Articles from November 9, 2001
House Committee Forwards Insurance Industry Bailout Bill
On November 7, the House Financial Services Committee approved the Terrorism Risk Protection Act of 2001 (HR 3210). Introduced by Committee Chairman Michael Oxley (R-OH), the measure would provide loans to the property and casualty industry to cover 90 percent of future terrorism-related losses.

Senate Committee Narrowly Passes Economic Stimulus Bill
On Thursday, November 8, the Senate Finance Committee passed its version of an economic stimulus bill by an 11 to 10 vote. Vermont Independent James Jeffords joined Democrats in approving the measure, the Economic Recovery and Assistance for American Workers Act of 2001. Committee action on the bill came a few weeks after the House passed its $100 billion stimulus bill (HR 3090) by a razor-thin 216 to 214 margin. The House measure has been widely criticized for favoring tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy while ignoring the needs of moderate and low-income Americans and providing little in the way of actual stimulus.

Senate Agriculture Committee Marks Up Farm Bill
On November 1, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced a comprehensive Farm Bill, the Agriculture, Conservation, and Rural Enhancement Act (S 1628). This package encompasses agricultural and commodity programs in addition to food stamp provisions.

House And Senate Conferees Pass 2002 Agriculture Appropriations Bill
On November 8, House and Senate conferees approved a $16 billion agriculture appropriations conference report. The conference report provides $4.3 billion in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This is an increase of $305 million over fiscal year 2001 and is $211 million above the President’s budget request. Despite this increase, there remains concern that there will not be enough funds to meet the needs of all who are eligible. WIC caseloads have grown steadily, increasing from 7.2 million participants in January 2001 to 7.45 million participants in August 2001. The conference report will now be sent to the House and Senate for approval.

Senate Finance Committee Approves TANF Supplemental
On November 1, the Senate Finance Committee approved S 942, legislation to reauthorize the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families supplemental block grant program. The program provides additional welfare funds to 17 relatively poor and rapidly growing states. Sponsored by Senator Bob Graham (D-FL), the bill would reauthorize the program for one year at $402 million. It is unclear when the bill will come to the Senate floor for a vote. No action has been taken in the House

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