What Will Washington be Talking About Next Week?
*Although the Senate failed once again to pass a bill that would provide summer jobs, fund the black farmers settlement and extend unemployment benefits, the pressure to do so will be even greater. Can Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid muster up the three votes he needs to bring the bill to a full vote?
*In a victory for President Barack Obama, the Wall Street reform bill conference committee struck an early morning deal and the bill should reach his desk for signature next week after the House and Senate hold final votes. “The finish line is in sight,†said Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner in a statement after the committee ended its all-nighter. “[The bill] represents the most sweeping set of financial reforms since those that followed the Great Depression. It establishes the greatest consumer financial protections in American history.â€
*On June 29, Senate and House members of each party will don the uniform of their districts and home state for the annual congressional baseball game. The century-old tradition will raises funds for two worthy causes–The Washington Literacy Council, and The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. Rachel Robinson, widow of baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson, will throw the ceremonial first pitch.