Congress in Recess But Plenty of Work Awaits

Most federal lawmakers are now home for the Easter recess - but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has laid out an ambitious agenda for when Representatives return to Washington during the week of April 20th. And climate change - perhaps surprisingly - is not on her immediate list. With multiple proposals now public - Pelosi says Congressional Democrats need to work out differences among themselves over whether to push for a "cap and trade" system or some other method for reducing pollution - perhaps in the form of an “emissions tax."

What is on her list is to pick up where Congress left off. The House and Senate must negotiate a budget conference report. After ratification - the Appropriations Committee can get to work on spending bills. Pelosi hopes to have most or all appropriations bills through the House by June 30.

Still, bills dealing with the economy will continue to be on the table. Pelosi wants to focus on alleviating the impact of the crisis on individuals. Including bills on predatory lending, credit card reform, and stopping mortgage scams.