The mid-winter snow storm that formed in the Midwest and built to a peak over Washington, D.C. and other closely related areas of the east coast has had its impact on Capitol Hill. The federal government was closed down for the first three days of this week. So, with no official business transpiring, back room discussions have focused on issues that are expected to turn into bill proposals once the President's Day observance is concluded.
A jobs bill seems to be getting a lot of attention. Among other provisions, Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, would like to see included the reinstatement of the $1 a gallon biodiesel tax credit. Other pieces of legislation being worked on would provide financial support for research and development of the renewable energy industry, which would result in additional employment.
Also federal aid legislation for agriculture has been made ready for both sides of the Capitol to consider. One of the pieces of legislation would provide about $1.5 billion in relief.