Major legislation in Congress has been completed and the 111th session has wrapped up for the year.
Earlier in the Senate, members ratified the U.S.-Russia Nuclear Arms Treaty (START) by a vote of 71 to 26. The Senate also approved by unanimous consent the 9/11 health and compensation bill for first responders, as well as the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011.
The House approved the 9/11 health care bill by a vote of 206 to 60. The bill will go to the president's desk for his expected signature. The House completed most of its business yesterday, approving a food safety bill by a vote of 215 – 144 and the “America Competes” bill by a vote of 228 - 130, which would set policy for various federal programs in science, technology and education.
Yesterday, the House and Senate approved a Continuing Resolution (H.R.3082), which is a temporary measure that will fund the federal government through March 4, 2011. It now goes to the President’s desk.
The Senate will convene to start the 112th Congress on Wednesday, January 5th at 12 Noon.