Congress must show courage, address long-term financial stability
March 10, 2011 By Lisa Bontempo
Our funding and budgeting process focuses Congress on the short term, but our government’s long-term budget outlook is more important.
Read More GOP-controlled House complicates Obama’s agenda on climate change
February 9, 2011 By Lisa Bontempo
President Barack Obama’s carrot-and-stick approach to climate change policy highlighted a year ago in this column continues on course and sets an important part of his administration’s energy and environment policy agenda for the 112th Congress.
Read More Mirroring debate during 2008
March 1, 2008 By Lisa Bontempo
In a presidential election year, the congressional agenda often follows the candidates’ agendas. Their supporters in Congress introduce legislation and/or engage in debates that support the candidates’ positions. Nearly all the debate that happens in Congress during a presidential election year reflects the broader debate.
Read More Season of Giving – and Passing Key Legislation
January 1, 2008 By Lisa Bontempo
Perhaps December really is the season of miracles. For the first time in more than 30 years, Congress has passed and the president has approved an increase in the corporate average fuel economy standard (CAF?) as part of the new energy law. Congress approved the measure overwhelmingly – 314-100 in the House and 88-6 in the Senate.
Read More Hanging in the balance
December 1, 2007 By Lisa Bontempo
Important issues for the propane industry are near the finish line as Congress returned in December to complete its business for the year. Will they cross the finish line or run out of gas?
Read More Congress’ latest activities are high-energy
August 1, 2007 By Lisa Bontempo
Trying to stay updated on energy legislation this year is no small task as hundreds of legislators working through dozens of committees put their mark on what the Democratic leadership hopes will be comprehensive energy legislation.
Read More Party ideals, legislative realities collide
February 1, 2007 By Lisa Bontempo
Last month’s column highlighted the Democrats’ hope for swift passage of their priorities compared with some of the hard realities of legislating.
Read More Playing out the clock
October 1, 2006 By Lisa Bontempo
As this article goes to print, Congress is winding down and Senators and Representatives are making plans to leave Washington to return to their congressional districts for the important November mid-term elections.
Read More The dog days of summer
August 1, 2006 By Lisa Bontempo
It’s the dog days of August in Washington, and Congress has closed up shop and gone home for their annual August recess. Congress plans to return on Sept. 5 and has a lot of unfinished business that may be of interest to the propane industry and those working in it.
Read More Gasoline fever: Deja vu all over again
June 1, 2006 By Lisa Bontempo
Political pandering in Washington is rising almost as fast as the price of a gallon of gasoline. Congress is scrambling to respond to consumers’ — and angry constituents’ — concerns about price, which at the same time is fueling the flames of public fears.
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