CRS Report: -

Key issues and those on the early agenda of the 106^th Congress may be identified from statements of congressional leaders, international events, unfinished items from the 105^th Congress, and requirements of the legislative process itself. This report presents a selection of the legislative events and initiatives that are expected to demand Members' attention during the first months of the new Congress--insofar as can be anticipated and recognizing that unanticipated matters will no doubt arise.

While additional issues will undoubtedly be added to the agenda, the following are expected to receive early attention:

Senate action on House approval of two articles of impeachment against President William Clinton,
education,
reforming Social Security,
cutting taxes, and
budget and appropriations matters.

Introduction

The 106^th Congress, which convenes January 6, 1999, will face a range of issues awaiting consideration. These include business left unfinished by the 105^th Congress, issues triggered by international events, and matters arising from the requirements of the legislative process itself. In addition, congressional leaders have made some statements about their intended agenda in the first few months of legislative business. These plans and prospects notwithstanding, the actual agenda is subject to change as a result of decisions of the congressional leadership; initiatives announced in the President's State of the Union Address, scheduled for January 19, 1999; the budget request to be presented in February; and other events both here and abroad. Outside groups, state and local governments, and other entities will also suggest items for Congress' early agenda. Some unanticipated matters will doubtless arise, as well.

This report responds to congressional requests that CRS briefly identify and summarize issues likely to be on the early agenda of the 106^th Congress. In addressing each issue, the report provides a brief overview, describes relevant action in the 105^th Congress, and alerts the reader to probable venues for action in the 106^th--whether new legislation, the budget and appropriations process, or the congressional role in oversight and investigations. The issues are described broadly. Their ultimate shape, the points of contention in debate, and the timing of legislative progress will be subject to events and leadership choices.

The report also identifies some of the committees most likely to act on a given issue, with the understanding that other committees may well be involved.

This report is a preliminary estimate of the early agenda, rather than a catalogue of all of the issues likely to arise. By early spring, the report will have been superseded by a host of issue-specific CRS products that track congressional actions.

Major Themes

Soon after the 1998 elections were concluded, key House and Senate Members of both parties began developing their agendas for the 106^th Congress. From their statements and other indicators, top early policy priorities of the 106^th Congress and activities expected to receive attention include the following:

Impeachment. Action on the two articles of impeachment approved by the House in December 1998 now moves to the Senate

Social Security. At issue is how to insure the long-term solvency of the Social Security trust fund.

Balanced Budgets and Taxes. Congress will likely consider what to do with expected fiscal surpluses. Possibilities include using the surpluses to support tax cuts, spending the surpluses on various programs, or paying down the national debt. (See Budget Policy)

Health Care Reform. At issue concerning Medicare is how to control escalating costs and maintain quality care for the ever-expanding elderly population. Concerning managed health care plans, topics of interest include access, choice of doctors and health facilities, emergency care, and patients' right to sue managed health care plans.

Education. Issues related to improving the nation's K-12 educational system include topics such as tax breaks or vouchers to encourage "school choice" and new spending initiatives for rehabilitating or constructing public schools.

Tobacco. Issues of continuing interest include curbing teen smoking, the Food and Drug Administration's jurisdiction over tobacco products, and launching a national antismoking campaign. (See Tobacco.)

Defense and Foreign Policy. Issues in the defense and foreign policy arena include current crises in Iraq and the Korean peninsula, as well as defense readiness and modernization. (See Defense Policy.)

Global Financial Crisis. Issues of current interest include the depressed economies in Asia, Russia, and Brazil, as well as congressional oversight of International Monetary Fund funding.

.........

CRS Reports Home

National Council for Science and the Environment
1725 K Street, Suite 212 - Washington, DC 20006
202-530-5810 - info@NCSEonline.org

RL30001: 106th Congress: Key Issues and Early Agenda

December 1998

RL30001: 106th Congress:
Key Issues and Early Agenda