Just before leaving town for the 4th of July recess, the House passed the climate change legislation.

President Obama praised this first step, calling it “extraordinary,” but was less enthusiastic about the provision in the House version of the bill that would impose a tariff in 2020 on imports from countries without systems for pricing or limiting carbon dioxide emissions.  Expect a battle in the Senate after Congress returns.

Speaking of political battles: as the healthcare overhaul plans are being debated in Congress, the President can not afford to sit on the sidelines.  Once in a while he has to signal one way or the other what compromises he is willing to make in order to accomplish the reform.  There are signs that one of them is taxing the healthcare benefits that people do have.  Not that we know for certain, though. 

And…speaking of signs: apparently, there has been an increasing incidence of crop circles in Australia, but turns out it’s not the extraterrestrials trying to communicate with the Earthlings.  It’s stoned wallabies (we kid you not!)

Obama Administration criticizes China’s web filtering requirement.

Senators worry about the future of our employer-based health care system.

More than 100 House Democrats call for new rules on trade.

As the vote roundup continues in the House, what is the outlook for climate change in the Senate?

##

Wanted:  Jobs.

How do government stakes in manufacturing work in other nations?

Big week for climate change legislation.  Maybe.  Rep. Peterson holds the key.

Big week, as well, for health care reform.  Some of the more controversial issues detailed here.

##

Chrysler is re-opening seven factories.

Labor says don’t tax employer-provided health benefits to fund health care reform.

A new poll reveals insights on what the American people think about growing debt, health care, the auto rescue and other issues.

##

No surprise here.  Beijing is imposing a “Buy China” requirement for local stimulus projects, which has been longstanding practice in China’s closed procurement market.

President Obama says unemployment could top 10 percent this year.

Health care reform’s potential costs are weighing heavily on Senators and Members of Congress.

As the auto sector pushes for a cash-for-clunkers plan, parts suppliers are unlikely to receive direct federal aid from the Administration .

What’s next for climate change?

##

“The Ed Schultz 2009 Tour For Change came to Buffalo, NY this past weekend.  Ed is one of America’s most progressive radio talk show hosts.  The event was held at the Canisius College, Montante Cultural Center.  It was a town hall meeting with a packed house of young and old, union and non-union. 

“Ed gave a great talk about healthcare and then opened the floor to anyone who had a question or comment.  At least 40 people lined up at the microphones.  The show lasted more than 2 hours.  Portions of the show will be aired on MSNBC tonight at 6 pm ET.  Ed is making a CD of the shows called ‘America Speaks’ and will be sending it to President Obama when he is done with his tour.  I encourage everyone to watch MSNBC tonight at 6 pm ET.”

##

Health care reform will dominate the week. One question to be answered: will employer-provided health care benefits be taxed?

As Chrysler emerges from bankruptcy , what’s ahead for GM ? Also, how is this impacting auto suppliers ?

A massive piece on infrastructure in Sunday’s New York Times magazine . Here’s the Infrastructurist blog’s take on it .

##

President Obama talks health care in Green Bay, Wisconsin today.

China gets criticism for requiring censorship filters on all computers sold in that nation.

Even hybrid car sales are quite slow. GM cancels the 2010 run of hybrid Chevy Malibus.

Foreign governments are fighting Buy America requirements in infrastructure bills. That’s not surprising. But how about the fact that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is joining them? (Who’s looking out for Main Street here?)

House of Representatives passes a cash-for-clunkers plan to spur car sales.  Next stop: U.S. Senate. 

Today, Michigan.  Tomorrow, the rest of America unless we get the economy back on track. 

Could a tax on health care benefits be in the cards?  Senator Baucus says, maybe.

The Chrysler sale is back on. 

The sale of Chrysler to Fiat is delayed by the Supreme Court. 

“Nowhere else in the world is so much money spent with such poor results.”  Opening line of a Washington Post take on health reform challenges. 

Is deglobalization inevitable?  Fascinating piece by David Smick, also in the Washington Post. 

UK’s Ambassador to the U.S. Nigel Sheinwald is on a speaking tour of the U.S. decrying Buy America laws.  No word on EU subsidies to EADS or European procurement protections, however.