Thomas: Legislative Information on the Internet at: thomas

Steven Hardy

Thomas: Legislative Information on the Internet at: thomas.loc.gov

1. Go to Thomas, The Legislative Information Site, click on Congress in the News and examine three of the latest bills.

List them, are they House (HR) or Senate(S) Bills, who sponsored the bill, Democrat (D) or Republican(R)?

a. H.R. 2121 “An Act to make available funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to expand democracy, good governance, and anti-corruption programs in the Russian Federation in order to promote and strengthen democratic government and civil society and independent media in that country.”

Introduced by Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA)

b. H.R. 5005 “To establish the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.”

Introduced by Rep. Richard K. Armey (R- TX)

c. H.R. 5093 “Making appropriations for the Department of the Interior and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2003, and for other purposes.”

Introduced by Rep. Joe Skeen (R-NM)

2. Look up the status of each bill, has it passed both house and senate, has the president vetoed it or is it being considered in one house or the other.

a. The bill was considered in the House, unobjected vote to reconsider passes. Senate passed with an amendment.

b. House is currently amending the bill, Senate is considering it.

c. House is amending bill, Senate is still considering it.

3. What type bills are they: Appropriation Bills (grants or funding), Policy Bills (laws), Statement Bills (no policy, just recommendations) or other?

a. Appropriations

b. Other (Creating a new Governmental Department)

c. Appropriations

4. Essay, after examining these bills, what direction do you think Federalism is taking today? Defend your answer based on your research of these bills.

It seems to me that Federalism in the United States is becoming more nationally-controlled. The government is trying to obtain more power to regulate the lives of its citizens. The debate over the Department of Homeland Security is making this fairly apparent. Also, the fact that appropriations are going on shows that the government already has a fairly extensive influence over everyday matters. I think Federalism in America will continue to move towards more national power because of the September 11 tragedy. People are scared and demand protection from the national government, and thus Congress is more aware of the needs of the people.