The Run-up to Recess

Saturday will mark the beginning of a six-week recess for the House of Representatives. Before lawmakers leave town, however, stay tuned to C-SPAN as we expect a flurry of votes on bills that could greatly impact the nonprofit sector.

We have just learned that negotiators of pension reform legislation will meet this evening to decide - once and for all, we hope - on whether to include the tax cut "extenders" package in their conference report. The "extenders" package, Congressional staff tell us, should also include a scaled-back version of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Grassley's package of charitable reforms and giving incentives. If negotiators do decide to include the tax cut "extenders" package in pension reform, look for quick action in both the House and Senate.

On the other hand, if negotiators decide to drop the "extenders" package from pension reform, it's quite possible Republican leadership will try to move separate legislation, which combines the "extenders" package with a permanent reduction in the estate tax. (Recent action in the House Rules Committee makes this strategy quite clear.)

Nonprofits should also keep close watch on legislation establishing "sunset commissions." Congressional staff indicate we could also see a vote on this issue before lawmakers depart for recess.