Pennsylvania Avenue
July 1, 1:28 p.m.
Liberal health reform advocates have talked about ramming a reform plan — including a Medicare-like public insurance option — through the Senate with only 51 Democratic votes. But a leading Senate player says it won’t work.
Congress Inside Out
June 29, 12 a.m.
As we navigate through the economic miasma, Congress has to keep in mind one of the greater long-term dangers that America faces: the flight of venture capital from a United States seen by many investors as stagnant in its growth prospects — and competing with places like India and China and other emerging nations that look to have much more robust growth for several years.
Procedural Politics
June 23, 12 a.m.
This year’s appropriations process resembles our new approach to Russia: a “reset” button has been pushed, no one knows exactly where it will take us, but everyone hopes for the best.
A Question of Ethics
June 29, 12 a.m.
As the president of a small local lobbying firm, I read with interest your last column about how it has recently become easier for lobbyists to terminate their registration. We are looking into whether any of our lobbyists can take advantage of the ruling you discussed allowing lobbyists to end their registration if they limit their government contacts to one per quarter for each client.
Fiscal Fitness
June 23, 12 a.m.
The federal budget world has gone a little crazy the past few weeks over the president’s new pay-as-you-go proposal. Some immediately embraced it, as a person who hasn’t eaten in several days and is offered a bacon cheeseburger and fries might do. Others immediately and loudly decried it much like you might expect from a well-fed vegetarian being served that same cheeseburger with bacon. And, like an executive chef at a fine-dining restaurant who differs on the type of oil used to make the fries that go with the burger, still others had problems with some of the components of the administration’s PAYGO proposal.
Heard on theHill
Body Politic
June 29, 12 a.m.
We’ve heard Congress defined as a legislative body before, but we rarely think of it in the rather bawdy way Rep. Mike Pence recently put it.
The RoseGarden
White House Strategy on Climate, Health Bills Comes Into Focus
June 15, 12 a.m.
Health care reform and a climate-change-fighting energy bill have always topped President Barack Obama’s priority list. But which one should move first — and which one was really Obama’s first priority — has caused some confusion on Capitol Hill.
RoadMap
Public Likes a Public Plan; Senate Not So Sure
June 23, 12 a.m.
With Members heading home for the recess to talk up their efforts on health care reform, a poll showing more than 70 percent of Americans back a government-run health insurance plan has given Democrats a powerful weapon to take with them.
Too bad Senate Democrats won’t be able to use it.
CampusNotebook
GPO ‘Icon’ Dies
June 25, 12 a.m.
Virginia Saunders — one of the the longest-serving employees at the Government Printing Office — died last week at age 82.
MorningBusiness
Thune Steps Up
June 25, 12 a.m.
Senate Republicans meet at 12:30 today in the Mansfield Room for what is expected to be a smooth leadership election.
Face Time
Updated: July 1
Find out which Members of Congress have appeared most often on Sunday news shows in 2009
Police Investigate Threat Against Specter
July 5, 1:07 p.m.
The Capitol Police are investigating a telephone threat against Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), according to the Associated Press.
Sunday Morning Highlights: Iraq, Jobs and Health Care
July 5, 12:58 p.m.
Vice President Joseph Biden maintained that U.S. troops will leave Iraq in 2011 during a wide-ranging television interview Sunday.
Obama Makes Appeal for Agenda in July Fourth Message
July 4, 6:06 a.m.
In his weekly address to the nation Saturday, President Barack Obama used the Fourth of July holiday to highlight the “unyielding spirit” of Americans in an effort to push for passage of his legislative agenda.
Franken to Be Sworn In Tuesday
July 3, 4 p.m.
Sen.-elect Al Franken (D-Minn.) will be sworn in Tuesday, bringing the chamber to full capacity at 100 sitting Senators.
Tiahrt Channels FDR in Spending Fight
July 3, 9:30 a.m.
By all accounts, Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) is a dyed-in-the-wool conservative, who for eight terms has represented a solidly red district that voted overwhelmingly for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the 2008 presidential election. Yet Tiahrt recently has found an unlikely ally in his quest to highlight what he sees as runaway federal spending: Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Liberals Likely to Call for Another Stimulus
July 2, 5:45 p.m.
A leading House liberal says he is likely to call for another stimulus package after today’s dismal unemployment news.
Waxman Being Discharged From Hospital
July 2, 5:37 p.m.
House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) is being discharged from the hospital after a two-day stay prompted by a fainting spell in his Los Angeles office.
Gay Rights Groups Pressure Pelosi on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
July 2, 5:36 p.m.
Groups seeking to overturn the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy banning gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military have turned their focus to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), urging her in a letter timed with Independence Day to make repeal a priority.
Blunt Turns to Familiar Face to Fill Deputy Chief of Staff Opening
July 2, 5:25 p.m.
Senate hopeful Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) announced Thursday that he has rehired a veteran of his press shop, naming Burson Taylor Snyder as deputy chief of staff in his House office.
Senators Urge Obama to Focus on Iran at Russian Summit
July 2, 4:41 p.m.
A bipartisan group of Senators on Thursday called on President Barack Obama to make Iran a priority issue during next week’s summit with Russian President Demetri Medvedev in Moscow.
Murphy to Announce Tour Urging ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Repeal
July 2, 4:39 p.m.
Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.) is kicking off his role as the lead sponsor of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal legislation by helping to launch a national tour urging an end to the military policy that bans gays from openly serving.
‘Card Check’ Compromise Still Elusive, but Fight Continues to Heat Up
July 2, 4:35 p.m.
Long-stalled legislation to loosen labor-organizing rules likely won’t be introduced next week, as a group of Democratic Senators continues tinkering with a proposal they hope can pass Congressional muster.
Obama Pushes Two Top Priorities at Innovation Event
July 2, 4:24 p.m.
The White House on Thursday managed to put together an event that allowed President Barack Obama to tout both of his top priorities, using remarks on innovation to trumpet the ideas behind his health care reform and climate change policies.
Kennedy Not Expected to Return to Work Next Week
July 2, 12:23 p.m.
Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), who is battling brain cancer, is not expected to return to the Senate next week, spokesman Anthony Coley said Thursday.
GOP Blasts Stimulus Success as Unemployment Rate Rises
July 2, 12:01 p.m.
House Republicans on Thursday ripped Democrats over their economic recovery plans as the national unemployment rate climbed to 9.5 percent in June, the highest in 26 years.
HELP Bill to Include Government Insurance Option, Cost $611 Billion
July 2, 11:31 a.m.
Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) announced Thursday morning that the health care bill being drafted by the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee would cost approximately $611 billion over 10 years and would include a robust government-run insurance option.
Waxman ‘Feeling Better’ After Fainting Spell
July 2, 11 a.m.
House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) is reportedly feeling better after a fainting spell in his Los Angeles office on Tuesday that prompted him to check into the hospital.
More Documents Delivered on Sotomayor; GOP Still Not Satisfied
July 1, 4:38 p.m.
A Puerto Rican civil rights organization with ties to Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor on Tuesday turned over a new round of documents to the Senate Judiciary Committee on her affiliation with the group.
Obama Presses Health Reform Case at Va. ‘Town Hall’
July 1, 3:43 p.m.
President Barack Obama outlined his plans for reforming health care during a town hall meeting at Northern Virginia Community College on Wednesday.
GOP House Trio Urges Bachmann to Reverse Boycott of Census
July 1, 2:21 p.m.
Three House Republicans on the subcommittee overseeing the 2010 Census are asking Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) to reverse her decision to boycott the national population count, fearing others will follow her lead.
Waxman Hospitalized in Los Angeles
July 1, 12:21 p.m.
House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) was hospitalized in Los Angeles on Tuesday after reporting that he was not feeling well, according to the Associated Press.
Poe’s Campaign Fined $25,000 by FEC
July 1, 11:27 a.m.
The campaign committee of Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) recently agreed to pay a $25,000 fine to the Federal Election Commission for failing to properly report receipts, disbursements and cash-on-hand figures during the 2004 cycle, according to an enforcement agreement released Thursday.
Shuster Is Latest Pennsylvania Republican to Back Toomey
July 1, 10:52 a.m.
Former Rep. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) has racked up another endorsement from one of his former House colleagues for his 2010 bid for Senate.
New Poll: Majority Supports Government-Run Health Option
July 1, 10:04 a.m.
A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday gauging registered voters’ views of health care reform underscores the political complexity of the issue, with the results offering ammunition to both the supporters and opponents of President Barack Obama’s No. 1 legislative priority.
Franken’s Victory Gets Democrats to 60, Sort of
June 30, 4:58 p.m.
When the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Democrat Al Franken bested former Sen. Norm Coleman (R) in their long-disputed 2008 race, the five justices handed Senate Democrats the 60-vote majority they never dreamed they’d have, but party insiders warn that the ruling is both a blessing and curse.
Union Now Plans to Target Grassley on Health Care Tax
June 30, 4:30 p.m.
The Laborers’ International Union of North America on Tuesday announced plans to target Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) with a cable television spot in Des Moines even as it cut short ad buys in Montana and North Dakota at the request of Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.).
Ethics Rules Allow Smith to Collect on Locker Rentals
June 30, 4:13 p.m.
As a Member of Congress, Dr. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) can’t get paid for providing medical services to patients. But Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) can get paid for renting storage lockers to customers who need a place to stash stuff.
Byrd Released From Hospital
June 30, 2:33 p.m.
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) has been released from the hospital Tuesday after a six-and-a-half-week stay, according to a statement released by his office.
White House Steers Clear of Comment on Health Bill Details
June 30, 2:31 p.m.
The White House on Tuesday sought to avoid direct comment on health care legislation shaping up in the Senate, hoping a policy of public non-interference will help staffers complete their work on legislation in the Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committees.
After Pressure, LIUNA Set to Pull TV Spots
June 30, 11:50 a.m.
After pressure from Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus’ (D-Mont.) senior committee staff, the Laborers’ International Union of North America has done an about-face and will pull its television ad buy targeting Baucus and Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) starting Wednesday.
Kline Names Education Subcommittee Ranking Members
June 30, 11:45 a.m.
The newly elected ranking member on the House Education and Labor Committee filled two subcommittee leadership positions with fellow House leaders Tuesday.
Court Decision Escalates Sotomayor Battle
June 29, 9:44 p.m.
The Supreme Court’s decision Monday in a controversial affirmative action case officially joined the battle between Republicans and Democrats over the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the high court — sparking a debate about whether the ruling is a rebuke of her judicial philosophy.
Gibbs Says Questions on Obama Tax Pledge Are Speculative
June 29, 3:53 p.m.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Monday declined to reaffirm President Barack Obama’s pledge not to raise taxes on families earning under $250,000 per year, calling questions about the promise — asked in the context of a possible tax on health benefits — speculative.
Union Targets Baucus, Conrad on Health Benefits Tax
June 29, 3:28 p.m.
The Laborers’ International Union of North America is targeting Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) with a television ad urging the two Senators to resist taxing health insurance benefits as a means to pay for health care reform.
Democrats Defend Sotomayor Over Firefighter Ruling
June 29, 1:26 p.m.
Democrats moved quickly to counter GOP criticism of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor’s involvement in a controversial affirmative action decision that was thrown out by the high court on Monday.
High Court Tosses Firefighter Decision Backed by Sotomayor
June 29, 11:38 a.m.
The Supreme Court on Monday threw out an affirmative action decision rendered by Judge Sonia Sotomayor and her colleagues on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a move that will certainly add to the partisan debate surrounding President Barack Obama’s first Supreme Court nominee.
Obama Schedules Another Event on Climate Change Bill
June 29, 10:20 a.m.
The White House has just scheduled remarks by President Barack Obama at midday Monday on energy, signaling a sustained effort by the president to continue the push for climate change legislation following House passage of the bill Friday.
Obama Sees a Path in Senate for Climate Bill
June 29, 8:09 a.m.
President Barack Obama on Sunday said House passage of the climate change bill provides the framework for success in the Senate, repeatedly pointing to the support of conservative Democratic Rep. Rick Boucher of Virginia and some business officials as a sign that broad support is possible.
Members Lost Big on Real Estate
June 29, 12 a.m.
Like many property owners in a declining real estate market, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and his wife lost thousands of dollars when they were compelled to sell a rental unit last spring.
Liberal Agenda Back on Deck
June 29, 12 a.m.
After avoiding contentious social issues for six months, House Democrats are throwing bones to advocates for gay rights and immigrants — key liberal constituencies — in an effort to keep a lid on simmering tensions until they finish with larger priorities: health care and energy.
GOP's Message Targets Sotomayor, Energy, Health
June 29, 12 a.m.
Congressional Republicans will carve out as much time as they can between patriotic parades, flag-waving ceremonies and church picnics over the July Fourth recess to hammer Democrats on energy, health care and the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor.
Bipartisan Health Bill Gets Cold Shoulder
June 29, 12 a.m.
With President Barack Obama and lawmakers in both parties continuing to struggle for a bipartisan health care reform deal, sweeping legislation — pushed by a bipartisan Senate duo — that would fundamentally restructure the way Americans get their health insurance has been gathering dust.
Anti-Jaywalking Cop Retires After 34 Years
June 29, 12 a.m.
Officer Garland Thompson was in the middle of writing a ticket on Sept. 11, 2001, when a passerby told him and the man he was ticketing that a plane had just flown into the World Trade Center.
Obama Plans Another Online ‘Town Hall’ on Health Care Overhaul
June 28, 7:23 p.m.
President Barack Obama on Wednesday will stage the latest in a series of events designed to drum up grass-roots support for his health care plans, holding an “online town hall” meeting from Annandale, Va.
GOP Senators Pledge to Fight Climate Bill
June 28, 12:37 p.m.
Leading Republican Senators on Sunday blasted the climate change package that cleared the House late last week and suggested it stands little chance of success in their chamber.
McConnell Says Time Needed to Review New Sotomayor Material
June 28, 11:48 a.m.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Sunday said the Senate needs more time to review the record of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor after new material surfaced from her time with the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Conyers' Wife Pleads Guilty in Detroit Corruption Case
June 27, 12:25 p.m.
Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers, the 44-year-old wife of House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.), pleaded guilty Friday for her role in a pay-to-play scheme over a $1.2 billion sludge treatment plant contract issued by the city.
Obama, in Radio Address, Looks for Momentum for Climate Bill
June 27, 8:02 a.m.
In his weekly radio address, President Barack Obama on Saturday commended the House for passing energy legislation and sought to give the bill some momentum as it heads to the Senate.
Pelosi Herds Caucus to Narrow Win on Climate
June 26, 10:44 p.m.
The final evidence that the sweeping climate change bill the House passed Friday night belonged wholly to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) came in the closing moments of the vote.
House Narrowly Passes Landmark Climate Bill
June 26, 7:17 p.m.
The House passed sweeping climate change legislation on a 219-212 vote Friday afternoon, delivering a major victory for President Barack Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to cap the first half of the year.
Stier: Detecting a Bad Breast Cancer Bill
July 1, 11:28 a.m.
Who could blame hundreds of Members of Congress for joining with a colleague and breast cancer survivor, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), in co-sponsoring legislation aimed at promoting breast cancer education? The problem, according to leading breast cancer scientists and advocacy groups, is the bill would do more harm than good. Read Full Article
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