Obama Seeks to Ease Tensions Over Panetta Pick

Jan. 6, 2009, 1:19 p.m.

President-elect Barack Obama sought to ease tensions today over his reported pick of Leon Panetta to head the CIA, calling Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) one day after the incoming chairman of the influential Intelligence Committee had voiced serious concern. Obama also praised Panetta in a discussion with reporters today, though he made a point of noting that the announcement was not official yet.

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