Guide to Congress
Promises May Be
Even Harder to Keep
Next Year
September 14, 2009
Democrats were swept into power in 2009 vowing to deliver change, but they have found those promises hard to keep and fear next year will prove even more challenging.
Despite having control of the White House and Congress, internal divisions and partisan rifts tripped up Democrats’ early legislative priorities such as health care reform and climate change.
Hill Republicans Rediscovering Their Swagger
September 14, 2009
On Inauguration Day, Congressional Republicans were facing a bleak and lonely future — their ranks had diminished by two consecutive electoral defeats and they were facing a newly emboldened Democratic majority poised to enact a laundry list of legislative priorities.
The Roll Call Fabulous 50
September 14, 2009
The movers and shakers behind the scenes on Capitol Hill.
NRCC Has Mixed Results on Recruiting Front
September 14, 2009
If House Republicans want to win back the majority next Congress, their primary targets will likely be freshman Democrats. And with the first candidate filing deadline two months away, the National Republican Congressional Committee has had some success in recruiting candidates to run against almost two dozen first-term Democrats in competitive districts.
Freshman Democrats Find They’re Being Watched
September 14, 2009
Freshman Democrats came to Congress in January ready to act on their party’s top priorities. But now, nine months into the 111th Congress, the excitement of being in charge of government is giving way to the drudgery that is governing. And the likelihood of Democrats advancing the ambitious agenda that they set out for themselves — namely, passing health care reform and climate change bills —is starting to wane.
The Obscure Caucus: Privileges for Members — Anonymity, Longevity
September 14, 2009
Perhaps one of the best indicators of a Member’s obscurity is how long it takes for a C-SPAN producer to identify him when he begins speaking on the House floor.
Lobbyists Adapting to Their Change in Status
September 14, 2009
Lobbyists are rarely cast as knights in shining armor doing the work of the people in Washington, D.C.
New K Street Environment Favoring Democrats
September 14, 2009
Almost a year after President Barack Obama’s historic victory and Congressional Democrats added to their majorities in both chambers, headhunters claim that lobbying shops, trade groups and corporate offices continue to prefer Democratic talent — when it’s available — though Republicans are hardly being shut out.
Usage of CVC Meeting Rooms Is Hard to Track
September 14, 2009
Since the Capitol Visitor Center opened nine months ago, officials have often touted its benefits — from shortening tour lines to providing visitors with amenities such as bathrooms and food.
The 50 Richest Members of Congress
September 14, 2009
Even membership in Congress’ most exclusive club couldn’t insulate lawmakers from the economic downturn. According to Roll Call’s annual examination of House and Senate financial disclosure forms, while the 50 richest Members of Congress remain financially flush — each with a minimum net worth of nearly $5.5 million — many of them suffered significant financial losses in 2008.
Schumer Advocates for Many on Panel
Nov. 16, 12 a.m.
As Senate Majority Leader, Lyndon Johnson once said of the Joint Economic Committee, “It’s as useless as tits on a bull.” But as that panel’s chairman during the 110th Congress, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) seized the opportunity to elevate the traditionally low-profile post to the forefront of shaping policy. Read Full Article
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