Capital Update tracks the movement of legislation, the introduction of notable bills, and routine regulatory announcements.
Legislative Action
Budget Pact Suspension
SJ Res 44
The Senate last week rejected a proposal to abandon the budget pact negotiated by the Administration and Congressional leaders last year by a vote of 97 to 2. The budget pact requires the Congress to consider suspending its restrictions when the economy suffers two quarters of recession.
Martin Nomination
Confirmation Hearing
The Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee last week held a hearing on the nomination of Lynn Martin to be Secretary of Labor.
In the Education Department
Special Education
Funding Priorities
The Education Department announced in the Jan. 22 Federal Register final funding priorities for five special-education grant programs reauthorized under the Individuals With Disabilities Act Amendments. The programs are: early education for students with disabilities, postsecondary education for handicapped students, aid for severely disabled children, secondary education and transitional services for youths with disabilities, and services for children who are deaf and blind.
In Other Agencies
Disability Rights
Proposed Regulations
The Jan. 22 Federal Register contains a set of guidelines for giving persons with disabilities access to commercial establishments and a wide range of “places of public accommodation,” including schools. Public comments on the guidelines are due by March 25.
