Capital Roundup
Jul 1, 2010
| BILL NAME | SUMMARY OF BILL AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU | U.S. CHAMBER'S POSITION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAX EXTENDERS H.R. 4213 American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010 |
While this bill would extend certain expired tax provisions, it would do more harm than good because it contains draconian tax increases on small businesses, American worldwide companies, and investment partnerships. | The Chamber opposes any tax hikes on businesses that hinder job creation, decrease the competitiveness of American businesses, and deter economic growth. | Last Action Passed the House May 28, 2010. Next Step Senate Vote |
| MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION H.R. 5116 America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 |
This legislation would provide additional support for efforts to recruit and train K–12 math and science teachers. It would also increase support for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students at the postsecondary level, attract underrepresented groups to STEM courses and careers, support basic research, and establish programs to help create new forms of energy and commercialize new innovations. | The Chamber supports legislation to strengthen U.S. competitiveness by improving America’s scientific and economic leadership and making stronger investments in science, innovation, research, and education. |
Last Action |
| TRADE PROMOTION FOR SMALL BUSINESS S. 3084 Export Promotion Act of 2010 |
This bill would increase the resources available to small businesses interested in engaging in international trade. In particular, it would provide additional funding for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and its Market Development Cooperator Program. | The Chamber supports legislation to help small businesses engage in international trade. |
Last Action |
| SILENCING FREE SPEECH H.R. 5175 DISCLOSE Act |
Under the guise of transparency, this bill would, among other things, prohibit TARP recipients and federal government contractors from engaging in many, if not most, election-related activities. It would further restrict foreign-controlled corporations from engaging in political activity. The bill would also require organizations engaging in many types of political or election-related activities to disclose their contributors/members, and the names of the biggest contributors would potentially have to appear on the organization’s radio and television ads. | The Chamber opposes this bill because it is a blatant attempt to impact this fall’s elections, silence constitutionally protected speech, and abridge First Amendment rights. | Last Action Voted out of House Committee May 20, 2010. Next Step House Vote |
| “CASH FOR CAULKERS” REBATES H.R. 5019 Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 |
This bill would provide two tiers of rebates—one worth up to $3,000 and another up to $8,000—for homeowners who purchase and install residential energy efficiency products, including insulation, water heaters and heating systems, windows, and doors. The $6 billion program would last for two years. | The Chamber supports this bill because it provides a solid framework for a worthwhile, incentive-based program to create American jobs while saving energy. | Last Action Passed the House May 6, 2010. Next Step Senate Committee Vote |
