Legal News

Congress

From the House of Representatives to the U.S. Senate, get the latest on recent bills, laws and issues currently being debated in Congress.

Legislation Proposes Federal Solution to E-Tailer Sales Tax Controversy

Aug 4, 2011

Senator Dick Durbin, Democrat from of Illinois, recently proposed legislation that seeks to establish federal guidelines for the collection of sales tax by online retailers.

Under current law, online retailers like Amazon do not have to collect sales tax from customers at the time of purchase.

House Speaker John Boehner Urges Republican Support of Debt Bill

Jul 28, 2011

While President Obama continues to haggle with Congress over the debt crisis, House Speaker John Boehner is urging Republicans to come together in passing the House GOP debt bill.

According to CNN, Boehner led a tension-filled meeting behind closed doors with House GOP leaders.

Congress Pressured by Flight Attendant Union, City Leaders Across the Nation

Jul 22, 2011

Congress is under pressure from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration bill before its expiration.

The FAA reauthorization bill will provide essential funding for safety upkeep and the promotion of civil aviation. The current FAA reauthorization bill has already been extended 21 times in the past three years preventing the FAA from long-term improvements and upgrades.

"Funding the FAA means funding safe air travel for millions of passengers each day," said Veda Shook, AFA International President.

Congress May Soon Vote on Repeal of Lightbulb Efficiency Standards

Jul 7, 2011

Republicans hope a floor vote can be held next week on recently proposed legislation to repeal a 2007 light bulb efficiency law, according to The Hill newspaper.

The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, was introduced on July 6. It would eliminate a 2007 measure requiring incandescent light bulbs to be 30 percent more energy efficient by next year.

Congress Shells Out Up to $6.1 Million in Bonuses, CNN Report Shows

Jun 27, 2011

The federal government has had its share of financial issues, including an impending shutdown earlier this year due to a lack of funds, but a new report shows members of the House of Representatives receiving a surplus in funds for staff bonuses.

According to CNN, Congress dished out as much as $6.1 million in bonuses to its staff with Democrats awarding staff with up to $3.1 million in bonuses and the GOP awarding its staff with up to $908,000.