The initial weeks following a recess are always at the very least entertaining. Having gone home for a few days to recover and connect with constituents, members of Congress often return with grandiose plans to save the world. I'm being flippant, but it is to a degree true--if not to save the world, then to boost poll numbers in their favor. The coming weeks appear to be no different.
For NACS, our focus will be on a legislative hearing in the House Energy and Commerce Committee regarding the issue of boutique fuels. NACS Vice Chairman of Government Relations, Sonja Hubbard, CEO of E-Z Mart Stores based in of Texarkana, Texas, is scheduled to testify on behalf of NACS and SIGMA. The legislation in question would accelerate the reduction in the number of fuel blends required by states to meet air quality needs by establishing a federal slate of fuels from which states can select. NACS is carefully reviewing the legislation and preparing a statement for the committee that will be made available to NACS Daily readers Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, the Senate has scheduled to consider two amendments to the United States Constitution that are very important to a significant portion of the Republican Party--defining marriage as being between a man and a woman and prohibiting the burning of the flag. Your personal position relative to these two issues will determine whether you believe this to be a legitimate agenda for the Senate. Clearly, Senate Republican leaders have determined they are critical issues for the American people, although reports indicate it is unlikely they will receive enough votes to achieve the 2/3 majority necessary to proceed with a Constitutional amendment.
More pertinent to the business interests of convenience store operators is a pending vote on permanently repealing the death tax. We have been writing about this issue for a long time, because the Congress has yet to find a way to make it a reality. It is a top priority for President Bush, but it remains uncertain if the legislation will be accepted by the Senate this year. Still to be determined is whether a compromise approach is offered in the wake of a defeat.
Across the Capitol in the House, the agenda is a bit different. The House is expected to push through with its spending bills while considering again legislation to expand domestic refining capacity. This bill has been adjusted a bit to attract more supporters and, if passed, is expected to receive a more welcome reception from some Senators than has previously passed House bills. Other energy packages remain open for consideration, including one to adjust corporate average fuel economy standards. Debate on this legislation should be entertaining.
Have a great weekend!
John Eichberger
Vice President, Government Relations