OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Legislation and Policy Report
October, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congress spent October addressing FY2010 appropriations bills, healthcare reform and climate change. The October 30 targeted date to recess and for members to return to their districts for the remainder of 2009 was not met. Congress is now expected to remain in session until nearly Christmas.
Appropriations and Budget – Five Fy2010 spending bills have been enacted with a Continuing Resolution enacted through December 18 to keep the remaining government agencies operating until their respective FY2010 budget measures are passed.
Energy – The Department of Energy announced a new program to support graduate fellowships and the National Academies released a report on the hidden costs of energy.
Higher Education – An update on reconciliation legislation which will alter federal student aid programs.
NASA – The Augustine Commission releases its final report on the Review of Human Spaceflight which could have significant implications for future programs and funding levels at the agency.
Patent Reform – An update on patent reform legislation, slowly working its way through the Senate.
Research – Recent developments on embryonic stem cell research and the E-Verify program.
Odds and Ends – Miscellaneous items of interest.
Comings and Goings – Appointments, resignations, deaths.
THE BUCKEYE STATE
Governor Ted Strickland and members of the General Assembly begin to address nearly a $1 billion shortfall in the state’s biennial operating budget.
Comings and Goings – Appointments, resignations, deaths.
Sources of information for this report include the Association of American Universities, American Institute of Physics, the Chronicle of Higher Education, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio’s updates and reports, newspapers, political and legislative wire services, and others.