NFIB

Bush Leads Agenda for 108th Congress
01/07/2003

As the 108th Congress convenes for the first time Tuesday morning, several key issues are expected to dominate its agenda: unemployment, appropriations, tax cuts and prescription drugs.

The first order of business is to extend the 13-week unemployment benefits that expired Dec. 28. Next, Congress will tackle the appropriations bills that fund government operations through 2003 (current funding ends Saturday, Jan. 10). Both bills - spurred on by past or looming deadlines - are expected to pass quickly, according to USA Today.

Then, the deliberative process will begin in earnest, when Congress turns to the $674 billion economic stimulus package that President Bush proposed today in Chicago. According to White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, the plan would give each of the nation's 92 million tax filers an average 2003 tax cut of $1,083, reports the Washington Post.

In addition, President Bush has indicated health care reform and defense top his priority list. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said he does not plan to announce his priority list immediately, the New York Times reports, but he is expected to continue his personal crusade for health care reform.