First Session of 111th Congress Ends, Unfinished Business Remains

The first session of the 111th Congress came to end on December 24, 2009 with a final vote on the Senate's comprehensive health care proposal and an extension of the federal debt limit up to $12.394 trillion (which will get the country through mid-February). The U.S. House returned on January 12 and the U.S. Senate on January 19, and they are expected to work towards finalizing the health care package and send it to the president for his signature. The first session saw enactment of the stimulus, and a few temporary extensions of the highway program. The House passed climate change and introduced card check legislation. The 1^st session ended with a sometimes bitter and partisan health care debate. This year is expected to be an even busier year in Congress as they race to complete action before the November mid-term elections. To read the major issues AGC has identified that are expected to impact the construction industry in 2010, please click here.