FYI –

This afternoon, Democrat Leader Nancy Pelosi stated that House Democrats’ are in favor or bringing a weakened version of the STOCK Act to the House floor for a vote, and then taking that weakened bill to a conference with the Senate. Moments later, Whip Hoyer echoed the former Speaker’s comments in a colloquy with Majority Leader Cantor. Leader Cantor then gave Mr. Hoyer a history lesson of his own, and made clear that the House will be voting on a strengthened version of the Senate bill, instead of the bill that Democrats let languish for years.

• Watch Leader Cantor & Whip Hoyer on the floor HERE

Highlights:

• Cantor: First of all, I know the gentleman likes to talk about past Congresses. When he was House Majority Leader he did not bring this STOCK Act to the floor and it was a submitted bill. So let’s set the record straight: This Majority Leader is going to bring a STOCK Act bill to the floor next week.

• Cantor: Mr. Walz’s bill actually would weaken the Senate Bill. It is our intention to pass and get to the President a workable strong bill that makes sure we are delivering on the promise that we made to the people who sent us here. I hope the Gentleman, and I know he wants to join me in the effort to reinstill the confidence in the public that we are abiding by that trust.

Good morning,

The jobs report this morning is promising: unemployment went down to 8.3% and the private sector added over 250,000 jobs. As Leader Cantor stated this morning, “These numbers are encouraging, especially for those millions of Americans out of work, but we should aim even higher. We shouldn't settle, we can do more, this is America. We need bold, pro-growth policies that reduce red tape and will help our nation's small businesses to succeed, expand and create new jobs. Small businesses are the backbone of America, generating more than half of the new jobs in our country.” Leading Democrats agree. As Senator Reid said this morning, though the numbers this morning are encouraging, “millions of families continue to struggle.”

Today In History: In 1912, several rule changes were implemented in American Football laying the foundation for the modern game. The changes included adding a 4th down, shortening the playing field, and increasing the value of a touchdown to 6 points.

Birthdays: Rep. Rob Wittman, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Maura Tierney, Isla Fisher, and Norman Rockwell

Here is what’s in today’s Ledger …

FYI –

• House Majority Leader Cantor: “We are looking at ways that hopefully the Senate can work on that language and strengthen the language so the same rules apply to the Executive Branch personnel that have access to that type of information.”

• House Majority Leader Cantor: “That's why I'm here today, to say that it is unacceptable for anyone, any Member of Congress, anybody affiliated with this level of government or any other, to profit from insider information or from information that is not available to the public. Period.”

• Senate Majority Leader Reid: "I also think it's important that the executive branch of government play by the same rules so what we do here the executive branch of government should do also."

• Senator Minority Leader McConnell: Hold the Executive Branch to the Same Disclosure Standards as Congress

Good morning,

Leader Cantor issued a statement this morning on last night’s bipartisan vote to freeze pay for federal employees and members of Congress. He said, “This common sense measure was used to offset a portion of the cost of House Republicans’ payroll bill in December, and given its strong bipartisan support, should be included in the final conference report to extend the payroll tax cut.” Read his statement HERE.

Today In History: In 1876, the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, which came to be more commonly known as the National League (NL), is formed. The American League (AL) was established in 1901 and in 1903, the first World Series was held.

Birthdays: Sen. John Cornyn, Farrah Fawcett, Ayn Rand, James Joyce, Paul Bedard, Reid Wilson and Kelly Williams

Here is what’s in today’s Ledger …

 FYI –

• House Republicans said Wednesday morning they will push for House passage of a small business tax cut by tax day, and plan to use the next few months to provide funding for federal infrastructure programs and incentives for U.S. energy development, and fix what they see as a broken budgeting process. … Cantor said House Republicans would introduce a small business tax cut by March that gives companies employing less than 500 people with a 20 percent cut, which he said would help them retain and create new jobs. "I hope every Democrat will join us in passing the small business tax cut by April 15," he wrote.

Cantor Says GOP Hopes To Approve Small Business Tax Cut By April 15
The Hill
Kasperowicz
February 1, 2012

House Republicans said Wednesday morning they will push for House passage of a small business tax cut by tax day, and plan to use the next few months to provide funding for federal infrastructure programs and incentives for U.S. energy development, and fix what they see as a broken budgeting process.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) sent out an email to Republican members of the House Wednesday morning to outline their plans, which he said would build on GOP efforts to ease federal regulations, reduce the deficit and create an environment for job creation.

"Our plan, which we will continue to build on throughout the year, is focused on helping small businesses grow and giving all hardworking taxpayers a fair shot and an opportunity to succeed," Cantor wrote.

On taxes, Cantor said House Republicans would introduce a small business tax cut by March that gives companies employing less than 500 people with a 20 percent cut, which he said would help them retain and create new jobs. "I hope every Democrat will join us in passing the small business tax cut by April 15," he wrote.

Regarding infrastructure, Cantor said House leaders have started work on the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs act, which would keep federal highway programs funded "near current levels." He added that Republicans will seek to add provisions to that bill aimed at boosting domestic energy product — he did not mention the Keystone pipeline approval bill, but Republicans are known to be considering language to require the approval of that pipeline.

Cantor also outlined several bills aimed at improving the budget process. This week and next, the House will consider the Pro-Growth Budgeting Act (H.R. 3582), the Baseline Reform Act (H.R. 3578), the Expedited Line-Item Veto and Rescissions Act (H.R. 3521), and the Budget and Accounting Transparency Act (H.R. 3581).

Aside from noting bills up today on the floor aimed at curbing federal waste, he said the House would also what the Senate has been unable to do for nearly three years — pass a budget.

"Hardworking taxpayers do this every day and so will we at the end of March," he wrote. "[Budget Committee] Chairman [Paul] Ryan is preparing to put forward a fiscally responsible blueprint that builds upon last year's budget and honestly addresses the government’s 15 trillion dollar plus debt."