What's Coming Up

Members of Congress return to Washington this week after two million people descended on the city for the historic Inauguration of President Barack Obama.

To read his speech, please click here.

A large contingent from Massachusetts came to Washington. Several thousand people with tickets were unable to get through the security lines to witness the Inauguration. Despite the logistical headaches, the crowd was upbeat and there were no arrests. Officials from the Inaugural Committee are now investigating the crowd problems. Complaints can be sent to feedback@jccic.senate.gov.

The new President and the 111th Congress have a full agenda this week as the economy and the comprehensive economic recovery proposal takes center stage.

While the final details of the plan have not been released, it is expected to provide widespread spending and tax cuts designed to stimulate job creation and economic growth. It contains $275 billion in personal and business tax breaks, and $550 billion in appropriations and direct spending. The largest element of the package, accounting for $145.3 billion in reduced federal revenue, provides a refundable tax credit in 2009 and 2010 of up to $500 for an individual and up to $1000 for families that would offset a portion of federal payroll taxes paid for Social Security and Medicare.

The bill would also make temporary changes in the federal-state Medicaid program to allow states to expand coverage and receive higher federal payments, at a cost of $96 billion, and it appropriates $20 billion in additional funds for the food stamp program.

For a detailed summary from the House Appropriations Committee, please click here.

Stay tuned as more details will be posted on our web site…

Monday

Delahunt returns to Washington.

Delahunt staff meets with the New England Office of the Army Corps of Engineers to get an update on coastal wetlands restoration, navigation and dredging projects.

Office visitors include representatives from the National Council on Aging, and from Easter Seals.

Tuesday

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution holds a hearing on HR 157, the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009.

The House Judiciary Committee holds a mark up hearing on Delahunt-sponsored HR 200, the Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2009. To read more about the bill, please click here.

The House is expected to take up the final version of legislation passed by the Senate which clarifies the federal employment discrimination statute to restore legal rights to victims of gender-based pay discrimination.

Office visitors include representatives from the East Coast Shellfishing Association.

Wednesday

Delahunt joins with representatives from CITGO and Citzens Energy to “kick-off” the start of this year’s discounted home heating oil program. To read more about Delahunt’s involvement of the program, please click here.

Thursday

Delahunt will travel to Martha’s Vineyard where he will brief local officials on the status of the federal economic recovery plan and how states and local communities can apply for assistance. The meetings are part of a series he has hosted around the district to review and discuss how projects and other initiatives can qualify for funding.

Delahunt in the News

Delahunt Urges End To Coast Guard Licensing Delays. To read more, please click here.

Delahunt Announces Heating Oil Program To Continue For 2009. Click here for more information.

Delahunt Introduces Bill On Foreclosures. To read about this bill, please click here.