Change

CHANGE What an Obama Administration and Democratic Congress Mean for You

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Table of Contents Election Analysis

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Introduction to 111th Congress

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6

White House Agenda

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Energy

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Health Care

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Tax

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Workforce Issues

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Technology and Telecommunications

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Immigration

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Education

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Transportation

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Climate Change

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Trade

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Homeland Security

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Defense and Foreign Policy

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110th Congress Review

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House Changes

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Senate Changes

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2009: Washington Transformed The Obama Administration Barack Obama’s election victory is historic by any number of measures: the first AfricanAmerican President; the first sitting Senator in 48 years to be elected President; and the first Democratic Presidential candidate to receive a majority of the popular vote since Jimmy Carter.

He also saw his party solidify their majorities in the House and Senate, giving Democrats control of government for the first time since 1993. But his victory comes amid ominous and monumental changes in the U.S. economy and financial markets which will dominate the next four years. President-elect Obama will take office with two other historic precedents in mind: the last two times that one party won the White House and a clear majority of both houses of Congress (Bill Clinton 1992 and George W. Bush 2004), the President’s party lost control of Congress during the next mid-term election. The most important question facing the new Democratic government, then, is how will they take the mandate that was given them on November 4th without giving it back in November 2010?

Managing Expectations Barack Obama’s greatest challenge in the next few months will be to manage the expectations of both the American people and the political community in Washington, including activist Democrats and their support groups. President-elect Obama began to articulate this in the last month of the Presidential campaign. Expect him in coming weeks to enumerate further the enormity of challenges the country faces, the need for shared sacrifice, the time needed to achieve change, and the difficulty of these challenges in the face of the current federal budget deficit. In many ways, we are on the eve of the most momentous first Presidential term since FDR’s began in 1933 during the Great Depression. History will ultimately judge the effectiveness of President-elect Obama’s first term in office, but the voters will make the first meaningful judgment in 2010, a date which will be on Washington decision makers’ minds.

Newcomer, But Not an Outsider The 16 years since Bill Clinton returned the White House to Democratic hands in 1992 may seem like a long time, but a lot of key Democrats on Capitol Hill and those that are likely to be a part of the new Obama Administration were around during that time. Expect them consciously to avoid what were seen as the mistakes of that transition period and first year in office. The Obama campaign was headquartered outside of Washington, but President-elect Obama did not lead a classic Washington outsider campaign that a Governor might have run. Unlike Bill Clinton, both Barack Obama and Joe Biden are sitting Senators. They know, have worked with, and have been coordinating with the Democratic Congressional leadership throughout the campaign. And they will keep a laser beam focus on the economy, especially since it is the issue holding the public’s attention. Consequently, there will be little, if any, focus on divisive social 2

issues such as the gays-in-the-military issue that distracted the new Clinton Administration in the first months of 1993.

Initial Legislative Agenda Even though Democrats will seek to avoid the mistakes of Bill Clinton’s first year, 2009 may end up looking a lot like 1993 in terms of the legislative agenda, at least initially. First, both years will have started during a period of economic weakness. As in 1993, Democrats are assembling an economic stimulus package. If President Bush were to veto a stimulus bill that the current lame duck Congress passes, then the stimulus package will likely be one of the first items up for Congressional consideration in 2009. Democrats are also likely to try to empty the in-box of legislative items left over from the 110th Congress. That list might include completion of the Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations process and moving bills stalled in the Senate or vetoed

by President Bush including SCHIP, Card Check, and FDA Regulation of Tobacco, among others, much as the 103rd Congress passed and Bill Clinton signed Motor Voter and the Family and Medical Leave Act in early 1993. Finally, the most consequential legislation of Bill Clinton’s first two years was the first Congressional budget resolution and reconciliation bill.

The budget resolution set the path to deficit reduction by allowing for a budget reconciliation bill that enacted major changes in tax and entitlement policy. 2009 will be similar in terms of the importance of the budget reconciliation process and the degree to which Congress and the new Administration seek to tackle deficit reduction while also enacting changes in tax and entitlement policy.

Financial Market Troubles One key difference between 1993 and 2009 is that the current financial meltdown will cast a large shadow over the first months of the new Administration, both fiscally and in terms of policy responses. Washington reacts most swiftly in a crisis; if the markets rebound in the next two months that might lessen the crisis atmosphere and may go a long way toward determining whether or not financial issues crowd out other issues. In either case, the recently enacted Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) will require significant attention, oversight, and possible refinement. Interests outside the traditional financial sector, including state and local governments, the auto industry, and others are increasingly looking to TARP for emergency relief. The degree to which Treasury allows some of the funding under the program to be used to meet these urgent needs and the overall condition of the economy will dictate the degree to which the Administration and Congress will turn to other emergency economic relief measures or legislative changes to TARP. Other Legislative Priorities Aside from these key items, what other priorities are likely to be the focus of the first years of an Obama Administration? To a certain extent, President-elect Obama laid out his priorities during the Presidential debates. In response to a question during the second debate, President-elect Obama said he would tackle energy, health care, and entitlement reform in that order of priority, although the tough work of entitlement reform may recede further unless it is couched as part of 3

an effort to raise revenue and reduce the deficit. The President-elect drove home the priority of education policy, linking education and economic competitiveness and focusing on college affordability, in particular. Democratic Congressional leaders have also increasingly called for, and President-elect Obama has echoed, the need to modernize the country’s physical infrastructure. Though the atmosphere in the financial markets is bleak, the President-elect has not suggested that this will significantly alter his tax or domestic spending proposals. It remains to be seen whether – or how – he modifies his agenda as a result of the economic downturn and fiscal challenges. Furthermore, although foreign policy issues have receded from the current political radar, the new Administration and Congress will need to address the Iraq drawdown, the Afghanistan buildup, alliance building and burden sharing, and the conundrum of how to increase active duty troop strength and maintain America’s military technological edge within a static or declining defense budget.

There are, potentially, tremendous financial and political costs in tackling these issues. Whether the new Administration moves forward will depend in large part on whether the President-elect maintains his political capital and whether Congress has the stomach, and the political cover, to tackle tough issues.

Regulations Early in the Obama Administration, it is likely that there will be a series of Executive Orders seeking to overturn many of the Bush Administration regulations relating to those issues that are adamantly opposed by important Democratic constituencies including: ergonomics, environment, health, and others. However, regulations that went into effect as final rules before the change in power may be hard to undue by simple Executive Order. In these circumstances, change may require either some form of legislative action by the Congress to undo a regulation or a restart of the lengthy administrative process of notice and comment required to change a regulation.

Intangibles: Non-Legislative Things to Look For Ever since he launched his bid for the White House, Barack Obama has spoken broadly about bringing change to Washington. One of his key messages was that he wanted to establish a different tone in politics. The first test of that commitment may be in his cabinet selections.

Expect President-elect Obama to reach across the aisle to bring Republicans into his Administration, including at least one prominent cabinet nominee. Given his close work with, and affection for, Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN) and retiring Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), their names will surely be in the mix.

As a candidate, President-elect Obama also spoke about limiting the employment of federal lobbyists in his White House and Executive Agencies. He has not declared an absolute prohibition on hiring lobbyists in political positions, but his limits will put a premium on finding qualified, experienced people without lobbying portfolios, and the press and Republican opposition will pay attention to whether he keeps this commitment. Consequently, expect to see tremendous pressure on top Democratic Hill staff to move over to the Administration. This, coupled with staffing needs for an increased Democratic Congressional majority, could lead to 4

an extended period of organizational uncertainty on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue and an influx of new staff on Capitol Hill.

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Introduction to the 111th Congress The Democratic Agenda in a Struggling Economy Democrats padded their existing majorities in the House and Senate but not as much as they had hoped before the elections. Most importantly, Democrats will not have a filibuster-proof supermajority in the Senate, meaning they will still have to get support from a handful of Senate Republicans on most legislation.

Their expanded majority will give Democrats additional leverage to sculpt the new President’s agenda and pass it through the House, including areas of substantial reform in health care, labor rights, social spending, and tax policy. However, the exploding budget deficit will be a major impediment to the Democratic agenda, especially with the increased number and influence of the conservative Blue Dog Democrats and their emphatic support of the Pay-As-You-Go Rule.

The budget deficit for fiscal year (FY) 2008 is $455 billion, or 3.2% of GDP. Prior to the recent financial crisis, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office forecasted budget deficit of $438 billion in FY 2009, the nation’s financial woes, coupled with a $700 billion federal rescue package and possible further stimulus legislation, could balloon the budget deficit to upwards of $1 trillion in FY 2009. While taxpayers will get some returns on the money spent as part of the bailout, this effort will have both a short and long-term negative impact on the nation’s fiscal outlook. A deficit of this magnitude will also have a detrimental impact on Democratic initiatives to expand social programs, while cutting taxes for the middle class.

House of Representatives In the House elections, as of 6pm on November 5th, Democrats gained at least 19 additional seats, with a handful of races still to be decided. This will strengthen the majority that Democrats established in 2006 and drop the ranks of House Republicans to pre-1995 levels.

House Republicans were optimistic following the 2006 election cycle, given the fact that 60 Democrats represented districts that President Bush carried in 2004 while only 18 Republicans represented districts that Senator Kerry carried. The early optimism did not last and Democrats aggressively moved to accomplish the difficult task of gaining House seats in two consecutive elections.

Most potentially vulnerable freshmen Democrats won re-election. At least 10 House Republican incumbents lost but 4 Democrats also were defeated. Even though Republicans faced stiff headwinds in the last few months they managed to stave off the electoral tsunami that many had predicted.

Impact on House Committee Membership Even though they did not rack up huge numbers, the gains that House Democrats made will allow the majority a much greater margin of error in close votes. The real impact of the 6

expanded majority will be at the committee level where the ratio of Democratic to Republican Members will increase to reflect the party strength in the House of Representatives.

Democratic Leadership and Committee Chairs had not been expected to change from the previous Congress but, already, it has been reported that House Energy and Commerce Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) may get a challenge for leadership of the Committee for the Democrat next in seniority, Henry Waxman (D-CA). Additionally, many of the committee leadership positions for Republicans are up for grabs.

The most significant change will be on the Ways and Means Committee where Congressman Jim McCrery (R-LA) retired and left open the Ranking Republican position. Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) is the most senior Republican on the panel, but he faces a serious challenge from Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI). There are also vacancies for the Ranking Republican Member position on the Armed Services, Government Oversight and Reform, and the Small Business Committees Pelosi: Pragmatic by Necessity House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is one of the big winners in the 2008 election. In the 110th Congress, the Speaker was forced to navigate numerous highly charged political issues – including oil drilling, domestic surveillance, and Iraq War funding – that could have undermined her party’s prospects in many states. The expanded majority validates her leadership skills and approach during the 110th Congress.

The Speaker’s opponents have made much of her liberal San Francisco roots, but these attacks don’t reflect her leadership decisions in the House. Over the objections of many Democrats, she compromised with President Bush on a number of controversial issues including domestic surveillance and Iraq War funding. Her failure to initiate impeachment proceedings of President Bush even sparked an electoral challenge from activist Cindy Sheehan in the November 2008 election. Additionally, Speaker Pelosi supported the Bush Administration’s efforts to pass the $700 billion rescue plan for the financial industry.

Regardless of her personal ideology, Speaker Pelosi wants to hold onto and build her Democratic majority. To do so, Democrats will have to keep winning in more conservative districts where Republicans are competitive. Her pragmatism will keep her from getting too far ahead of the American electorate. The specter of 1994-like losses should give her pause when it appears that Democratic initiatives don’t have popular support. The responsibility that adheres to one-party government will make it much more difficult to influence the Speaker on any high profile issue and will require significant grassroots support to be effective.

The Blue Dog Coalition House Blue Dogs were the driving force behind re-instatement of the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Rule in the House of Representatives at the start of the 110th Congress. The principle behind PAYGO is simple – if you are going to increase spending or decrease tax revenues you must also 7

proportionately cut spending in other areas or raise other revenues to ensure your legislation does not increase the deficit. As a result of the 2008 elections, it appears that the ranks of the Blue Dog Coalition will grow.

These conservative Democrats’ hard-fought electoral wins will further unite them around a set of shared values that at times will put them at odds with the Democratic leadership. Culturally, ideologically, and politically, Blue Dogs are tied at the hip; their loyalty is first and foremost to their shared policy positions. The Coalition also takes its work more seriously than most caucuses on Capitol Hill; they enforce mandatory meeting attendance and require members and their staffs to work together on a weekly, if not daily, basis. Consequently, Blue Dog members usually vote as a bloc, and their increased leverage over the budget process will significantly hamper efforts to expand government spending in the absence of offsetting tax increases or other spending cuts.

Barack Obama understands the unique role that the Blue Dogs will play in formulating policy on Capitol Hill, beginning with the FY 2010 budget, and he knows that he needs their support to enact his agenda. President-elect Obama begins with a disadvantage among Blue Dogs, the majority of whom endorsed his opponent Hillary Clinton. In recognition of the group’s clout, as reported by the Washington Post in mid-October, Barack Obama has already reached out to strengthen relationships with the Blue Dog Coalition’s leadership, Representatives Allen Boyd (D-FL), John Tanner (D-TN), and Mike Ross (D-AR). President-elect Obama’s effort demonstrates his recognition of two key realities as he prepares for his transition. First, the federal budget faces significant near and long-term challenges. Second, the President-elect cannot afford to alienate the Blue Dog Coalition, which has made balancing the federal budget its single top priority. If he is successful in forging a strong working relationship with the Blue Dogs, the coalition could serve an important role for President-elect Obama: moderating legislation before it reaches his desk.

Senate The question throughout the 2008 senatorial election cycle was not whether the Democratic majority would pick up additional seats but how many would they gain. As of Wednesday, November 5th, Democrats had gained at least five new Senate seats while four Senate races are still too close to call. Democrats thought they had an outside chance at gaining 60 votes but a number of Republican incumbents staved off the Democratic surge in the final days of the election to win narrow victories. With a majority in the mid- to upper 50s, Democrats will still need to pick up a few Republican votes on key procedural motions that the Republican minority will likely force them to go through, while not losing any Democratic votes.

The 2010 elections will loom large over the next two years as Senators of both parties weigh the price of opposing or supporting the new President’s initiatives. Another way of looking at it is, will vulnerable Republican Senators vote with a popular Administration or will vulnerable Democrats need to keep their distance from an unpopular Administration? For Republicans, there likely will be a need to re-establish a Party “brand” that draws distinctions with the Obama Administration and the Democratic Senate majority. The skill that Republican Leaders 8

demonstrate in drawing these distinctions, and rallying their smaller caucus behind Party positions, will have an influence on the Senate’s course. For their part, moderate Democrats in the Senate are contemplating formation of a Senate Blue Dog caucus. Senator-elect Mark Warner reportedly will take the lead in organizing the new Senate Blue Dogs. If they stay cohesive like their House counterparts, they will present a challenge to Democratic leadership, especially on procedural motions such as Budget Act points-or-order that require 60-votes.

Since they do not have a filibuster-proof majority, Democrats will likely use the reconciliation process to achieve some of their policy goals. Budget reconciliation, the process by which revenues and expenditures are aligned – and a process through which tax cuts/increases and deficit reduction are enacted – requires only a simple majority to pass and is not subject to the 60-vote rule to overcome a filibuster. Since these are often tough votes for party leaders to round up, Senate Democratic Leadership will – with a 51 vote requirement – now have more room to allow multiple members of their caucus to vote according to their state’s needs over the needs of the party, as long as they round up a majority. Many Democratic Senators will still recall the difficulty in passing a budget resolution and reconciliation bill in 1993 during Bill Clinton’s first year, an experience they would rather avoid. The House vote was 218-216 and Vice President Gore was the deciding vote in the Senate 51-50.

Senate Leadership and Committee Chairmanships Leadership in the Senate is expected to remain in status quo at this point. Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s narrow re-election victory should guarantee that he stays in his current position, which likely precludes any changes further down the leadership chain. One member of Senate Leadership, Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), will likely see his role enhanced as a result of the election of his fellow Illinoisan Barack Obama to the Presidency. Durbin was the earliest Senate supporter of Obama and he was a tireless advocate and surrogate for the Obama campaign. Expect Durbin to be a key intermediary between the White House and the Senate as the Administration seeks to move its agenda on Capitol Hill.

The election of Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joe Biden to the Vice Presidency will produce the first of possibly many shifts in Senate committee chairmanships for the 111th Congress. Since Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) is next in seniority on the Foreign Relations Committee, he will need to choose between keeping his current chairmanship of the Senate Banking Committee or moving up on Foreign Relations. Complicating matters further for Senate Democratic leaders are concerns about the health issues of other Senate Chairmen, namely Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Chairman of the Senate HELP Committee. Both men have dealt with serious health issues in recent months and Democratic leaders have reportedly considered scenarios under which each Chairman might receive an emeritus title and be involved with committee work, but yield active running of the Committee to other colleagues. If that occurs, and it is merely delicate speculation at this point, then other dominoes would begin to move and other Senators would face choices about whether they want to assume new roles.

HELP Chairman Kennedy reportedly has had discussions with fellow Committee member Chris 9

Dodd about taking the leadership of that Committee, assuming he chooses not to stay at Banking or move up on Foreign Relations.

One other subject of speculation is chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, currently held by Independent Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT).

With gains in the 2008 elections, Senate Democrats no longer depend on Lieberman’s vote to decide who controls the gavel in the Senate. Senator Lieberman is reportedly meeting with Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid soon after the election to discuss Lieberman’s affiliation with the Democratic Caucus and whether he will retain his chairmanship of the Committee. If Lieberman were to be asked to step aside, Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) would be next in line for the chairmanship.

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The White House Agenda Following is a discussion of the key legislative priorities in the new Obama Administration and their prospects on Capitol Hill in the 111th Congress.

Energy The weakening economy has caused a precipitous drop in oil prices and taken energy issues off the front pages. The crystal ball has become cloudy and funding to pay for new programs has been severely constrained, however, energy will remain a high priority and will be in the forefront in the first 100 days of the next Administration and Congress. While major energy bills come around typically once a decade, Congress has enacted major energy legislation three times in the past three years. This includes comprehensive energy bills at the end of 2005, 2007, and also energy tax incentives as part of the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. But there remains much unfinished business that is likely to form the basis of another effort to address energy early in 2009. The incoming Obama Administration will play a major role in shaping the content and timing of the bill. The President will want to tackle this issue early in part because it received a great deal of attention in the campaign but also because it may be easier to find common ground on energy independence and environmental stewardship than on some of the other larger issues that will need to be addressed. It is also an area where Democrats see some potential to raise significant revenue by taxing industries that are very much out of favor with the public. Finally, energy could be an issue on which compromises are possible, which could help establish a track record of success to build on when tackling tougher, more politically thorny issues.

With the economy in a recession and the budget struggling with the heavy burden of emergency economic recovery, stimulus, and two ongoing wars, the President-elect’s initial efforts will need to focus on efforts that can bolster the economy and create jobs without imposing huge cost on the budget or in industrial sectors that are seen as highly vulnerable. Energy has been highlighted in the campaign as an area where new Federal policies and some targeted funding can stimulate new investment in clean technologies, create “green jobs, and reduce inefficiency in the economy as a whole. There is broad consensus on the need to act in the interest of national security, greater efficiency, and environmental protection, as well as a long list of issues Democrats feel were left undone in the most recent energy bills.

While the makeup of any legislation will depend to some extent on the shape of the economy at the start of 2009, the following topics are likely candidates for a new comprehensive energy initiative in the first 100 days.

Utilities Congress was unable to reach agreement in the past two comprehensive energy bills on a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) or Renewable Energy Standard. The RPS requires electric utilities to meet targets for the percentage of electricity derived from renewable sources like wind, solar, and geothermal energy. It requires no expenditure of Federal dollars, but does create 11

an unfunded mandate that falls on utilities and their ratepayers to cover the increased cost of meeting the renewable energy targets. Despite congressional failure to act in this area, the environmental community and major influencers like Al Gore continue to push for huge increases in this area. President-elect Obama’s campaign called for RPS targets of 10% by 2012 and 25% by 2025 as a way to both reduce dependence of fossil fuels and encourage investment in green technologies that will generate thousands of new jobs. According to DOE, renewable energy is the fastest growing sector of all U.S. energy sources but only produced 2.3% of total electrical generation in 2006. Nonetheless, it is logical to assume that with stronger majorities in the House and Senate, the Obama Administration will work with House and Senate leadership to move legislation to implement an ambitious RPS. They will argue that a Federal mandate will spur private sector investment that will generate new “green” jobs. This will trigger Republican and regional concern, especially from those parts of the country where renewable energy options are less available or less profitable, arguing that the mandate will drive up utility costs which will impose unreasonable new costs on industries and consumers at a time when the economy cannot support higher costs. RPS will also trigger opposition from the coal industry and portions of the country containing significant coal resources, who view the push for renewables as a threat to continued reliance on coal to meet energy needs. We believe that President Obama sill push hard for an RPS, perhaps sweetened with nods to the coal sector in the form of incentives for clean coal and tax incentives to ease the burden on industries.

Oil and Gas Drilling A major issue in the closing days of the 110th Congress and in the campaign was the issue of whether the U.S. should lift the moratorium on offshore drilling. This was triggered in part by the Bush Administration’s lifting of the Executive Branch moratorium in July, their threatened veto of any legislation to extend the moratorium, plus pressure from the public and by Congressional Republicans. The legislative moratorium on drilling had been included in annual appropriations bills in the past and was set to expire on September 30, 2008. The House and Senate Democratic leadership shifted their positions on the moratorium as a result of changing public opinion that tilted significantly in favor of more drilling as a reaction to $4 per gallon gasoline.

Ultimately, the House and Senate leadership allowed the moratorium to expire, with most observers speculating that an Obama Administration or the next Congress will impose a new moratorium after the election. The ball is now in the President-elect’s court and most expect – especially those in the environmental community which will expect early action on this – that President-elect Obama will find a way to reestablish the moratorium as part of any energy legislation that will move. An alternative to legislation may be to simply impose a moratorium

by Executive Order or, at least, impose severe limits or obstacles to on any new drilling.

Furthermore, since any drilling is subject to Federal approval through the Department of Interior’s Outer Continental Shelf leasing program, they can slow-walk any new leasing petitions without taking any blanket position. However, the President-elect will likely want to share the responsibility (or blame) for this action with the Congress rather than simply mandate it by Executive Order and will seek to include language as part of a comprehensive energy bill.

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In addition, Democrats have argued for some time that the profits of the oil companies in recent months are unconscionable and justify hitting the oil and gas industry with significant fees or taxes as a way to pay for new energy conservation measures or environmental protections. The oil and gas industry may find it much more difficult to block these efforts with fewer reliable allies in the House and Senate as a result of Democratic gains. Other unfinished oil and gas measures that could be included in a major energy package include legislation to impose restrictions on oil commodities speculation and to require oil and gas companies to drill on lands currently subject to existing leases, both of which President-elect Obama embraced during the campaign.

Clean Coal/Carbon Capture and Sequestration President-elect Obama campaigned in favor of increased funding for clean coal as a way to cut emissions, support domestic supplies of energy and generate new jobs. Coal accounts for over 50 percent of US power generation and remains an enormous natural resource that represents the least costly approach to meeting energy needs for decades or perhaps centuries to come.

However, it is also seen as the dirtiest of all of the fossil fuels and has been targeted by the environmental and scientific community as the major culprit in US emissions of greenhouse gases. Most believe that the issue of Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) which would employ new technology to remove the carbon from the coal and then burry it underground, is the key to any significant progress on reducing GHGs. However, the successful development and use of this new technology is likely to require a continuing R&D effort of $2 billion/yr for the next decade or more. In addition, the coal industry and others are likely to call for significant improvement in the legal and regulatory framework for underground sequestration. Progress was made at the end of the 110th Congress in the form of tax incentives contained in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, but Congress and the incoming Administration will likely seek expanded authorization and funding as part of a comprehensive energy bill. Look to the bipartisan “Carbon Capture and Storage Early Deployment Act,” introduced by Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA) and others on the House Energy and Commerce Committee as a foundation for a pro-CCS effort. Another major issue for the coal industry is the effort to expand opportunities for coal-to-liquid technology to meet the nation’s transportation fuel needs, particularly for aviation fuel for the DOD. Because of strong opposition from environmental interests this initiative will find tough sledding under an Obama Administration. However, it should not be ignored due to President-elect Obama’s early interest in coal as a way to promote an Illinois constituency and achieve greater energy independence.

Vehicles and Transportation Fuels President-elect Obama campaigned in favor of higher fuel efficiency standards as a critical component of greater energy independence. His Administration will be tasked with implementing comprehensive energy legislation enacted in December of 2007 that raised Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards 40% by 2020 for passenger and nonpassenger vehicles sold in the U.S. While many in the environmental community will want to push for tougher new standards, President-elect Obama will likely doing more now on this contentious issue, especially given the precarious economic footing of the auto industry. The 13

2007 law also boosted the requirement for use of renewable fuels (i.e. fuels made from ethanol and other biofuels) nearly five-fold to 36 billion gallons per year by 2022. There will be pressure from grocery manufacturers and livestock interests to repeal or, at least reduce the mandate, but President-elect Obama has shown strong support for biofuels and the Democratic Congress, which touted the biofuels mandate as a major positive accomplishment. He will not want to backtrack on this in the next Congress. Look for a healthy debate on this and the potential for tinkering with either the mandate or the favorable tax and trade posture that biofuels enjoy.

Finally, the 2007 law authorized significant financial assistance in the form of loans for auto manufacturers to retool to meet the Act’s new mandates. Congress followed through by providing $25 billion in direct loans for the auto industry as part of the Omnibus Continuing Resolution that funds the government through March 6th of next year. However, problems with getting those funds out the door at DOE and the potential need for more funding may require another urgent auto bailout measure in the lame duck session or immediately after Congress returns. The industry is also looking at getting help as part of the $700 billion financial sector bailout before the end of the year. President-elect Obama may signal a desire to get this done quickly to avoid having it reflect unfavorably on his incoming Administration or having it complicate discussions on a new energy package.

Many in the environmental community argue for low carbon fuel standards to reduce carbon emissions from our fuel base. Look to the incoming Administration to accelerate both the regulatory and legislative efforts to develop and implement low carbon fuel requirements.

However, continued economic losses in the US auto industry will trigger both opposition to anything that could impose new tougher requirements on the industry and could also create opportunities to pursue initiatives to assist the auto industry in meeting energy and environmental challenges.

Green Jobs President-elect Obama campaigned in favor of investments in newer, cleaner energy technologies as a way to generate new, high-paying American jobs building or installing solar panels and wind turbines or helping with other renewable energy, conservation, or clean technology projects. The Obama Administration can be expected to follow up with specific proposals to jump-start this part of the economy through initiatives like an aggressive RPS, funding and tax incentives for clean technology initiatives and worker training proposals as a way to save energy, protect the environment and, perhaps most importantly, spur the economy.

Process Issues The last major energy policy overhaul, the Energy Independence and Security Act (IESA), enacted by the Congress in December of 2007 –– was produced largely by House and Senate leadership rather than through the normal committee process. There are significant reasons to believe that a bill developed next year may be more a product of the committee process reacting to proposals sent up by the White House than was the case previously. Certainly, in the Senate, we believe that Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) has been given some reason to believe he will be allowed to try to put something together first in committee. In 14

part, this reflects a high level of confidence in Bingaman’s ability to find compromise and to put together a bill that reflects a high degree of consensus while still maintaining allegiance to basic party principles. A bipartisan group of Senators lead by Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) (where re-election is pending) that started out as the Gang of 10 but grew to 16 or 20, is also likely to play a major role on energy going forward as well as a possible new Senate Blue Dog Coalition, to be lead by Senator-elect Mark Warner (D-VA).

In the House, the process is harder to predict. Speaker Pelosi has shown a propensity to take control of major bills and is also reportedly wary of Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) and his closeness to the auto industry. However, frustration on the part of House committee chairs and the increasingly influential Blue Dogs may create a climate under which the committee process would be allowed to work – particularly in partnership with the new Administration – to produce an energy bill early in the Congress. While Pelosi might ultimately take control, either because she is dissatisfied with the pace or the product, we believe the initial efforts will be through the committee leadership at Energy & Commerce with input from a number of other committees.

Health Care Dollars and political will are the two primary obstacles that could derail major health care reform efforts in the First Session of the 111th Congress. With Congress and the new Administration facing the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression and the worldwide implications of a steep recession, the focus will be on developing and implementing a broadbased economic strategy that could consume additional billions of dollars and vital time, crowding out efforts to enact health care reform.

However, President-elect Obama continues to list health care reform as a top priority and Senator Edward Kennedy, Chairman of the Health, Labor and Pensions Committee and a long-time advocate of universal coverage, is leading a bi-partisan effort to develop a consensus health care proposal. Both the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees have conducted hearings and held scores of meetings with interested parties in preparation for the health care reform debate. Given the continuing access and cost concerns of the American public and the preparatory steps of the key congressional and senatorial figures in the health care debate it is possible that Congress will seek to find a path for enactment of reform legislation.

Even if Congress and the Administration decide to slow-walk enactment of broad-based reform, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and Medicare are certain to see congressional action. The SCHIP program needs to be reauthorized early next year and congressional Democrats have made expansion of this program a priority. The Medicare “doc fix” legislation enacted in July expires in December 2009, requiring Congress to take further action to avoid a 20% reduction in the Medicare reimbursement rate for physicians. Both of these “must-pass” issues could serve as a platform for phasing-in portions of President-elect Obama’s health care plan. It is also likely that Congress will act to broaden federal funding of stem cell research.

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The Obama Plan The cornerstone of President-elect Obama's health care plan is a guarantee of coverage for every American through partnerships among employers, private health plans, the federal government, and the states. His plan builds on the current health insurance system and leaves Medicare intact for older and disabled Americans. President-elect Obama’s plan will: establish a new public insurance program, which will be available to Americans who neither qualify for Medicaid or the SCHIP nor have access to insurance through their employers, as well as to small businesses that want to offer insurance to their employees; create a National Health Insurance Exchange to help Americans and businesses that want to purchase private health insurance directly; require all employers to contribute towards health coverage for their employees or towards the cost of the public plan; and allow flexibility for state health care reform plans.

While all Americans will be guaranteed coverage through an employer-based plan, Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP, or a new public insurance program, with the exception of children, there is no mandate that individuals must purchase coverage. Young adults up to age 25 could continue to receive coverage under their parents’ plan. Exclusions or denials of coverage for pre-existing conditions are specifically prohibited. Employers must offer insurance and contribute to the cost of insurance or pay a percentage of pay roll toward the cost of the public plan (e.g. Play or Pay).

Small businesses that offer a quality health plan and make a meaningful contribution to premiums will receive a refundable tax credit of up to 50%of their premium costs. Very small businesses and start-up companies would be exempt from the “Play or Pay” requirement.

The new public plan will be open to individuals without access to group coverage through their workplace or current public programs. It will be available to people who are self-employed and small businesses that want to offer insurance to their employees. The plan will include a comprehensive benefit package similar to that offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). It will provide coverage of all essential medical services, including preventative, maternity, and mental health care. Under President-elect Obama’s plan, participants will be charged “fair premiums” and “minimal” co-pays or deductibles for preventative services, including cancer screening, smoking cessation, and coordinated care. Individuals and families who do not qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP, but still need assistance will receive income-related federal subsidies, which can be used to buy into the new public plan or purchase a private health care plan.

The Obama proposal creates a National Health Insurance Exchange (the Exchange) that will oversee the new public plan and enrollment in this plan and participating private plans. The Exchange would assist individuals who wish to purchase a private insurance plan. It will also l act as a watchdog and help reform the private insurance market by creating rules and standards for participating insurance plans in an effort to ensure fairness and to make individual coverage more affordable and accessible. Through the Exchange, people will have the opportunity to enroll in the new public plan or purchase an approved private plan, and income-based sliding scale subsidies will be provided for people and families who need it. Health care insurers will have to issue every applicant a policy and charge fair and stable premiums that will not depend upon health status. The Exchange will require that all plans offered are at least as generous as 16

the new public plan and meet the same standards for quality and efficiency. Insurers would be required to justify an above-average premium increase to the Exchange. The Exchange will evaluate plans and make the differences among the plans, including cost of services, transparent.

President-elect Obama would invest $10 billion a year over 5 years to encourage the adoption of electronic health information systems, making it very likely that Health Information Technology legislation will pass the Congress and be signed into law.

With regard to Medicare, President-elect Obama would increase the use of generic drugs and prohibit drug companies from keeping generics off the market. He would allow the Federal government to negotiate directly with drug companies under part D of the Medicare programs and he would eliminate subsidies to Medicare Advantage Plans. In addition to these issues, Congress is very likely to act on “Drug Safety” and “Bio-generics” legislation.

Taken as a whole, the Obama plan would expand coverage to 18 million Americans in the first year and 34 million over ten. It would save the typical family up to $2500 a year on premiums and would save employers, collectively, $140 billion a year. The cost would be $50-$60 billion a year when fully phased-in.

Tax The economic problems that the President-elect faces will be enormous. By Inauguration Day, the financial rescue package will have disposed of about $500 billion of its $700 billion authority. Also by then the country will likely have suffered its 11th consecutive month of growing unemployment. If a second stimulus package does not pass Congress during the November “lame duck” session, then it is likely that an attempt will be made to pass a large stimulus package – perhaps some $300 billion – in January. So before the President-elect has spent even one week in office, the fiscal well might have dried up the ability to pay for any of his proposed initiatives. In other words, health care, pensions, education, and energy policy may all have to wait until a way can be found to pay for them either with cuts in other programs or increased revenues – meaning tax increases.

The advent of major tax reform is a virtual certainty. The economic recovery, the expiration of the Bush tax cuts in 2010, and the necessity of saving the American taxpayer annually from the Alternative Minimum Tax woes will create the perfect storm for tax reform. Reform will likely have many facets. Categories of tax reform that could be considered include: Subpart F and International Reform; Domestic individual and corporate Reform; Deferral Reform; Depreciation Reform; and Tax Credit Reform; among the major categories.

For individual tax payers, President-elect Obama has stated his support for extending the Bush tax cuts to low and middle income families and will work to make them permanent in a fiscally responsible way. He has stated his support for extending these tax cuts for 95 percent of tax payers. These tax cuts include the 10 percent tax bracket, marriage penalty, increases in child tax credits, and reductions on dividends and capital gains) which are set to expire in 2010.

President-elect Obama stated: “These are the families facing the greatest economic challenges 17

and anxiety, and they are the ones who should benefit first. I do not support making permanent Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy. Rather than providing expensive, deficit-financed tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest Americans, we should be working to fix our tax system to help the middleclass. Extending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy simply does not do that.”

Workforce Issues Partisan disagreements are likely to be most visible in this area, as dueling party philosophies about the proper role for federal government regulation is put to the test.

Significant labor-related issues likely to be taken up by the 111th Congress include: Card Check This measure—perhaps organized labor’s top priority—will greatly increase union mobilization within the restaurant industry and many other sectors. Passage in the House is a virtual certainty, and President-elect Obama has said he would sign the bill, but passage in the Senate is not guaranteed.

Ledbetter Fair Pay Act This bill will practically eliminate any time limitations for job-discrimination claims under various employment-law statures, including ADA and civil rights cases. This may make it difficult for employers to defend against claims. President-elect Obama made this an issue on the campaign trail, and it enjoys strong support of Democrats in Congress.

RESPECT Act The Re-empowerment of Skilled and Professional Employees and Construction Trades Workers Act will amend the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to modify the definition of supervisor, thereby exempting them from collective bargaining laws and making them eligible for union organizing.

Immigration Immigration reform remains a top issue as more states and localities pass measures that affect business and the workforce. For more detail, reference the immigration section.

Ergonomics It is anticipated that labor will attempt to resurrect the ergonomics rule repealed during the Bush Administration. This is complicated somewhat by the Congressional Review Act’s restrictions on what an agency can propose when a rule is overturned by Congress.

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Wages President-elect Obama has called for a federal wage of $9.50 per hour indexed to inflation.

Although, the final increase in the federal rate (to $7.25 per hour) is scheduled to go into effect on July 24, 2009, there is a real possibility of another minimum wage battle in the 111th Congress.

FMLA/Paid Sick Leave President-elect Obama has promised to expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and urged states to pass their own paid leave laws. Observers expect movement of federal legislation to mandate sick pay. There could also be state sick leave proposals, although union backers of an Ohio paid sick leave ballot initiative asked that it be removed from the ballot and promised to focus on federal legislation.

Health Care Ambitious health care reform ideas may have to be scaled back based on fiscal realities, but a health care debate is expected. (Please refer back to the health care section) Bipartisan and moderate reform ideas like the SHOP Act and the CHOICE Act could play key roles in the debate. A concern for business in this debate is protection of ERISA preemption, which allows businesses operating in multiple states to comply with one uniform set of health care mandates.

Americans with Disabilities Act The recently-enacted ADA Amendment Act may deflate much of the momentum for additional ADA reforms on Capitol Hill. However, proposed changes to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines could take effect before year-end or early next year. In the mean time, propositions need further review and analysis.

Pensions Pensions and the impact of the economic downturn on investments and retirement benefits will be a topic in the 111th Congress. Both private and public sector defined benefit and defined contribution plans have been affected by the sharp decline in the stock market, with pension mangers seeing their holdings losing significant value while their obligations to fund vested pension benefits continues and those with 401(k) plans seeing much of their retirement income evaporate. Congressional hearings have already begun and are expected to continue, with the enactment of multi-faceted legislation a possibility.

Technology and Telecommunications Barack Obama’s campaign revolutionized the use and impact of technology as a tool for political communication and organization. His platform was infused with an emphasis on technology, across issue areas, as a key to improving U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and quality of life.

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He also stressed the importance of information technology to achieving transparency and efficiency in government.

For the most part, the Obama technology agenda is consistent with long-held Democratic objectives on Capitol Hill, but is a vast departure in both content and emphasis from the policies of President Bush. Where the Bush White House preferred free market solutions to promote technology, President-elect Obama calls for a more active government partnership with industry and increased government spending on incentives for industry to upgrade technology. For instance, President-elect Obama wants to double federal spending on basic research in the next ten years and wants to spend $150 billion over ten years on clean energy programs. He also wants to spend $50 billion on health care information technology, including electronic health records.

President-elect Obama has also placed a great deal of emphasis on expanding broadband access.

Most significantly, he called for transforming the Universal Service Fund (USF) from a program that supports access to telephony to one that supports broadband access, especially in rural areas.

With respect to unresolved issues that Congress continues to wrestle with, President-elect Obama is not likely to deviate greatly from his Senate positions. For example, President-elect Obama’s campaign platform supported the concept of “network neutrality,” placing him in the mainstream of Democratic thinking on the issue. To the extent that there is any departure from his campaign promises as he seeks to implement his agenda on Capitol Hill, it may be felt most in terms of scaling back the cost of his initiatives. Even though he stresses the potential efficiencies that technology investments can yield, it will be difficult for Congress to budget more than $200 billion for energy and health care technology investments alone in this current budget environment.

One area where President-elect Obama could have a lasting impact on how technology and government interact is in his call to create a Chief Technology Officer for the Federal Government. The details of that proposed position have yet to be fleshed out, but the proposal will be an important concern of the new Administration and one test of whether they can truly change the way Washington operates. Overall, look for an unprecedented emphasis by the new Administration on the potential for technology in both changing the way that government and citizens interact, as well as the role of technology in modernizing the American economy.

Immigration During the campaign, President-elect Obama brought a shorter immigration track record and different constraints than those faced by Senator McCain. While there is a wing of the Democratic Party in Congress that favors an enforcement-only approach to illegal immigration, symbolized by Congressman Heath Shuler’s (D-NC) SAVE Act (H.R. 4088), it is much smaller than its counterpart in Congressional Republican ranks. However, while some labor unions have supported comprehensive immigration reform, including a guest worker program, others are unenthusiastic about, or outright opposed to, a guest worker program. Such a program remains a very high priority of a significant portion of the business community. There is also a felt need in 20

an important sector of the business community for an increase in hi-tech worker visas. The Administration may have to opt for a piecemeal approach to immigration reform to be able to satisfy the needs of these various communities.

Indeed, as a candidate, President-elect Obama has said he will make immigration reform a first year priority in his Administration. But with immigration not surfacing as a significant issue debated before the general electorate, there is some uncertainty as to whether an Obama Administration will submit an immigration reform bill to Congress in its first year. Moreover, there are serious doubts that an Obama Administration would be able to generate Congressional consideration of such legislation in 2009 if it is introduced. Dealing with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the condition of the American economy may require so much time and expenditure of “political capital” that returning to Congressional consideration of the politically bruising and divisive issue of comprehensive immigration reform in the new President’s first year may be too difficult to achieve. Moreover, the climate of economic uncertainty, which is expected to persist well into 2009, if not longer, is not necessarily a good “backdrop” for the consideration of generous immigration proposals.

Based on his record, including votes cast in 2007, and what he has said, one could reasonably expect a President-elect Obama to: •

Support stronger border security.

•

Support an electronic employment verification system.

•

Support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented aliens involving the payment of a fine; learning English; waiting a period of time, and then having the ability to apply for permanent resident status and ultimately for citizenship. He would place these formerly undocumented aliens at the “back of the line” for permanent status.

•

Support a temporary worker program, which stresses labor rights for the temporary worker. Such a program would require an application, a fee, and a new visa. At one time, he supported a pathway to citizenship for temporary workers in such a program. He is believed to be still so inclined.

President-elect Obama voted to sunset the temporary worker program and reduce its size during Senate consideration of immigration reform in 2007. He also opposed the requirement that such temporary workers leave the country for a year every two years before returning for what would have been a maximum of six years in the U.S. under the visa. .

An Obama package will also likely: increase the number of hi-tech visas; include an expanded temporary agricultural worker program; and increase the number of green cards for permanent legal status to deal with the backlog in family and employment based immigration applications.

It is useful to note that Congress may impose more “stringent” terms than President-elect Obama will propose.

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Education The 110th Congress has been very active on education issues. The Higher Education Act was reauthorized after a more than five year effort to reauthorize the program. Congress also passed emergency legislation, the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act (ECASLA), to address the liquidity crisis affects on student lending. ECASLA also raised the loan limits on the Stafford loans for undergraduates. President-elect Obama campaigned on making higher education more affordable and may look to include additional financial assistance for students as part of stimulus or other legislation.

The major education policy issue facing the next President and the Congress is the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act. This law was one of the major policy initiatives during the first term of the Bush Administration. While the legislation was developed in a bipartisan manner and enjoyed broad support, the implementation of the policies met stiff opposition from teachers and school administrators. The chief complaints were based around a lack of funding and over burdensome testing requirements. There is bipartisan interest in rewriting this law. However, a consensus was not developed around these policies in the last Congress. The No Child Left Behind Act reorganized programs initially authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Funding for these programs continues even though the No Child Left Behind authorization ended at the end of FY 2007.

Transportation Transportation will be a major priority for President-elect Obama and the next Congress. Major surface transportation and aviation bills are due or past due to be reauthorized and unfortunately, both programs face a funding crisis demanding some type of new revenues in order to continue at current federal funding levels, which will be a challenging issue in these economic times.

Current funding levels are largely agreed, across-the-board, to be inadequate. For highways, current annual average investments across all government levels totals $68 billion while the estimated investment need over the next ten years is estimated at $207-240 billion annually. For transit, current average annual investments total$13 billion across all government levels, while the estimated investment needed over the next ten years is estimated at $21-32 billion. Although costly, infrastructure is a reliable economic engine and proven job creator. The U.S. Department of Transportation, for example, estimates that $1 billion in transportation infrastructure spending creates 35,000 jobs and up to $6 billion in additional gross domestic product. In fact, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Harry Reid may include up to $25 billion in funding for infrastructure in the economic stimulus package to be considered either in a lame duck session or in the first days of the new Congress primarily due to its job creation and economic growth capabilities.

On the aviation side, the FAA Aerospace Forecast for Fiscal Years 2007-2020 predicts the 768 million current passengers to grow to more than one billion passengers by 2015, and 1.2 billion by 2020. Certain key hubs are projected to see significant growth such as Washington Dulles (68%), New York Kennedy (59%), Los Angeles (54%) and Atlanta Hartsfield (38%). Current 22

aviation delays caused by an outdated air traffic control system and lack of capacity are already costing the economy over $10 billion annually. In addition, the number of private flying hours associated with general aviation is also expected to increase by as much as 59 % by 2020. The 2007–2011 Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Capital Needs Survey estimates total airport capital needs to be at $87.4 billion or $17.5 billion per year over the next five years. Current Federal aviation funding is $7 billion per year.

President-elect Obama has embraced the need for the U.S. to rebuild its national transportation infrastructure to strengthen user safety, bolster competitiveness and spur economic growth. He has detailed the outlines of a plan entitled “Strengthening America’s Transportation Infrastructure.” The document has three main themes: revitalizing transportation infrastructure, improving public transportation and transportation planning, and safeguarding transportation from terrorism. A key feature of his revitalization agenda includes a National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank as a supplement to existing federal investments. The bank, an independent entity, would be directed to finance challenging transportation infrastructure projects. The bank would be financed initially by $60 billion in Federal funding from the Treasury over 10 years.

While the bank is not a new idea, and Federal programs are already in existence that provide loans and lines of credit for transportation projects, his specific support of it indicates some level of commitment to the importance of infrastructure. The document hits on other issues such as support for the nation’s air traffic controllers involved in a labor dispute with the administration, strengthening airline safety and FAA regulations, support for Amtrak, essential air service, and welfare to work transportation programs. He told a gathering of labor activists before the Democratic National Convention that he wanted to be “the infrastructure President”. He reacted to Senator McCain’s plan to put a moratorium on the federal fuels tax over the summer as gimmicky and fiscally irresponsible because it would deprive the highway trust fund of even more revenue. He has stopped short of endorsing a gas tax increase thus far and the weakening economy makes a fuel tax increase even more unlikely to gain his support. He voted for the $286 billion SAFETEA-LU bill in 2005 and the most recent $13 billion Amtrak reauthorization bill in October. He has voiced support for a stimulus bill which would contain infrastructure funding that could be expended on ready-to-go projects.

The surface transportation reauthorization bills traditionally contain a fair amount of funding for individual Member’s projects across the country. President-elect Obama requested and received projects in SAFETEA-LU but has said he plans to slash earmarks in half.

Reauthorization of Federal Surface Transportation Programs (SAFETEA-LU) Federal programs for highways, public transit, highway safety, and motor carrier safety are due to expire on September 30, 2009. Short of entitlement programs and the recent financial rescue package, this is the largest domestic spending bill the Congress considers and it only comes up once every 5-7 years. The most challenging and contentious issue in the bill will be its financing given the decline in revenues to the Highway Trust Fund, which funds 90% of these programs.

Due to unsupportable funding levels based on revenue projections in 2005, eight straight months of a decline in vehicle miles travelled, primarily attributed to high fuel prices, as well as increased use of alternative fuels and hybrid-type vehicles, the highway trust fund is approaching bankruptcy. In September of this year, Congress infused the Highway Account of the Highway 23

Trust Fund with $8 billion from the General Treasury that is projected to allow for full funding of authorized program levels through FY 2009, but even that is in question. Thus far, the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund is expected to remain whole through FY 2009 primarily because spend-out rates for transit are slower than for highways, but transit advocates are worried their program may also be impacted before the reauthorization is due. The $8 billion was non-paid for deficit spending.

Further complicating this problem for next year is that the reauthorization bills over the last twenty years have been historically delayed from a few months to almost two years. In the past, Congress has had the luxury of keeping the federal funding going during the interim period through a series of legislative extensions. Unfortunately, this time around, it will likely be impossible to simply extend the program and keep funding level due to the declining revenue.

Extending the program without providing for any additional revenue would simply mean a lower funding level. Without the $8 billion infusion in September, highway funding would have dropped by 40%. Other financing methods under consideration include implementation of a vehicle-miles-travelled user-fee to gradually replace the federal fuels tax, more private sector funding, federal bonding, freight or container taxes and pricing schemes such as increased tolling and congestion pricing during peak hours. The role of public private partnerships (PPP’s) to fill the gaps in available government revenues at all levels will be a significant issue. The PPP concept is the new frontier in addressing infrastructure needs in the United States, though it has been implemented successfully for decades in Asia, Europe and South America to leverage existing assets for new transportation revenues and to build new Greenfield projects. With over 26 States having implemented or having the authority to implement some form of PPP’s to addressing their infrastructure needs, there is significant interest to make this a Federal issue.

Another major issue in the reauthorization bill will be project earmarks. In the last SAFETEALU bill, 5800 earmarks totaling $24 billion were included, representing about 12% of overall highway funding. The earmarks gained national negative attention when one of them, a $223 million earmark for bridge in Alaska to a community of less than 50 people was dubbed the “Bridge to Nowhere.” We expect Congressional transportation leaders to continue to pursue earmarks in the reauthorization bill, but a more comprehensive vetting and approval process will be created to ensure at least the appearance that projects included are legitimate. We expect that an Obama Administration would support a lesser volume of earmarks with a reformed process behind them.

Other major issues include many calls for significant reform of the program, creation of a new post-interstate national vision for the program, addressing increasing congestion issues, easing movement of freight, need for maintenance of an aging infrastructure as well as new capacity projects, building in efficiencies into the existing transportation system, and a strong environmental and clean-energy focus.

Reauthorization of Federal Aviation Programs Federal aviation programs authorized under the “Vision-100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act “expired on September 30, 2007 and have been kept in operation under a 24

series of legislative extensions. The most recent one will expire on March 26, 2009. The House passed its $66 billion four year reauthorization bill on September 20, 2007. The bill provided $15.8 billion for the Aviation Improvement Program, $13 billion for the Facilities and Equipment program, and $37.2 billion for FAA Operations. The bill increases general aviation jet fuel taxes as well as aviation gas taxes in order to fund the air traffic control modernization initiative referred to as Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The bill also increases the cap on passenger facility charges that airports can charge from $4.50 per passenger to $7.00. The Senate has yet to pass their bill, primarily due to a dispute on how to pay for the NextGen system between commercial aviation and general aviation interests. Other issues in significant contention are labor issues involving air traffic controllers, major airline mergers, and package express companies.

Amtrak/Passenger Rail Programs In the waning days of the regular Congressional session, Congress passed a $13 billion Amtrak reauthorization bill which included funding for the nation’s first ever high speed passenger rail network, taking these issues off the table for the next Congress. President Bush signed this bill on October 15.

Climate Change International Context The Kyoto Treaty on Climate Change is set to expire in 2012 and efforts are underway to develop the next steps in the process of tackling climate in the international arena. The UN Climate Change Conference will convene in Poznån, Poland during December 1-12, 2008. A policy team representing the President-elect will attend this meeting with a goal of laying out a new Kyoto agreement on climate change. After Poland, the UN will meet in Copenhagen in 2009 with the aim of signing a post-Kyoto treaty. The U.S.’s cooperation is seen as critical to this process to lead both industrialized and developing nations. Expect to see President-elect Obama actively working to fashion a new agreement that the US would seek to join going forward including his direct negotiations with world leaders. He will, however, likely benefit from the tough stance that President Bush took on requiring the developing world to share in the burden of cutting greenhouse emissions. President-elect Obama should find it easier to negotiate an agreement on that as the rest of the world will be eager to ensure US participation for the next treaty.

Domestic Situation There was broad support for action on comprehensive climate legislation on the part of both Barack Obama and John McCain during the campaign. While it remains a stated goal of the Democratic leadership in both the House and Senate, the current economic situation will likely force this issue a little to the back burner because of the potential for huge costs imposed on a struggling economy under a mandatory cap and trade regime. It cannot be ignored, however, due to mounting international pressure, ongoing efforts at the state and regional levels, and because 25

of the recent Supreme Court decision requiring EPA to tackle this under the existing Clean Air Act’s regulatory framework.

The President President-elect Obama will continue to argue in favor of action on climate change as a major policy initiative early in the Administration, but most likely in the form of general policy guidance rather than concrete legislation. Again, the economic situation and prospects for a long and deep recession will push climate legislation somewhat off the front burner. Also, efforts to craft energy legislation early will provide a basis for delaying action on climate until the second session or even later. Nonetheless, we believe that President-elect Obama will send up general criteria for a climate bill and work with Democrats in the House and Senate to start crafting an ambitious cap and trade bill that would cut carbon emissions by 70 to 80 percent by mid-century and move quickly to an auction of carbon allocations. Revenues raised would be significant and will be looked at as potential sources of funding for a host expensive government programs that may be only loosely linked to climate. These could include energy conservation and efficiency, green technologies and jobs, highway and transit funding, health care and other programs. At the same time, President-elect Obama will push EPA to move ahead on mandated regulatory action to place limits on greenhouse gas emissions, perhaps as another way to encourage action in Congress.

Wild Card The wild card in all this is the development of another approach entirely, one based on a radical new tax policy that imposes green house gas (GHG) or carbon taxes to help cut emissions, coupled with tax cuts or incentives to ease the burden and spur investment in clean technologies.

Economists appear split but some argue that taxes are much more efficient in forcing economic changes than command and control mechanisms run by regulatory agencies. The business community, Republicans, and even Chairman Dingell (D-MI) have flirted with this approach, although some argue that talk of a tax approach is merely one way to try to kill action since tax increases would have to be so huge as to make their defeat easier to orchestrate. Nonetheless it is an approach that should not be ruled out entirely either as an alternative or in combination with a major tax overhaul. In the House, a bill was introduced by key members on Ways and Means and in the Senate, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) could play a major role in developing such an approach because he serves as both the Chair of the full Senate Energy Committee and the Subcommittee in Finance with responsibility for energy tax issues.

Other Environmental Issues In addition to tackling energy and climate change, the Administration and Congress may take the first serious look in many years at a number of environmental laws to see if measures are needed to reauthorize or strengthen programs that have been either ignored or weakened or where changes may be needed to respond to court decisions or changing technologies. Among the issue likely to attract attention are the following 26

Wetlands As a result of a series of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions giving meaning to the word “navigable,” the Clinton-era Corps and EPA regulations were overturned and a less restrictive (and arguably less environmentally protective) regulatory regime was implemented. While an Obama Administration will be sympathetic to calls for tougher regulation, they may need help from Congress to overturn the restrictive Supreme Court rulings. Congressional leaders in the House and Senate have pressed for legislation to re-impose a more restrictive regulatory approach and can be expected to push for that next year and to count on the active support of the Obama White House and EPA. Industry will work to block such legislation, by looking not only to Republicans but also moderate, pro-business Democrats concerned that an overly broad regulatory approach could significantly delay or stifle economic growth and impose huge costs on major infrastructure and other construction projects around the country.

Funding for Sewer and Drinking Water Projects Funding authorizations for water and sewer projects under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act expired many years ago but program funding has been continued in the annual appropriations process. Efforts to enact comprehensive program reauthorizations, with healthy increases in funding for local environmental infrastructure projects and controversial provisions extending labor protections for projects receiving Federal funding, have been advanced in Congress but have failed to get through the process. Look to the new Administration to revisit this issue and propose new funding solutions to assist local communities with the high cost of constructing major water infrastructure projects and, possibly, to enact other changes in both the Safe Drinking Water Act or the Clean Water Act to address environmental protection issues under these two programs.

Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) Another issue that Congress and the Administration may seek to move is a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to authorize new water projects and program changes for the Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works program. The underlying projects include local flood control, navigation and ecosystem enhancement work that is extremely important to local economies.

Therefore, the bill tends to attract a great deal of Member interest. The last such bill, the 2007 WRDA, was the first bill approved over President Bush’s veto in 2007. Typically, the Congress seeks to move a WRDA bill every two years and they will be due to act on it in 2009. However, recent bills have stalled over disputes over environmental safeguards and cost cutting measures.

This is an area that is ripe for President-elect Obama to take up as part of a “reform” and antiearmarking agenda, pushing for further reforms to ensure that projects are carefully reviewed and that local communities bear a greater share of the cost.

Change in the Clean Air Act Beyond potential changes to the Clean Air Act that may be contemplated as part of a comprehensive climate bill, there may be efforts to address other perceived problems in air 27

quality regulation including tackling problems related to regulation of emissions from aging power plants, regulations of additional pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and mercury; and possible efforts to reconstruct the EPA’s Clean Air Interstate Rule that was struck down by the courts.

Trade Despite his prior free trade positions, President-elect Obama’s campaign was moderately protectionist and current economic conditions will likely only strengthen that position. He has proposed a five-year freeze on new negotiations and pledged to renegotiate NAFTA and other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to ensure higher standards of environmental and labor protection. Since renegotiation is unlikely to be of interest to the other signatories of those previous agreements, it is more likely that the new Administration will pursue those issues in future FTAs and in Doha and the next multilateral trade round to follow. Countries and trade blocs that have been discussed as likely next opportunities for an FTA with the United States include Malaysia, Thailand, the UAE and the South African Customs Union. According to his key trade advisors, the President-elect would shift the focus from negotiating new trade agreements to enforcing existing agreements. This would include increasing resources applied to enforcement and a commitment to bringing more cases before the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Specifically, do not expect to see a vote in Congress on the South Korea FTA, the automotive portions of which the President-elect believes should be renegotiated. It should be noted that this month, in a lame duck session of Congress, the Bush Administration will try to enact the U.S.Colombia FTA as part of any stimulus package under consideration. This attempt will likely include proposals to improve and expand the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program.

TAA expansion has been a Democratic congressional pre-condition for passage of the Colombia FTA. Failing that, the President-elect has said he wants to see unspecified progress on antiunion violence in Colombia prior to consideration of that FTA. President-elect Obama can be expected to work closely with Trade Subcommittee Chairmen Congressman Sander Levin (DMI) and Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), as well as with labor union leaders to expand the TAA Program to include service workers, as well as workers who lost jobs due to trade with countries with which the U.S. has not negotiated FTA’s.

On alleged Chinese currency manipulation, the President-elect would likely choose diplomacy over the blunt instrument of legislation, his advisors have said. This spring, however, Senator Obama expressed support for legislation to define currency manipulation as a subsidy under U.S. trade laws, which would open the door for the Commerce Department to impose countervailing duties on a broad array of Chinese goods.

Homeland Security The Department of Homeland Security was set up in 2003, bringing together 22 existing agencies with the mission of protecting the U.S. against terrorist attacks and managing natural 28

disasters. This will be the first opportunity for DHS to come under Democratic control. While the Department has made great strides in unifying the diverse missions, programs and cultures of its constituent agencies, it has also come under considerable criticism from Congressional Democrats for falling short in this area, and management issues will continue to challenge DHS in the next Congress. Several other Executive departments share homeland security responsibilities as well as the White House Council on Homeland Security. Eighty-six Congressional committees and subcommittees still exercise oversight of DHS, and there is little likelihood that this jurisdictional reach will be reduced. Almost every sector of the economy is touched in some way by DHS programs.

Although Homeland Security was not a major focus issue for either candidate during this election, Senator Obama’s service on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and his familiarity with the broad range of issues in this area make it likely that his Administration will move quickly to deal with this critical agenda. Installing a strong DHS management team will be President-elect Obama’s first priority. Among those being mentioned as possible candidates to head DHS are Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and former head of FEMA, James Lee Witt.

In his campaign materials, President-elect Obama suggested a wide range of issues he would address as President. In terms of defeating terrorism, and particularly nuclear terrorism, President-elect Obama will seek to strengthen intelligence gathering and analysis. At the same time, he will try to strengthen the Privacy and Civil Liberties Board to ensure that individual rights are protected. He will also focus on securing nuclear weapons materials at vulnerable sites within four years and work closely with our international partners in this effort. President-elect Obama also cited bio-security as a strong priority, and in addition to emphasis on preventing possible attacks, he will seek to work on domestic and international efforts to accelerate the development of new vaccines, and diminish the impact of pandemic diseases.

Threats to our cyber infrastructure have raised concern through all sectors of our economy, national security, and personal security. President-elect Obama called for a comprehensive, public-private partnership effort to protect our IT infrastructure, set standards for securing personal data, provide disclosure of data breaches, and develop a cyber crime strategy.

He will also pursue efforts to secure the border, improve transportation security, chemical site security, and monitor our ports. He also has said that he will focus on modernizing our aging infrastructure, and suggests creating a National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank to assist in this effort.

The FY 09 DHS Appropriations bill was one of only 3 funding bills completed this year, and the Department saw an increase of 6%. In addition to general issues of management and structure (should FEMA remain in DHS?), Congress will continue to focus on familiar issues such as border security, transportation, bioterrorism, cyber-security, first responders, procurement practices, intelligence sharing and critical infrastructure. In any case, we expect Congressional interest to continue to focus on a number of issues: 29

•

Immigration: finish securing our borders, deal with current illegal alien population; employer-related issues including employer identification requirements (E-Verify); need for more visas for highly-skilled workers

•

Improve cooperation and communication among federal, state, and local authorities; need for interoperable communications equipment and improved disaster planning

•

First responder needs: equipment, training, coordinated management; better informationsharing with local law enforcement

•

Foreign ownership issues (CFIUS) generally; specific concerns about critical infrastructure facilities, transportation systems, port facilities

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Port security / cargo inspection / coastal security with focus on screening process to detect hazardous materials, illegal aliens, narcotics smuggling

•

Replace and strengthen aging critical infrastructure; increasing emphasis on need for resiliency

•

FEMA: continued efforts to ensure stronger management, planning and other preparedness programs

•

Pandemic flu, other bioterrorism threats as well as chemical and nuclear threats

•

Cybersecurity is a growing area of major concern; US-CERT efforts and new EINSTEIN intrusion detection program show progress, but terrorism-related, economic and privacy concerns in this area will make it a prime topic

•

International cooperation on travel identification, shipping requirements, as well as Visa Waiver Program

•

The Travel Promotion Act, legislation aimed at creating a first-ever marketing plan to sell the American brand to international travelers and to more efficiently convey often confusing travel requirements

•

Travel ID requirements: biometric, WHTI, REAL ID programs involve not only changes in domestic and international travel process, but also new documentation, ID and scanning requirements

30

Defense and Foreign Policy The President-elect faces a daunting array of international security and economic policy issues.

His primary goal will be improving the strained U.S. relationship with traditional allies in Western Europe, early in 2009, expect a Presidential trip to Europe to begin mending fences. On the campaign trail, President-elect Obama said he would look to Senator Biden and former Supreme Allied Commander in Europe General James Jones, Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Greg Craig, Wesley Clark, Jim Steinberg and Dennis Ross for foreign policy direction. This suggests a moderate, pragmatic approach. But, he will also be expected to infuse into his world view the advice of more liberal supporters including Susan Rice, Samantha Power, and Tony Lake. Furthermore, he will be under pressure from traditional Democratic constituencies including the arms control community, labor unions, and environmental groups.

Iraq Despite the President-elect’s genuine desire for more rapid change, the U.S. will continue to fight at least two wars for the next four years. There are currently 152,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and while a drawdown has already begun, it is likely that in the best of circumstances, the level will be 50,000 in two years and 25,000 to 30,000 by the time of the next Presidential election.

Iraq still faces many challenges. Provincial elections were rescheduled again and are now set for January 31, 2009, which will be a significant test. There is still a need for Iraq’s leaders to create a political framework for a single nation that satisfies all sects. The U.S. has urged that the roughly 100,000 former Sunni insurgents – part of the “Awakening Movement” that was so essential to Iraq’s stabilization – will need to be incorporated into Iraq’s police and military.

However, the Maliki government has yet to be persuaded—a situation that could re-ignite sectarian violence. In addition, up to 20,000 detainees will be released from Iraqi prisons next year and their re-entry into Iraqi society will be closely watched. All these factors will have a bearing on the pace of U.S. troop withdrawals.

Afghanistan Meanwhile, after seven years, the war in Afghanistan has taken a turn for the worse. The President-elect has indicated his support for increasing U.S. force levels and for continuing cross-border raids into Pakistan aimed at Taliban and Al Qaeda terrorists. However, a strategy for winning that can be agreed to – and properly resourced – by the U.S. and our allies will be necessary. Ramping up U.S. force levels and aid to Afghanistan is also likely to be necessary, just as we draw down our commitments to Iraq. General Petraeus has been promoted to Command CENTCOM and given his success in Iraq, his recommendations on Afghanistan are eagerly awaited and will be closely scrutinized.

DoD Budget Meanwhile, Pentagon budgets have doubled since FY 2001, from $304.8 billion to $607.3 billion in FY 2008. Despite that fact, myriad problems face Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. armed forces. With the support of the President-elect, the Army and Marine Corps will grow in 31

size (by 65,000 and 27,000 active duty by 2013, respectively) and in addition to higher personnel costs, their equipment is wearing out at nine times the peacetime rate. Pentagon acquisition and procurement budgets are rising, but it is increasingly clear that the process is unfocused, burdened by cost overruns averaging 26%_, and consumed by waste and incompetence, if not corruption. The U.S. Navy’s drive to expand the fleet from the current 280 ships to 313 by 2025 is clearly in jeopardy. Replacement submarines and destroyers, not to mention Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and cruisers, are being built at a rate insufficient to even replace existing vessels.

The lack of a realistic shipbuilding plan for the future bodes ill for the maintenance of U.S. sea power projection. Meanwhile, as the economy contracts, it will not be possible to maintain the recent rate of increase in DoD budgets and something – perhaps many things – will have to give.

To quote House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha (D-PA) on the subject: “We’re going to have a hell of a time.”

Diplomacy Myriad diplomatic challenges will also face the new Administration. Iran continues its pursuit of nuclear weapons; maintaining unity on Iran between the “Quartet” of the U.S., Russia, European Union (EU), and United Nations (U.N.) will be essential. But, moving this group beyond current sanctions to steps that have more chance of serious impact will be difficult. The President-elect has pledged face-to-face diplomacy to resolve this issue but it remains to be seen when and how this would take place, and what it might accomplish. Most analysts would argue, however, that the new Administration is much more likely to continue on a diplomatic path than resort to the unpalatable alternative of using force. North Korea will also be a focus of continued diplomacy as the “hermit kingdom” continues to play its diminishing hand, with great skill.

In the case of Russia, the President-elect will have to recalibrate relations with this reemerging diplomatic giant and significant energy producer whose cooperation is important, if not essential, on issues ranging from terrorism, Iran and Afghanistan to anything brought before the U.N. Security Council. But, this cooperation will be balanced by the need to resist Russia’s attempts to reincorporate into its orbit, recently freed, but formerly captive nations, most notably Georgia and Ukraine. Diplomacy with the countries of Western Europe, the EU, NATO and at the U.N. will be at the heart of this effort. Energy politics will also be in play, given both Russia’s central role in supplying natural gas and oil to Europe, and Moscow’s desire to maintain control over pipelines supplying the west from Central Asia. Turkey will continue to have a more prominent, if not central, role regarding Russia, Iraq, South Asia, and U.S. and European national interests as they relate to energy security. In addition, arms control will reemerge as an issue in the new Administration. The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) will expire in December, 2009. This treaty reduced warhead numbers and instituted verification mechanisms and the new Administration is expected to seek to negotiate a new regime to replace it.

The President-elect will likely continue, with little change, the balancing act between economic and security interests in China that has been ongoing for the last two Administrations. Barring refugee issues from Cuba or Haiti, or a serious issue with Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, Latin America will continue to be a less pressing priority than other regions. Similarly, U.S. policy toward Africa, which saw a four-fold increase in U.S. foreign assistance during the prior 32

Administration, will not likely move to center stage. But, the President-elect’s African heritage, as well as his – and his top foreign policy advisor’s – personal interest in Africa, will raise the profile of U.S. policy toward the continent. In addition, continuing crises in Sudan, Somalia, and Zimbabwe will demand attention. And, escalating political and economic deterioration in South Africa could evolve into a regional crisis.

The new Administration will also face serious budget constraints at the Department of State, USAID, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. On the campaign trail, Democrats have already acknowledged that funding levels in these accounts are unlikely to increase much and the financial crisis will drive home that reality. Despite the emphasis the new Administration will put on diplomacy, it remains to be seen whether the President-elect will request or Congress will provide the resources necessary to support the growing diplomatic agenda.

Last, but certainly not least, there is pressure across the globe to increase international cooperation in dealing with the ongoing financial crisis. Momentum could build to create new international institutions or substantially reform and modernize existing ones, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. We believe the Group of Twenty Washington summit meeting on the global credit crisis set for November 15 will likely be the beginning of this process of reform, but is itself unlikely to result in specifics.

33

110th Congress Review Major Legislation Signed into Law: Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007 Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 Protect America Act of 2007 Honest Leadership and Open Government Act Water Resources Development Act of 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 (2007 Farm Bill) Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 FISA Amendments Act of 2008 Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 Higher Education Act of 2008 Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 ADA Restoration Act of 2008 SCHIP Reauthorization Red Flag Rules added to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act Rail Safety Improvement Act (includes Amtrak and High Speed Rail authorizations) Major Legislation Not Completed in 110th Congress: Climate Change Comprehensive Immigration Reform DC Voting Rights Card Check ENDA Hate Crimes Prevention Medicare Price Negotiations Patent Reform FAA Reauthorization Travel Promotion Act FDA Tobacco Regulation Labeling Education and Nutrition Act (LEAN Act)

34

Appropriations & Continuing Resolution: On September 30, 2008, President George W. Bush signed a combined appropriations bill that included the appropriations bill that included the Fiscal Year 2009 DoD Appropriations bill, the Fiscal Year 2009 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, the Fiscal Year 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, emergency supplemental funding for recent natural disasters and a continuing resolution to fund at current levels the remaining functions of the federal government until March 6, 2009. As part of this legislation, the federal government's E-Verify program was extended through March 6, 2009.

35

House Changes House Committee Vacancies The following is a list of the vacancies currently projected on the House Committees.

House Committee on Agriculture Majority

Minority

Chairman Collin Peterson (MN) Tim Holden (PA) Mike McIntyre (NC) Bob Etheridge (NC) Leonard Boswell (IA) Joe Baca (CA) Dennis Cardoza (CA) David Scott (GA) Jim Marshall (GA) Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD) Henry Cuellar (TX) Jim Costa (CA) John Salazar (CO) Brad Ellsworth (IN) Nancy Boyda (KS) ** Zachary Space (OH) Timothy Walz (MN) Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) Steve Kagen (WI) Earl Pomeroy (ND) John Barrow (GA) Nick Lampson (TX) ** Joe Donnelly (IN) Tim Mahoney (FL) ** Travis Childers (MS)

Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte (VA) Terry Everett (AL) * Frank Lucas (OK) Jerry Moran (KS) Robin Hayes (NC) ** Timothy Johnson (IL) Sam Graves (MO) Mike Rogers (AL) Steve King (IA) Marilyn Musgrave (CO) ** Randy Neugebauer (TX) Charles Boustany, Jr. (LA) John "Randy" Kuhl, Jr. (NY) ** Virginia Foxx (NC) K. Michael Conaway (TX) Jeff Fortenberry (NE) Jean Schmidt (OH) Adrian Smith (NE) Tim Walberg (MI) Robert Latta (OH)

*Retired or Ran for Higher Office **Defeated ***Races too close to call.

36

Committee on Appropriations Majority

Minority

Chairman David Obey (WI) John Murtha (PA) Norman Dicks (WA) Alan Mollohan (WV) Marcy Kaptur (OH) Peter Visclosky (IN) Nita Lowey (NY) JosĂŠ Serrano (NY) Rosa DeLauro (CT) James Moran (VA) John Olver (MA) Ed Pastor (AZ) David Price (NC) Chet Edwards (TX) Robert "Bud" Cramer, Jr. (AL) * Patrick Kennedy (RI) Maurice Hinchey (NY) Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA) Sam Farr (CA) Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL) Carolyn Kilpatrick (MI) Allen Boyd (FL) Chaka Fattah (PA) Steven Rothman (NJ) Sanford Bishop (GA) Marion Berry (AR) Barbara Lee (CA) Tom Udall (NM) * Adam Schiff (CA) Michael Honda (CA) Betty McCollum (MN) Steve Israel (NY) Tim Ryan (OH) C.A "Dutch" Ruppersberger (MD) Ben Chandler (KY) Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL) Ciro Rodriguez (TX)

Ranking Member Jerry Lewis (CA) C.W. Bill Young (FL) Ralph Regula (OH) * Harold Rogers (KY) Frank Wolf (VA) James Walsh (NY) * David Hobson (OH) * Joe Knollenberg (MI) ** Jack Kingston (GA) Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ) Todd Tiahrt (KS) Zach Wamp (TN) Tom Latham (IA) Robert Aderholt (AL) Jo Ann Emerson (MO) Kay Granger (TX) John Peterson (PA) * Virgil Goode, Jr. (VA) *** Ray LaHood (IL) * Dave Weldon (FL) * Michael Simpson (ID) John Abney Culberson (TX) Mark Steven Kirk (IL) Ander Crenshaw (FL) Dennis Rehberg (MT) John Carter (TX) Rodney Alexander (LA) Ken Calvert (CA) Jo Bonner (AL)

37

Committee on Armed Services Majority

Minority

Chairman Ike Skelton (MO) John Spratt (SC) Solomon Ortiz (TX) Gene Taylor (MS) Neil Abercrombie (HI) Silvestre Reyes (TX) Vic Snyder (AR) Adam Smith (WA) Loretta Sanchez (CA) Mike McIntyre (NC) Ellen Tauscher (CA) Robert Brady (PA) Robert Andrews (NJ) Susan Davis (CA) Rick Larsen (WA) Jim Cooper (TN) Jim Marshall (GA) Madeleine Bordallo (GU) Mark Udall (CO) * Dan Boren (OK) Brad Ellsworth (IN) Nancy Boyda (KS) ** Patrick Murphy (PA) Hank Johnson (GA) Carol Shea-Porter (NH) Joe Courtney (CT) David Loebsack (IA) Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) Joe Sestak (PA) Gabrielle Giffords (AZ) Niki Tsongas (MA) Elijah Cummings (MD) Kendrick Meek (FL) Kathy Castor (FL)

Ranking Member Duncan Hunter (CA) * Jim Saxton (NJ) * John McHugh (NY) Terry Everett (AL) * Roscoe Bartlett (MD) Buck McKeon (CA) Mac Thornberry (TX) Walter Jones (NC) Robin Hayes (NC) ** W. Todd Akin (MO) J. Randy Forbes (VA) Jeff Miller (FL) Joe Wilson (SC) Frank LoBiondo (NJ) Tom Cole (OK) Rob Bishop (UT) Michael Turner (OH) John Kline (MN) Phil Gingrey (GA) Mike Rogers (AL) Trent Franks (AZ) Bill Shuster (PA) Thelma Drake (VA) ** Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA) Michael Conaway (TX) Geoff Davis (KY) Doug Lamborn (CO) Rob Wittman (VA)

38

Committee on the Budget Majority

Minority

Chairman John Spratt, Jr. (SC) Rosa DeLauro (CT) Chet Edward (TX) Jim Cooper (TN) Tom Allen (ME) * Allyson Schwartz (PA) Marcy Kaptur (OH) Xavier Becerra (CA) Lloyd Doggett (TX) Earl Blumenauer (OR) Marion Berry (AR) Allen Boyd (FL) James McGovern (MA) Niki Tsongas (MA) Robert Andrews (NJ) Robert "Bobby" Scott (VA) Bob Etheridge (NC) Darlene Hooley (OR) * Brian Baird (WA) Dennis Moore (KS) Tim Bishop (NY) Gwen Moore (WI)

Ranking Member Paul Ryan (WI) J. Gresham Barrett (SC) Jo Bonner (AL) Scott Garrett (NJ) Mario Diaz-Balart (FL) Jeb Hensarling (TX) Daniel Lungren (CA) Michael Simpson (ID) Patrick McHenry (NC) Connie Mack (FL) K. Michael Conaway (TX) John Campbell (CA) Patrick Tiberi (OH) Jon Porter (NV) ** Rodney Alexander (LA) Adrian Smith (NE) Jim Jordan (OH)

39

Committee on Education & Labor Majority

Minority

Chairman George Miller (CA) Dale Kildee (MI) Donald Payne (NJ) Robert Andrews (NJ) Robert Scott (VA) Lynn Woolsey (CA) Rubén Hinojosa (TX) Carolyn McCarthy (NY) John Tierney (MA) Dennis Kucinich (OH) David Wu (OR) Rush Holt (NJ) Susan Davis (CA) Danny Davis (IL) Raúl Grijalva (AZ) Timothy Bishop (NY) Linda Sánchez (CA) John Sarbanes (MD) Joe Sestak (PA) Dave Loebsack (IA) Mazie Hirono (HI) Jason Altmire (PA) John Yarmuth (KY) Phil Hare (IL) Yvette Clarke (NY) Joe Courtney (CT) Carol Shea-Porter (NH)

Ranking Member Howard "Buck" McKeon (CA) Thomas Petri (WI) Peter Hoekstra (MI) Michael N. Castle (DE) Mark E. Souder (IN) Vernon Ehlers (MI) Judy Biggert (IL) Todd Russell Platts (PA) Ric Keller (FL) ** Joe Wilson (SC) John Kline (MN) Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA) Kenny Marchant (TX) Tom Price (GA) Luis Fortuño (PR) * Charles Boustany, Jr. (LA) Virginia Foxx (NC) John "Randy" Kuhl, Jr. (NY) ** Rob Bishop (UT) David Davis (TN) Timothy Walberg (MI)

40

Committee on Energy & Commerce Majority

Minority

Chairman John Dingell (MI) Henry Waxman (CA) Edward Markey (MA) Rick Boucher (VA) Edolphus Towns (NY) Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ) Bart Gordon (TN) Bobby Rush (IL) Anna Eshoo (CA) Bart Stupak (MI) Eliot Engel (NY) Gene Green (TX) Diana DeGette (CO) Lois Capps (CA) Mike Doyle (PA) Jane Harman (CA) Tom Allen (ME) * Jan Schakowsky (IL) Hilda Solis (CA) Charles Gonzalez (TX) Jay Inslee (WA) Tammy Baldwin (WI) Mike Ross (AR) Darlene Hooley (OR) * Anthony Weiner (NY) Jim Matheson (UT) G. K. Butterfield (NC) Charlie Melancon (LA) John Barrow (GA) Baron Hill (IN) Doris Matsui (CA)

Ranking Member Joe Barton (TX) Ralph Hall (TX) Fred Upton (MI) Cliff Stearns (FL) Nathan Deal (GA) Ed Whitfield (KY) Barbara Cubin (WY) * John Shimkus (IL) Heather Wilson (NM) * John Shadegg (AZ) Charles "Chip" Pickering (MS) * Vito Fossella (NY) * Roy Blunt (MO) Steve Buyer (IN) George Radanovich (CA) Joseph Pitts (PA) Mary Bono Mack (CA) Greg Walden (OR) Lee Terry (NE) Mike Ferguson (NJ) * Mike Rogers (MI) Sue Wilkins Myrick (NC) John Sullivan (OK) Tim Murphy (PA) Michael Burgess (TX) Marsha Blackburn (TN)

41

Committee on Financial Services Majority

Minority

Chairman Barney Frank Paul Kanjorski (PA) Maxine Waters (CA) Carolyn Maloney (NY) Luis Gutierrez (IL) Nydia Velázquez (NY) Melvin Watt (NC) Gary Ackerman (NY) Brad Sherman (CA) Gregory Meeks (NY) Dennis Moore (KS) Michael Capuano (MA) Rubén Hinojosa (TX) William Lacy Clay (MO) Carolyn McCarthy (NY) Joe Baca (CA) Stephen Lynch (MA) Brad Miller (NC) David Scott (GA) Al Green (TX) Emanuel Cleaver (MO) Melissa Bean (IL) Gwen Moore (WI) Lincoln Davis (TN) Paul Hodes (NH) Keith Ellison (MN) Ron Klein (FL) Tim Mahoney (FL) ** Charles Wilson (OH) Ed Perlmutter (CO) Christopher Murphy (CT) Joe Donnelly (IN) Bill Foster (IL) Andre Carson (IN) * Jackie Speier (CA) Don Cazayoux (LA) ** Travis Childers (MS)

Ranking Member Spencer Bachus (AL) Deborah Pryce (OH) * Michael Castle (DE) Peter King (NY) Edward Royce (CA) Frank Lucas (OK) Ron Paul (TX) Steven LaTourette (OH) Donald Manzullo (IL) Walter Jones (NC) Judy Biggert (IL) Christopher Shays (CT)** Gary Miller (CA) Shelley Moore Capito (WV) Tom Feeney (FL) ** Jeb Hensarling (TX) Scott Garrett (NJ) Ginny Brown-Waite (FL) J. Gresham Barrett (SC) Jim Gerlach (PA) Steve Pearce (NM) * Randy Neugebauer (TX) Tom Price (GA) Geoff Davis (KY) Patrick McHenry (NC) John Campbell (CA) Adam Putnam (FL) Michele Bachmann (MN) Peter Roskam (IL ) Kenny Marchant (TX) Thaddeus McCotter (MI) Kevin McCarthy (CA) Dean Heller (NV)

42

Committee on Foreign Affairs Majority

Minority

Howard Berman (CA) Gary Ackerman (NY) Russ Carnahan (MO) Eni Faleomavaega (AS) Donald Payne (NJ) Brad Sherman (CA) Robert Wexler (FL) Eliot Engel (NY) William Delahunt (MA) Gregory Meeks (NY) Diane Watson (CA) Adam Smith (WA) Russ Carnahan (MO) John Tanner (TN) Gene Green (TX) Lynn Woolsey (CA) Sheila Jackson Lee (TX) Ruben Hinojosa (TX) Joseph Crowley (NY) David Wu (OR) Brad Miller (NC) Linda Sanchez (CA) David Scott (GA) Jim Costa (CA) Albio Sires (NJ) Gabrielle Giffords (AZ) Ron Klein (FL)

Dan Burton (IN) Elton Gallegly (CA) ** Dana Rohrabacher (CA) Donald Manzullo (IL) Ed Royce (CA) Steve Chabot (OH) ** Tom Tancredo (CO) * Ron Paul (TX) Jeff Flake (AZ) Mike Pence (IN) Joe Wilson (SC) John Boozman (AR) Gresham Barrett (SC) Connie Mack (FL) Jeff Fortenberry (NE) Michael McCaul (TX) Ted Poe (TX) Bob Inglis (SC) Luis Fortuno (PR) Gus Bilirakis (FL) Robert Wittman (VA)

43

Committee on Homeland Security Majority

Minority

Chairman Bennie Thompson (MS) Loretta Sanchez (CA) Ed Markey (MA) Norman D. Dicks (WA) Jane Harman (CA) Peter DeFazio (OR) Nita Lowey (NY) Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) Zoe Lofgren (CA) Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX) Donna Christensen (USVI) Bob Etheridge (NC) James Langevin (RI) Henry Cuellar (TX) Christopher Carney (PA) Yvette Clarke (NY) Al Green (TX) Ed Perlmutter (CO) Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ)

Ranking Member Peter King (NY) Lamar Smith (TX) Christopher Shays (CT) ** Mark Souder(IN) Tom Davis (VA) * Dan Lungren (CA) Mike Rogers (AL) Candice Miller (MI) Dave Reichert (WA)*** Michael McCaul (TX) Charlie Dent (PA) Ginny Brown-Waite (FL) Gus Bilirakis (FL) David Davis (TN) Paul Broun (GA)

44

Committee on Judiciary Majority

Minority

Chairman John Conyers Jr. (MI) Howard Berman (CA) Rick Boucher (VA) Jerrold Nadler (NY) Robert Scott (VA) Melvin Watt (NC) Zoe Lofgren (CA) Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX) Maxine Waters (CA) William Delahunt (MA) Robert Wexler (FL) Linda Sanchez (CA) Steven Cohen (TN) Henry Johnson (GA) Betty Sutton (OH) Luis Gutierrez (IL) Brad Sherman (CA) Tammy Baldwin (WI) Anthony Weiner (NY) Adam Schiff (CA) Artur Davis (AL) Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL) Keith Ellison (MN)

Ranking Member Lamar Smith (TX)** James Sensenbrenner (WI) ** Howard Coble (NC) ** Elton Gallegly (CA) ** Bob Goodlatte (VA) Steve Chabot (OH) ** Daniel Lungren (CA) Chris Cannon (UT) * Ric Keller (FL) ** Darrell Issa (CA) Mike Pence (IN) Randy Forbes (VA) Steve King (IA) Tom Feeney (FL) ** Trent Franks (AZ) Louie Gohmert (TX) Jim Jordan (OH)

45

Committee on Natural Resources Majority

Minority

Chairman Nick Rahall, II (WV) Dale Kildee (MI) Eni F.H. Faleomavaega (AS) Neil Abercrombie (HI) Solomon Ortiz (TX) Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ) Donna Christensen (VI) Grace Napolitano (CA) Rush Holt (NJ) Raúl Grijalva (AZ) Madeleine Bordallo (GU) Jim Costa (CA) Dan Boren (OK) John Sarbanes (MD) George Miller (CA) Edward Markey (MA) Peter DeFazio (OR) Maurice Hinchey (NY) Patrick Kennedy (RI) Ron Kind (WI) Lois Capps (CA) Jay Inslee (WA) Mark Udall (CO) * Joe Baca (CA) Hilda Solis (CA) Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD) Heath Shuler (NC)

Ranking Member Don Young (AK) Jim Saxton (NJ) * Elton Gallegly (CA) ** John Duncan, Jr. (TN) Wayne Gilchrest (MD) ** Chris Cannon (UT) * Thomas Tancredo (CO) * Jeff Flake (AZ) Steve Pearce (NM) Henry Brown, Jr. (SC) Luis Fortuño (PR) * Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA) Louie Gohmert (TX) Tom Cole (OK) Rob Bishop (UT) Bill Shuster (PA) Bill Sali (ID) Doug Lamborn (CO) Mary Fallin (OK) Adrian Smith (NE) Robert Wittman (VA) Steve Scalise (LA)

46

Committee on Oversight & Government Reform Majority

Minority

Chairman Henry Waxman (CA) Edolphus Towns (NY) Paul Kanjorski (PA) Carolyn Maloney (NY) Elijah Cummings (MD) Dennis Kucinich (OH) Danny Davis (IL) John Tierney (MA) Wm. Lacy Clay (MO) Diane Watson (CA) Stephen Lynch (MA) Brian Higgins (NY) John Yarmuth (KY) Bruce Braley (IA) Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) Betty McCollum (MN) Jim Cooper (TN) Chris Van Hollen (MD) Paul Hodes (NH) Christopher Murphy (CT) John Sarbanes (MD) Peter Welch (VT) Jackie Speier (CA)

Ranking Member Tom Davis (VA) * Dan Burton (IN) Christopher Shays (CT) ** John McHugh (NY) John Mica (FL) Mark Souder (IN) Todd Russell Platts (PA) Chris Cannon (UT) * John Duncan, Jr. (TN) Michael Turner (OH) Darrell Issa (CA) Kenny Marchant (TX) Lynn Westmoreland (GA) Patrick McHenry (NC) Virginia Foxx (NC) Brian Bilbray (CA) Bill Sali (ID) Jim Jordan (OH)

Committee on Rules Majority

Minority

Chairwoman Louise Slaughter (NY) James McGovern (MA) Alcee Hastings (FL) Doris Matsui (CA) Dennis Cardoza (CA) Peter Welch (VT) Kathy Castor (FL) Michael Arcuri (NY) Betty Sutton (OH)

Ranking Member David Dreier (CA) Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL) Doc Hastings (WA) Pete Sessions (TX)

47

Committee on Science & Technology Majority

Minority

Chairman Bart Gordon (TN) Jerry Costello (IL) Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX) Lynn Woolsey (CA) Mark Udall (CO) * David Wu (OR) Brian Baird (WA) Brad Miller (NC) Daniel Lipinski (IL) Nick Lampson (TX) ** Gabrielle Giffords (AZ) Jerry McNerney (CA) Laura Richardson (CA) Donna Edwards (MD) Steven Rothman (NJ) Jim Matheson (UT) Mike Ross (AR) Ben Chandler (KY) Russ Carnahan (MO) Charlie Melancon (LA) Baron Hill (IN) Harry Mitchell (AZ) Charles Wilson (OH) AndrĂŠ Carson (IN)

Ranking Member Ralph Hall (TX) James Sensenbrenner (WI) ** Lamar Smith (TX) ** Dana Rohrabacher (CA) Roscoe Bartlett (MD) Vernon Ehlers (MI) Frank Lucas (OK) Judy Biggert (IL) W. Todd Akin (MO) Tom Feeney (FL) ** Randy Neugebauer (TX) Bob Inglis (SC) David Reichert (WA)*** Michael McCaul (TX) Mario Diaz-Balart (FL) Phil Gingrey (GA) Brian Bilbray (CA) Adrian Smith (NE) Paul Broun (GA) *Vacancy*

48

Committee on Small Business Majority

Minority

Chairwoman Nydia Velázquez (NY) Heath Shuler (NC) Charlie Gonzalez (TX) Rick Larsen (WA) Raúl Grijalva (AZ) Mike Michaud (ME) Melissa Bean (IL) Henry Cuellar (TX) Daniel Lipinski (IL) Gwen Moore (WI) Jason Altmire (PA) Bruce Braley (IA) Yvette Clarke (NY) Brad Ellsworth (IN) Hank Johnson (GA) Joe Sestak (PA) Brian Higgins (NY) Mazie Hirono (HI)

Ranking Member Steve Chabot (OH)** Roscoe Bartlett MD) Sam Graves (MO) Todd Akin (MO) Bill Shuster (PA) Marilyn Musgrave (CO) ** Steve King (IA) Jeff Fortenberry (NE) Lynn Westmoreland (GA) Louie Gohmert (TX) David Davis (TN) Mary Fallin (OK) Vern Buchanan (FL)

49

Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure Majority

Minority

Chairman James Oberstar (MN) Nick Rahall, II (WV) Peter DeFazio (OR) Jerry Costello (IL) Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) Jerrold Nadler (NY) Corrine Brown (FL) Bob Filner (CA) Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX) Gene Taylor (MS) Elijah Cummings (MD) Ellen Tauscher (CA) Leonard Boswell (IA) Tim Holden (PA) Brian Baird (WA) Rick Larsen (WA) Michael Capuano (MA) Timothy Bishop (NY) Michael Michaud (ME) Brian Higgins (NY) Russ Carnahan (MO) John Salazar (CO) Grace Napolitano (CA) Daniel Lipinski (IL) Nick Lampson (TX) ** Zachary Space (OH) Mazie Hirono (HI) Bruce Braley (IA) Jason Altmire (PA) Timothy Walz (MN) Heath Shuler (NC) Michael Arcuri (NY) Harry Mitchell (AZ) Christopher Carney (PA) John Hall (NY) Steve Kagen (WI) Steve Cohen (TN) Jerry McNerney (CA) Laura Richardson (CA) Albio Sires (NJ) Donna Edwards (MD)

John Mica (FL) Don Young (AK) Thomas Petri (WI) Howard Coble (NC) ** John Duncan, Jr. (TN) Wayne Gilchrest (MD) ** Vernon Ehlers (MI) Steven LaTourette (OH) Frank LoBiondo (NJ) Jerry Moran (KS) Gary Miller (CA) Robin Hayes (NC) ** Henry Brown, Jr. (SC) Timothy Johnson (IL) Todd Russell Platts (PA) Sam Graves (MO) Bill Shuster (PA) John Boozman (AR) Shelley Moore Capito (WV) Jim Gerlach (PA) Mario Diaz-Balart (FL) Charles Dent (PA) Ted Poe (TX) David Reichert (WA)*** Connie Mack (FL) John “Randy” Kuhl, Jr. (NY) ** Lynn Westmoreland (GA) Charles Boustany, Jr. (LA) Jean Schmidt (OH) Candice Miller (MI) Thelma Drake (VA) ** Mary Fallin (OK) Vern Buchanan (FL) Robert Latta (OH)

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Committee on Veterans Affairs Majority

Minority

Chairman Bob Filner (CA) Corrine Brown (FL) Vic Snyder (AR) Michael Michaud (ME) Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD) Harry Mitchell (AZ) John Hall (NY) Phil Hare (IL) Shelley Berkley (NV) John Salazar (CO) Ciro RodrĂ­guez (TX) Joe Donnelly (IN) Jerry McNerney (CA) Zachary Space (OH) Timothy Walz (MN) Don Cazayoux (LA) **

Steve Buyer (IN) Cliff Stearns (FL) Jerry Moran (KS) Jeff Miller (FL) Henry Brown, Jr. (SC) Ginny Brown-Waite (FL) John Boozman (AR) Brian Bilbray (CA) Michael Turner (OH) Gus Bilirakis (FL) Doug Lamborn (CO) Vern Buchanan (FL) Steve Scalise (LA)

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Committee on Ways & Means Majority

Minority

Chairman Charles Rangel (NY) Fortney Pete Stark (CA) Sander Levin (MI) John Lewis (GA) Richard Neal (MA) Michael McNulty (NY) * John Tanner (TN) Xavier Becerra (CA) Lloyd Doggett (TX) Earl Pomeroy (ND) Mike Thompson (CA) John Larson (CT) Rahm Emanuel (IL) Earl Blumenauer (OR) Ron Kind (WI) Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ) Shelley Berkley (NV) Joseph Crowley (NY) Chris Van Hollen (MD) Kendrick Meek (FL) Allyson Schwartz (PA) Artur Davis (AL) *Vacancy*

Ranking Member Jim McCrery (LA) * Wally Herger (CA) Dave Camp (MI) Jim Ramstad (MN) * Sam Johnson (TX) Phil English (PA) ** Jerry Weller (IL) * Kenny Hulshof (MO) * Ron Lewis (KY) * Kevin Brady (TX) Thomas Reynolds (NY) * Paul Ryan (WI) Eric Cantor (VA) John Linder (GA) Devin Nunes (CA) Pat Tiberi (OH) Jon Porter (NV) **

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New House Members Bobby Bright (D-AL 2nd) defeated Jay Love (R) for the open seat. A social conservative, this three-term mayor of Montgomery is pro-life, pro-gun, and believes in a strong military. He has promised to bring federal resources and projects into the district to grow jobs and aid the economy.

Parker Griffith (D-AL 5th) replaces Bud Cramer (D) as Representative of the District after a tough race against Wayne Parker (R). He has a diverse professional background, having had jobs as a doctor, teacher, businessman, and most recently, State Senator. In the State Senate, Griffith focused on early childhood education and investment in math and sciences, and he sponsored bills that established a Statewide Trauma Care System to improve medical care for Alabamans in critical condition.

Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ 1st) is a former City Attorney, professor of Business Law, and a member of Arizona’s House of Representatives. She took retired Representative Renzi’s seat (R). Her issues include education, health care, and energy.

Duncan Hunter (R-CA 52nd), upon returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, won this open seat. His has worked as a business analyst and later started a residential development company.

In the House, he promises to strengthen America’s national defense program and enhance border security to prevent illegal immigration. *Charlie Brown (D-CA 4th) won a competitive race against Tom McClintock (R) for this open seat after a narrow loss in 2006. After a 26 year career in the US Air Force, Brown was elected Chair of the Supervisory Committee of a local Credit Union and has joined the professional staff of the Roseville Police Department. He believes issues of national security and defense are of the utmost importance. *Tom McClintock (R-CA 4th) won a competitive race against Charlie Brown (D) for this open seat. He has served 22 years in the state legislature. In the California Assembly, he authored California’s current lethal injection death penalty law and led the campaign to rebate $1.1 billion in taxes to Californians. In the state Senate, he was Vice-Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and served on the committees on Energy and Public Utilities, Banking, Commerce and International Trade, labor and Industrial Relations and Constitutional Amendments.

Jim Himes (D-CT 4th), a non-profit executive and former banker, beat incumbent Christopher Shays (R). He has worked and studied internationally throughout his life, from Europe to Latin America and the Middle East, and he prides himself on the perspective these experiences have given him on America’s place in the world. His priorities include education and affordable housing.

Jared Polis (D-CO 2nd) is an entrepreneur who began online companies proflowers.com and bluemountain.com. In his 20s, he won a seat on the State Board of Education. Polis is wellknown for creating the Jared Polis Foundation to improve education and access to technology.

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Betsy Markey (D-CO 4th) began her career in politics as a legislative aide on the House Subcommittee on Post Office and Civil Service, followed by jobs in the Treasury and State Departments. A businesswoman and entrepreneur, Markey aims to focus on the economic issues of the district.

Alan Grayson (D-FL 8th) is a Harvard-educated lawyer and businessman. He formerly worked as a judge’s assistant in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, founded IDT Corp, a Fortune 1000 company, and helped to found the Alliance for Aging Research, where he has served as an officer for twenty years. He promises to continue to fight against corrupt contractors and profiteers in the war in Iraq as he has done in his legal career.

Bill Posey (R-FL 15th) hails from the Florida State Senate, where he was chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee, vice chairman of the Governmental Operations Committee, and a member of the Rules Committee. He previously served in the Florida State House of Representatives and the Rockledge City Council.

Tom Rooney (R-FL 16th) is former Assistant Attorney General and an Army Veteran. He beat incumbent Representative Tim Mahoney (D). Rooney is a strong advocate of deporting illegal immigrants and has pledged to create a database of the names of illegal immigrants charged with felonies. Along with immigration, Rooney supports traditional marriage between one man and one woman" and opposes abortion.

Suzanne Kosmas (D-FL 24th) is a former State Representative. Kosmas beat incumbent Representative Tom Feeney (R). Kosmas was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1996 and was re-elected three times, serving four consecutive terms. As the State Representative for District 28, Kosmas successfully fought for children's issues, including more money for local schools and helped improve health care for senior citizens. A fiscal conservative, Kosmas also voted to eliminate taxes on investments, joined successful efforts to quash a proposed tax on services, and has been supported by the Florida Chamber of Commerce in the past.

Walt Minnick (D-ID 1st), a strong candidate in a tough district, Minnick is a Vietnam Veteran, Nixon White House Staffer, graduate of Harvard Business and Law Schools, Deputy Assistant Director in the Office of Management and Budget, and successful former CEO and entrepreneur.

He believes in a staged turnover of security responsibility to the Iraqi government and decreasing taxes for the middle class.

Debbie Halvorson (D-IL 11th) is the former Senate Majority Leader for Illinois State Legislature. Halvorson took retiree Representative John Weller’s seat (R). She supports affordable health care and is considered an “Educational Hero” throughout the 11th District. One of her goals is to create higher environmental standards along with creating more “green” jobs.

Aaron Schock (R-IL 18th) has been involved in Illinois politics since the age of 19, when he served as President of the Peoria School Board. At the age of 23, this entrepreneur sold his real estate business and joined the Illinois House of Representatives, where he has worked to improve education and business in his district.

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Lynn Jenkins (R-KS 2nd) is former State Treasurer and defeated former Representative Jim Ryun (R) in the primary. Jenkins succeeded incumbent Representative Nancy Boyda (D). Her main goal is to restore fiscal order. Jenkins is focused on lowering taxes, reducing federal spending, and securing borders.

Brett Guthrie (R-KY 2nd), a former field artillery officer, is vice president of Trace Die Cast, his family’s auto parts manufacturing business. He has been a member of the Kentucky Senate since 1994, where he is chairman of the Transportation Committee.

Bill Cassidy (R-LA 6th) won the seat formerly held by Don Cazayoux (D). A Medical Doctor and State Senator, Cassidy co-founded the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic, which provides dental and health care to the working uninsured free of charge. He has also developed public health programs, such as the School-Based Hepatitis B Vaccination program. Cassidy led a group of volunteers who gave medical aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina within thirty hours of the event.

Chellie Pingree (D-ME 1st) has developed and owned several small businesses, including a yarn company and a bed and breakfast. The former CEO and president of Common Cause, she is currently the Maine Senate majority leader. Before her four terms in Senate, Pingree served on the local school board and as a tax assessor.

Frank Kratovil (D-MD 1st) has worked as a prosecutor since 1994 and is current serving as State’s Attorney of Queen Anne’s Cuonty. He is chairman of Queen Anne’s County Alcohol and Drug Council. The Blue Dog Coalition endorsed Kratovil, who promises to be a fiscal conservative in the House.

Mark Schauer (D-MI 7th), formerly the State Senate Minority Leader, defeated incumbent Tim Walberg (R). Schauer is very involved in the Battle Creek community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Battle Creek City Commission and Kids 'n' Stuff. He fought for a long-term solution and fiscal responsibility during Michigan’s budget crisis. Prior to his stint as Senator, Schauer was coordinator of Calhoun County Human Services Coordinating Council.

Gary Peters (D-MI 9th) came from behind in the polls to defeat incumbent Joe Knollenberg (R).

He was formerly a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserve, a State Lottery Commissioner, and vice president for two investment firms. He has been elected twice to serve in the Michigan Senate, where he was Chairman of the Senate Democratic caucus. He has worked as a securities arbitrator for the National Association of Securities Dealers since 1991.

Erik Paulsen (R-MN 3rd) ran neck-and-neck with Ashwin Madia (D) for this open seat. He has 16 years of business experience, including his current position as a business analyst for Target Corporation. Paulsen has served in the state House of Representatives for 14 years, where he was elected House Majority leader and worked on the Ways and Means, Taxes, Commerce and Rules committees.

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Gregg Harper (R-MS 3rd), a prosecuting attorney for the cities of Brandon and Richland, won this open seat. He has served as Republican chairman for Rankin County and as a member of the state Republican Party executive committee.

Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO 9th), a farmer and small business owner, won this competitive open seat. He currently owns the Luetkemeyer Insurance Agency and formerly served as state tourism director and a state representative. In the House, he was Chairman of the Financial Services Committee and the Republican Caucus.

Larry Kissell (D-NC 8th) defeated incumbent Robin Hayes (R), to whom he lost in 2006 by a few hundred votes. Kissell is a social studies teacher in the district and a former textile worker of 27 years. He is involved in the Biscoe Lions Club and is on the Board of Trustees at FirstHealth Montgomery.

John Adler (D-NJ 3rd), a lawyer in Cherry Hill, won this open seat. He has served in the New Jersey State Senate since 1992, where he was Assistant Minority Leader from 1994-2001 and Democratic Conference Chari from 2002-2003. Adler sponsored the state’s 2006 law prohibiting smoking in indoor public places and workplaces.

Leonard Lance (R-NJ 7th) has served as State Senator since 2002. He acted as the Senate Republican Budget Officer. He was a law clerk to the Warren County Court in 1977 and 1978 and assistant counsel for county and municipal matters to Governor Thomas H. Kean from 1983 to 1990. Beginning in 1991, he served as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly.

Martin Heinrich (D-NM 1st) is a former Albuquerque City Council and was Natural Resources Trustee for the State of New Mexico. Heinrich took retiree Representative Heather Wilson’s seat (R). He pledges to end the war in Iraq and to free the nation from depending on foreign oil.

Harry Teague (D-NM 2nd) won this open seat after a close race against Ed Tinsley (R). His professional experience includes Lea County Commissioner, oilfield services business owner, and member of the New Mexico State Transportation Committee and the Association of Commerce and Industry. He has been involved in his community as a member and chairman of boards for such groups as Lea County Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lea County Fair, Black Gold Race Track and Casino, LES Enrichment Facility and the Boys and Girls Club of Hobbs.

Ben Lujan (D-NM 3rd) is currently serving his first term as an elected member of the state Public Regulation Commission, a panel that he chaired from 2005-2007. He formerly worked for the state Department of Cultural Affairs. He supports extending health coverage to the uninsured and ending the war in Iraq.

Dina Titus (D-NV 3rd) served in the Nevada State Legislature since 1988 and as the Democratic Minority Leader from 1993 - May 2008. Titus defeated incumbent Jon Porter (R). She is committed to protecting social security and is a strong advocate for education. One of her main goals is to make the No Child Left Behind Act a true reality and making college more affordable.

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Mike McMahon (D-NY 13th) is a former City Councilman. McMahon took Representative Fossella’s seat, who decided not to run for re-election. His agenda includes fighting for a comprehensive economic platform to spur economic growth, and provide direct relief to district residents to get them back on their feet.

Paul Tonko (D-NY 21st) formerly served as an engineer for the New York State Department of Transportation and on the staff of the Department of Public Service. He later chaired the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors and served 24 years in the New York Assembly.

Tonko was appointed President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency in 2007.

Dan Maffei (D-NY 25th) is a former Senior Vice President of Pinnacle Capital Management, LLC. Maffei has worked for former Senator and New York Knick Bill Bradley, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Congressman Charles Rangel, the leader of New York's Congressional delegation, and Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll. He ran in 2006 against incumbent Representative Walsh. His agenda includes creating new jobs, making health care affordable, promoting energy independence, and ending the war in Iraq.

Christopher Lee (R-NY 26th) won this open seat, his first run for a public office. Before helping to run his family’s foundation, he was chairman and chief executive of International Motion Control. In the House, he will strive for fiscal responsibility and lower taxes for small businesses.

Eric Massa (D-NY 29th), as a naval officer, Massa has served all over the world until diagnosed, falsely, with terminal Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He became a staff member to the House Armed Services Committee and moved to Washington briefly until leaving over the plans and strategies dealing with the Iraq war and its aftermath.

Steve Driehaus (D-OH 1st) has served in the state House since 2000, recently as the Minority Whip. A fiscal conservative, he has been named one of Ohio’s political rising stars by the Cincy Business Magazine Power 100 list, “Rookie of the Year” by the Cincinnati Enquirer, “Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Association of Elected Officials and the ARC of Ohio, and a top “Forty Under Forty” by the Cincinnati Business Courier. He formerly served in the Peace Corps in South Africa and now works as a Senior Associate at the Community Building Institute (CBI) in Cincinnati.

Steve Austria (R-OH 7th) is currently a State Senator and majority whip. He previously worked as a financial advisor and served as a state representative. In his time in the state legislature, Austria wrote legislation that toughened laws against sex offenders.

Marcia Fudge (D-OH 11th) has served as major of Warrensville Heights, a Cleveland suburb, since 2000. She is the former chief of staff for U.S. Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She plans to promote affording housing and urban investment in the House.

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Steve Stivers (R-OH 15th) has lobbied for the banking industry, worked as a staff member in the Ohio Senate, and has served as a state senator since 2002. He has also served more than 23 years in the Ohio Army National Guard, completing tours in Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, and Djibouti.

John Boccieri (D-OH 16th) has served in the military for 14 years, including four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has represented eastern Stark County for eight years in the Ohio legislature as a State Representative and State Senator. Boccieri replaces retiree Representative Ralph Regula (R). Boccieri said in a prepared statement that Congress made the right move in halting the bailout plan. He said the bill was lacking in a plan to address the mortgage crisis. He also advocates offering incentives to companies that stay in America and create domestic jobs.

Kurt Schrader (D-OR 5th) has served the state legislature for more than 10 years, where he chaired the Joint Ways and Means Committee. He also works as a veterinarian and runs an organic farm. Improving education has been a priority of his in the state, and he plans to continue to crusade for this issue in Washington.

Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA 3rd) defeated incumbent Phil English (R). A newcomer to politics, she is a small business owner, director of the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF), and has twenty years of health care experience. She successfully obtained $2 in funding for LEAF and is proud to have made the contribution to the community. She hopes to use her leadership experience to build the region’s economy and to address the health care crisis.

Glenn Thompson (R-PA 5th) has spent more than 24 years in the health care industry. He is a volunteer firefighter and manager for Susquehanna Health Rehab Services. He has served as the county Republican Party chairman for six years. He promises to fight to improve health care in his district.

David Roe (R-TN 1st), a physician for 34 years, has served on the Johnson City Commission and as mayor. In 2008, he became Tennessee's first primary challenger to upset a sitting congressman since 1966. He won this open seat handily.

Pete Olson (R-TX 22nd) is former chief of staff to Sen. John Cornyn (R) and a Navy Veteran. He beat incumbent Representative Nick Lampson. His interests are winning the war on terrorism, strengthening national security, and gaining energy independence.

Jason Chaffetz (R-UT 3rd) is a marketing and communications consultant and a former chief of staff for Governor Jon Huntsman. He takes a tough stance against illegal immigration and wants to abolish the U.S. Department of Education.

Glenn Nye III (D-VA 2nd) defeated incumbent Thelma Drake to win this seat in his first run for a public office. He has spent his career as a foreign service officer, including service at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore and at a U.S. Agency for International Development community development program in the West Bank and Gaza.

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Tom Perriello (D-VA 5th) has helped found faith-based advocacy groups that work to increase the minimum wage and end the war in Iraq. He previously served as national security analyst for the Century Foundation and was a special advisor for the international prosecutor. This was his first run for a public office.

Gerry Connolly (D-VA 11th) is the former Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. He took Representative Tom Davis’ seat. Connolly is eager improve economies for families, end the war in Iraq, enact a comprehensive health care plan, and change the No Child Left Behind Act. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY AL) was one of three nominated by the Wyoming Republican Central Committee to fill the vacancy created in the US Senate due to Senator Craig Thomas’s death in 2007. Her political background includes service as a member of the state House of Representatives and Senate, a clerk at the Wyoming Supreme Court, the Wyoming State Treasurer, the interim Director of the Office of State Lands and Investments, and at attorney.

Lummis is primarily concerned with natural resource and taxation issues. * At the time this document was printed these races were too close to call. Incumbents may retain these seats.*

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Senate Changes Senate Committee Vacancies The following is a list of the vacancies currently projected on the Senate Committees.

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Majority

Minority

Chairman Tom Harkin (IA) Patrick Leahy (VT) Kent Conrad (ND) Max Baucus (MT) Blanche Lincoln (AR) Debbie Stabenow (MI) E. Benjamin Nelson (NE) Ken Salazar (CO) Sherrod Brown (OH) Robert Casey, Jr. (PA) Amy Klobuchar (MN)

Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss (GA)*** Richard Lugar (IN) Thad Cochran (MS) Mitch McConnell (KY) Pat Roberts (KS) Lindsey Graham (SC) Norm Coleman (MN) *** Mike Crapo (ID) John Thune (SD) Charles Grassley (IA)

*Retired **Defeated *** Elections too close to call.

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Committee on Appropriations Majority

Minority

Chairman Robert Byrd (WV) Daniel Inouye (HI) Patrick Leahy (VT) Tom Harkin (IA) Barbara Mikulski (MD Herb Kohl (WI) Patty Murray (WA) Byron Dorgan (ND) Dianne Feinstein (CA) Richard Durbin (IL) Tim Johnson (SD) Mary Landrieu (LA) Jack Reed (RI) Frank Lautenberg (NJ) E. Benjamin Nelson (NE)

Ranking Member Thad Cochran (MS) Ted Stevens (AK)*** Arlen Specter (PA) Pete Dominici (NM) * Christopher Bond (MO) Mitch McConnell (KY) Richard Shelby (AL) Judd Gregg (NH) Robert Bennett (UT) Larry Craig (ID) * Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) Sam Brownback (KS) Wayne Allard (CO) * Lamar Alexander (TN) Committee on Armed Services

Majority

Minority

Chairman Carl Levin (MI) Edward Kennedy (MA) Robert Byrd (WV) Joseph Lieberman (CT) Jack Reed (RI) Daniel Akaka (HI) Bill Nelson (FL) E. Benjamin Nelson (NE) Evan Bayh (IN) Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY) Mark Pryor (AR) Jim Webb (VA) Claire McCaskill (MO)

Ranking Member John McCain (AZ) John Warner (VA) * James Inhofe (OK) Jeff Sessions (AL) Susan Collins (ME) Saxby Chambliss (GA) Lindsey Graham (SC) Elizabeth Dole (NC) ** John Cornyn (TX) John Thune (SD) Mel Martinez (FL) Roger Wicker (MS)

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Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Majority

Minority

Chairman Christopher Dodd (CT) Tim Johnson (SD) Jack Reed (RI) Charles Schumer (NY) Evan Bayh (IN) Tom Carper (DE) Robert Menendez (NJ) Daniel Akaka (HI) Sherrod Brown (OH) Robert Casey (PA) Jon Tester (MT)

Ranking Member Richard Shelby (AL) Robert Bennett (UT) Wayne Allard (CO) * Michael Enzi (WY) Chuck Hagel (NE) * Jim Bunning (KY) Mike Crapo (ID) Elizabeth Dole (NC) ** Mel Martinez (FL) Bob Corker (TN)

Committee on Budget Majority

Minority

Chairman Kent Conrad (ND) Patty Murray (WA) Ron Wyden (OR) Russ Feingold (WI) Robert Byrd (WV) Bill Nelson (FL) Debbie Stabenow (MI) Robert Menendez (NJ) Frank Lautenberg (NJ) Benjamin Cardin (MD) Bernard Sanders (VT) Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)

Ranking Member Judd Gregg (NH) Pete Domenici (NM) * Charles Grassley (IA) Wayne Allard (CO) * Michael Enzi (WY) Jeff Sessions (AL) Jim Bunning (KY) Mike Crapo (ID) John Ensign (NV) John Cornyn (TX) Lindsey Graham (SC)

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Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation Majority

Minority

Chairman Daniel Inouye (HI) John Rockefeller, IV (WV) John Kerry (MA) Byron Dorgan (ND) Barbara Boxer (CA) Bill Nelson (FL) Maria Cantwell (WA) Frank Lautenberg (NJ) Mark Pryor (AR) Thomas Carper (DE) Claire McCaskill (MO) Amy Klobuchar (MN)

Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) Ted Stevens (AK)*** John McCain (AZ) Olympia Snowe (ME) Gordon Smith (OR) *** John Ensign (NV) John Sununu (NH) ** Jim DeMint (SC) David Vitter (LA) John Thune (SD) Roger Wicker (MS)

Committee on Energy & Natural Resources Majority

Minority

Chairman Jeff Bingaman (NM) Daniel Akaka (HI) Byron Dorgan (ND) Ron Wyden (OR) Tim Johnson (SD) Mary Landrieu (LA) Maria Cantwell (WA) Ken Salazar (CO) Robert Menendez (NJ) Blanche Lincoln (AR) Bernard Sanders (VT) Jon Tester (MT)

Ranking Member Pete Domenici (NM) * Larry Craig (ID) * Lisa Murkowski (AK) Richard Burr (NC) Jim DeMint (SC) Bob Corker (TN) John Barrasso (WY) Jeff Sessions (AL) Gordon Smith (OR) *** Jim Bunning (KY) Mel Martinez (FL)

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Committee Environment & Public Works Majority

Minority

Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (CA) Max Baucus (MT) Joseph Lieberman (CT) Thomas Carper (DE) Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY) Frank Lautenberg (NJ) Benjamin Cardin (MD) Bernard Sanders (VT) Amy Klobuchar (MN) Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)

Ranking Member James Inhofe (OK) John Warner (VA) * George Voinovich (OH) Johnny Isakson (GA) David Vitter (LA) John Barrasso (WY) Larry Craig (ID) * Lamar Alexander (TN) Christopher Bond (MO)

Committee on Finance Majority

Minority

Chairman Max Baucus (MT) John Rockefeller IV (WV) Kent Conrad (ND) Jeff Bingaman (NM) John Kerry (MA) Blanche Lincoln (AK) Ron Wyden (OR) Charles Schumer (NY) Debbie Stabenow (MI) Maria Cantwell (WA) Ken Salazar (CO)

Ranking Member Charles Grassley (IA) Orrin Hatch (UT) Olympia Snowe (ME) Jon Kyl (AZ) Gordon Smith (OR) *** Jim Bunning (KY) Mike Crapo (ID) Pat Roberts (KS) John Ensign (NV) John Sununu (NH) **

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Committee on Foreign Relations Majority

Minority

Chairman Joseph Biden (DE) (Vice President-Elect) Christopher Dodd (CT) John Kerry (MA) Russell Feingold (WI) Barbara Boxer (CA) Bill Nelson (FL) Barack Obama (IL) (President-Elect) Robert Menendez (NJ) Benjamin Cardin (MD) Robert Casey, Jr. (PA) Jim Webb (VA)

Ranking Member Richard Lugar (IN) Chuck Hagel (NE) * Norm Coleman (MN) *** Bob Corker (TN) George Voinovich (OH) Lisa Murkowski (AK) Jim DeMint (SC) Johnny Isakson (GA) David Vitter (LA) John Barrasso (WY)

Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Majority

Minority

Chairman Edward Kennedy (MA) Christopher Dodd (CT) Tom Harkin (IA) Barbara Mikulski (MD) Jeff Bingaman (NM) Patty Murray (WA) Jack Reed (RI) Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY) Barack Obama (IL) (President-Elect) Bernard Sanders (VT) Sherrod Brown (OH)

Ranking Member Michael Enzi (WY) Judd Gregg (NH) Lamar Alexander (TN) Richard Burr (NC) Johnny Isakson (GA) Lisa Murkowski (AK) Orrin Hatch (UT) Pat Roberts (KS) Wayne Allard (CO) * Tom Coburn (OK)

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Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Majority

Minority

Chairman Joseph Lieberman (CT) Carl Levin (MI) Daniel Akaka (HI) Thomas Carper (DE) Mark Pryor (AR) Mary Landrieu (LA) Barack Obama (IL) (President-Elect) Claire McCaskill (MO) Jon Tester (MT)

Ranking Member Susan Collins (ME) Ted Stevens (AK)*** George Voinovich (OH) Norm Coleman (MN) *** Tom Coburn (OK) Pete Domenici (NM) * John Warner (VA) * John Sununu (NH) **

Committee on Judiciary Majority

Minority

Chairman Patrick Leahy (VT) Edward Kennedy (MA) Joseph Biden (DE) (Vice President-Elect) Herb Kohl (WI) Dianne Feinstein (CA) Russell Feingold (WI) Charles Schumer (NY) Richard Durbin (IL) Benjamin Cardin (MD Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)

Ranking Member Arlen Specter (PA) Orrin Hatch (UT) Charles Grassley (IA) Jon Kyl (AZ) Jeff Sessions (AL) Lindsey Graham (SC) John Cornyn (TX) Sam Brownback (KS) Tom Coburn (OK)

Committee on Rules & Administration Majority

Minority

Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (CA) Robert Byrd (WV) Daniel Inouye (HI) Christopher Dodd (CT) Charles Schumer (NY) Richard Durbin (IL) E. Benjamin Nelson (NE) Harry Reid (NV) Patty Murray (WA) Mark Pryor (AR)

Ranking Member Robert Bennett (UT) Ted Stevens (AK) Mitch McConnell (KY) Thad Cochran (MS) Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) Saxby Chambliss (GA) Chuck Hagel (NE) * Lamar Alexander (TN) John Ensign (NV) 66

Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship Majority

Minority

Chairman John Kerry (MA) Carl Levin (MI) Tom Harkin (IA) Joseph Lieberman (CT) Mary Landrieu (LA) Maria Cantwell (WA) Evan Bayh (IN) Mark Pryor (AR) Benjamin Cardin (MD) Jon Tester (MT)

Ranking Member Olympia Snowe (ME) Christopher Bond (MO) Norm Coleman (MN) *** David Vitter (LA) Elizabeth Dole (NC) ** John Thune (SD) Bob Corker (TN) Michael Enzi (WY) Johnny Isakson (GA) Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Majority

Minority

Chairman Daniel Akaka (HI) John Rockefeller IV (West Virginia) Patty Murray (WA) Barack Obama (IL) (President-Elect) Sherrod Brown (OH) Jon Tester (MT) Jim Webb (VA) Bernard Sanders (VT)

Ranking Member Richard Burr (NC) Arlen Specter (PA) Larry Craig (ID) * Johnny Isakson (GA) Lindsey Graham (SC) Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) Roger Wicker (MS)

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New Senate Members *Alaska* Alaskan Mayor Mark Begich has spent five years working for residents of Anchorage. He has concentrated his efforts on the environment and energy, including serving on the board of the Resource Development Council, encouraging the development of a Fire Island Wind Farm, creating an oversight panel to examine merger of two utility companies, and hosting a Lighting Conference in Anchorage for light manufacturers and utility executives. Begich’s experience in this field will likely draw him to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works or the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. However, he may also be considered for the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, as he is a member of the National Rifle Association, the Association of the United States Army, and the Air Force Association. As a Senator, Begich plans to work for increased health care coverage for veterans and fully fund the Veterans Administration.

Colorado Congressman Mark Udall has served the 2nd District in the House of Representatives since 1998. A somewhat centrist Democrat, Udall has focused mainly on environmental issues as cochair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus and former member of the Natural Resources Committee and Agriculture Committee. Among his many successes, Udall worked to reduce wildfire risk and bark-beetle infestation Colorado’s mountain communities. In 2006, he sponsored and helped pass legislation that installed a drought warning system. Udall’s knowledge of the environmental issues of the West make him a likely candidate for membership in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee or the Environment and Public Works Committee. Udall previously was a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Small Business Committee and chaired the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. *Georgia* Jim Martin (D), a Vietnam veteran, served in the General Assembly of Georgia from 1983 until 2001, during which time he chaired the Judiciary Committee and the Human Services Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee. He was also a member of the Industrial Relations, Special Judiciary and Children and Youth Committees. Martin has also served as Commissioner of Human Resources and Chief Legal Counsel of the Public Defender system in Georgia. As a veteran, Martin would be a fitting addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and his former legislative experience may lend to membership in the Committee on the Judiciary or Appropriations. *Minnesota* Comedian and political commentator Al Franken will begin his career as a politician as a Minnesota Senator. However, he has voiced his disapproval of the Iraq War for years. Franken, a true liberal, claims he would vote against further funding of the war without a timetable for 68

pulling troops out of Iraq. He supports of universal health care, ensuring entitlements to all generations, and making college more affordable for America’s youth.

Nebraska Mike Johanns (NE-R), former Lincoln mayor and Nebraskan Governor, has served as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 2005. He is recognized for successfully launching the MyPyramid.gov interactive food guidance system and expanding access to foreign markets for U.S. agricultural exports. Johanns’ experience and expertise make him well-qualified for the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. As Senator, he has promised to promote research and investment into renewable fuels, including ethanol and biodiesel and to strengthen programs that provide safety nets for farmers and ranchers.

New Hampshire Former Governor Jeanne Shaheen served as the first female governor of New Hampshire from 1997 until 2003. She previously was a State Senator and a small business owner. In 2005, Shaheen became the Director of Harvard University’s Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School of Government. Her key issues include women’s reproductive rights and education, making her a viable option for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. As a governor, Shaheen expanded coverage for women by requiring health insurance plans to cover contraceptives, launched New Hampshire’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, increased state funding to local public schools and higher education, passed the Clean Power Act, and created the first ethics code for state employees.

New Mexico Congressman Tom Udall held the office of New Mexico’s Attorney General until 1998, when he was elected to New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District. He served on the House Natural Resource Committee and more recently on the Committee on Appropriations. He has a relatively liberal voting record and has a reputation for protecting forests and the environment. Udall was a key player in founding the Peak Oil Caucus, which sought alternatives to petroleum. He would be a valuable member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and on Appropriations. Udall’s policy initiatives include protecting the state’s water supply and creating new jobs by increasing energy research and expanding the alternative energy sector.

North Carolina State Senator Kay Hagan joined North Carolina’s General Assembly in 1999. She has served as co-chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee from 2003 to 2007. Hagan was honored with the ranking of 7th most effective senator in the 2007 session by the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research. Throughout her terms, Hagan has made strides towards a healthier North Carolina. She believes in health care reform and expanded coverage for children, has helped ensure benefits for members of the National Guard, the military, and veterans, and urged increased DNA testing for rape victims. Her work on these issues make her a viable choice for 69

the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, while her knowledge of budgeting may secure her a coveted spot on the Committee on Appropriations. *Oregon* Jeff Merkley, the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, emerged from a tight primary race to solidly win his seat in the Senate. Merkley’s prior experience as a Budget and Policy Analyst at the Congressional Budget Office and his roles as the Director of Housing Development as Human Solutions and Executive Director of Portland Habitat for Humanity have effectively prepared him for membership in the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. During Merkley’s tenure, the Oregon house has created a savings account to protect private schools in an unstable economy and provided same-sex couples with state granted rights, immunities and benefits. He opposed funding for the surge in Iraq and has a plan for a six-twelve month withdrawal from the war.

Virginia Former Governor of Virginia Mark Warner served from 2002 to 2006. He chaired the National Governors Association and the Southern Governors’ Association and was a member of the Democratic Governors Association. He is a moderate Democrat, illustrated by Virginia’s balanced budget at the end of his term and his support for gun rights. He is the honorary chairman of the Forward Together PAC, which supports fundraising for Blue Dog Democrats.

Many believe that as a member of the Senate, Warner will expand the Blue Dog Coalition to the upper chamber. Warner gained national recognition as a successful executive when he was amid Governing Magazine’s “Public Officials of the Year” in 2004, TIME Magazine’s “America’s 5 Best Governors” in 2005, and Newsweek’s “Who’s Next” issue in 2006. Warner also has significant business and telecommunications experience as a cofounder of the company that became Nextel, making him a likely candidate for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation * At the time this document was printed these races were too close to call. Incumbents may retain these seats.*

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