Right before the August recess, Congress passed major transportation and energy bills. When lawmakers return after Labor Day, they will wrestle with other important legislation before they leave for the year. Unfinished items include fiscal 2006 appropriations and a Water Resources Development Act to authorize billions of dollars for Corps of Engineers projects. Spending bills are must-pass measures, but if Congress adjourns in November, WRDA and other bills may be held over until next year. Click here to view chart
So far, two 2006 appropriations bills have been enacted Interior-environment and legislative branch. Five others have cleared the House and Senate, including those covering the Corps, Energy Dept. environmental cleanup and State Dept. embassy work. Constructions results have been mixed, with water infrastructure cuts and encouraging transportation numbers, says Steve Hall, American Council of Engineering Companies vice president for government affairs. When appropriations action resumes in September, he says, "We still have some work to do."