.
The Defense appropriation and/or repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.
Not a prediction, just a potential issue.
The Bush tax cuts, probably coupled with an extension of UE benefits have, say, a 50% chance of being acted upon. The inheritence tax, the capital gains tax and the AMT may get addressed as part of the Bush tax cut issue. I suppose they COULD address haircuts for doctors, but I just don’t think the Congressional leadership (in either party) has it that together. DREAM and Card Check are dead and buried.
1) After ten years and an inevitable extension, shouldn’t the “Bush Tax Cuts” be called the “baseline.” And since the economy isn’t growing under this baseline, there’s only one reasonable response – cut some more!
2) McConnell’s job #1 during the lame duck is making sure Progressive outrages such as DREAM and card check never see a floor vote. Any RINO that breaks ranks puts a target on their back for 2012 primary season.
http://libertyatstake.blogspot.com
“Because the Only Good Progressive is a Failed Progressive”
If Obama is hoping for re-election he’ll push for extending the tax cuts at least for those making under $250,000. Raising taxes, even by letting previous cuts expire, is not a sure path to victory.
They will extend the tax cuts. They will not address SGR. They will also address the inheritance tax. Almost zero chance on the others.
Steve