What has become of the D.C. full-vote measure? The NRA

The National Rife Association, with approximately four million members, is beginning to flex its political muscle with the Democrats in control of both Congress and the Executive. The NRA threatened to show its influence when the measure to give Washington, D.C. a full-voting representative in the House passed in the lower chamber of Congress. Suddenly, the bill was stalled in the Senate.

"The National Rifle Association's lobbyists made it clear to lawmakers that they believed the bill should include a measure to overturn the capital's gun control laws. Left mostly unsaid, but well understood by all 535 members of the House and Senate, was that failure to do so would unleash a barrage of political pain on resisters."

The NRA's political action committee spent $15.6 million in the last two election cycles, donating money to candidates who are "pro-gun" and more to the challengers of others who oppose them.

With the NRA readying itself for a battle against those in Congress who oppose them (regarding lifting the gun control laws in DC):

1. Do you think this is a situation meant for compromise? Is public safety going to take a back seat to politics?
2. Do you feel this is the perfect situation for the two parties to fully distinguish themselves from one another (the need for a clear divide and definition of what each party represents/stands for)?
3. Can Democrats maintain their majority status while taking on such a controversial issue? Would taking a "Democrats are for certain gun restrictions" stance damage the party, or make them look stronger?

Gates: U.S. Not Prepared to Respond to North Korea Missile Launch

North Korea has moved a missile onto a launch pad and says it will be fired by April 8. Pyonyang insists the missile is designed for carrying a communications satellite, not a nuclear warhead that the secretive nation appears bent on developing.

What is the point?

Why would either party, in this case the Republicans, make a half-hearted attempt to block a budget that will undoubtedly pass eventually by making amendments when they don't even have an alternative budget proposal in place? Partisanship like this demonstrates the time our so-called leaders waste on taking shots at each other rather than coming up with solutions to our very real problems.

U.S. Congress Cautiously Welcomes New Afghan Plan

Russ Feingold will be heard! It looks like we're in store for a new direction in the Middle East, and Russ Feingold is weighing in.

Democrats Agree on Budget's Outline

We might be close to a finalized budget soon

Barney Frank, King of Pork

So apparently the idea of pork has been expanded. This article talks about how Frank defended Fannie and Freddie, along with other measures that led to huge bonuses to executives. Seems to me that pork not only deals with bringing money back to one's constituency, but also to enabling corporations the means to alter their books to get extra bonuses. That is a pretty far stretch, and just more finger pointing instead of solving the problem.

Congress, Largest Landlord in the U.S.

The article states that the land will be an area where man does not invade, or ruin, or whatever terminology one chooses. So there should be no need for billions of dollars to be put towards this, but why does there need to be billions of dollars set aside for this? I suppose for buying the land they would have to, but doesn't government just seize land anyway? Along those lines, if there is not to be humans on this land, why do livestock need to be protected from wolves of other wildlife? Isn't that just nature running its course?

Democrats Take Knife to Obama's Budget

Are the Democrats eating their own? "Key leaders" are scrapping the financial bailout. How will this budget turn out?

Congressional Chestbeating?

These hearings our always fun to keep a close eye on in that many Congressional members look to make a name for themselves by making so-called "tough" remarks to the star witnesses. It will be interesting to see Republicans treatment of Mr. Geithner in one of his first appearances up on the hill.

Administration launches plan to initially buy up half-trillion in toxic assets, free up credit

Administration officials said the plan put forth Monday will deploy $75 billion to $100 billion from the government's existing $700 billion bailout program for the purchase of bad assets - resources that will be supported by loans from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and a loan facility being operated by the Federal Reserve.
Under a typical transaction, for every $100 in soured mortgages being purchased from banks, the private sector would put up $7 and that would be matched by $7 from the government. The remaining $86 would be covered by a government loan provided in many cases by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Law Professor Who Advised Obama Says House AIG Bill May Be Unconstitutional

The "AIG Bonus" bill that passed through the House might be doomed. The Senate could sit on it, Obama could veto it, and now it seems the Courts could kill it too.

Feingold/Ryan unveil earmark veto plan

A little Wisconsin bipartisanship at work right here. Feingold and Ryan unveiled their plan to allow for Obama to  cut "embarrassing" pork today. 

Team Effort in the House to Overhaul Health Care

I am really excited to see where this goes, while our country is one of the leaders in health care in terms of technology and research, our country has such great disparities when it comes to health care access. With the correct reform, we could see a great advancement with health care coverage but we will need the support and input of both parties in congress for this, because at first glance, this reform is seen as very liberal (in terms of nationalizing, making it available to all citizens) but, in order for this to be truly successful we need conservative input in terms of mandates if we want insurance companies and private hospitals to comply in order to ensure fair coverage. It is know that states (including Wisconsin) offer such State regulated health care access to all children such as the Wisconsin Women Infants and Children Program and BadgerCare with out straining the state's economy or even placing heavy restrictions on health care providers all while offering families the health care coverage they need. I think that if we really utilize the Congress members from these states, the government can successfully implement a similar federalized program.

What Would Happen Without Local Newspapers?

John Sides with a political science take on the relationship between Congress and local news media.

Are earmarks really so bad?

Its nice to see the media finally acknowledge that some earmarks are actually positive things that congresspeople are doing for their districts and not merely vote pandering.

Hillbillies: Don't Worry

Well, it turns out these crazy Communists we got running the House don't plan on takin' away the guns of the Gun-totin', bible clinging folks of this great nation after all. Man I love that 2nd Amendment.

Median Voter Theory in Action

Trouble is starting to stir for those in the party base of the Democratic party. Rep. Melissa Bean, D-Ill, the leader of the New Democrats Coalition (a 68-member group of moderate House Democrats), has begun her meetings with the heads of governmental financial leaders such as White House Budget Director, Peter Orszag.

Why would this pose a problem for the Democrats in Congress? Because the liberal base, who has been waiting patiently to pass its agenda for more than a decade, is being stalled by the moderates who seek to bring all of the policy positions to the middle. Showing their power early in the game, the New Democrats Coalition has been cited with:

"temporarily sidelining a measure to let bankruptcy judges rewrite mortgages. They held out for limits on court-ordered easing of mortgages, a move lenders were demanding. And a few centrist Senate Democrats helped slow passage of a $410 billion spending bill because of its cost."

With the Democrats poised to push forth their agenda to revolutionize energy policy, and a complete reform of the health care system:

1. How can Democrats successfully pass the legislation they deem necessary while still having to appeal to the moderates? (Median Voter Theory)
2. Are the moderates within the Democratic party more of a threat to the legislative process than the minority party?
3. How can the moderate member group be an advantage/disadvantage to President Obama?

Lawmaker Tried to Aid Bank Partly Owned by Husband

Steele In Hot Water Over Abortion Comments

Steele continues to draw the concern of cultural conservatives within his party with his comments about state rights and abortion during his interview with GQ magazine this week. Although all may be forgiven provided he brings home the bacon (fundraising not pork) during his upcoming fundraising circuit schedule.

Senate Clears Spending After Fractious Debate

Hopefully this is the last of big spending bills and this country can get back on its feet. In other news, 4 states hit 10% unemployment today according to the Associated Press.

Big Test for New Chairman

This will be a big test for California Representative Henry Waxman. One of the reasons he was chosen in the face of seniority rules traditions to head the chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee was the fact that he has proven to be progressive on environmental and clean energy initiatives. Now he faces old-school representatives from his own party who still look to generate a great deal of their support from the coal and auto industries.

Congress having difficulty evaluating its carbon footprint

It was a bold move by Rep Pelosi to drastically cut the carbon output by Congress, but it may have been to bold. Congress has scrapped the idea to have a neutral output of carbon last month claiming it is too difficult to know just how much carbon Congress is producing. Also, they are unclear whether or not the offsets they purchased are sufficient. If Congress can't figure it out for themselves, how can the legislative body determine how much carbon its constituency can/cannot produce?

Don’t Rely on Bush’s Signing Statements, Obama Orders

Obama rewrites the rules for presidential law-making and invests a good deal of power in to the Attorney General. However, Obama is still claiming the privilege to issue signing statements which prolongs the struggle between the executive and legislative branch over where policy-making occurs.

Chinese harassed Navy Ship....

Now this, I can not take anymore stress.
Our President is dealing with our falling economy, two wars, Mexico conflict crossing borders, and many, many more issues. Now the Chinese want to bully us in the sea. We are too weak to get into another battle with anybody or anyone.

Take a look at the article.

Republicans Look for a Reliever in Kentucky

Looks like the GOP is officially dropping Senator Bunning. It will be interesting to see how this develops? Will the Republican primary in 2010 turn into a mudslinging contest, opening the door for a Democrat to take the senatorial seat in Kentucky?

Congress passes stopgap bill to avoid shutdown

Better not put that pork in the frying pan yet!! "Senate Republicans unexpectedly put the brakes on the sweeping measure. ...and it also contains about 8,000 pet projects sought by lawmakers" Aren't some of these Republican earmarks? I think they are--oh well there are going to be some unhappy constituents back home. I thought there was one of these earmarks that had to do with cow manure-- Well Congress has enough of it's own manure!!

Senator in Search of the "Truth"

This idea just fascinates me, a "truth comission" is a great idea, but why hasn't anyone thought of this before? There are Congressional Commisions that oversee educational scholarships, but none that oversee the ethical standards within the government, it just seems to be a bit overdue. I think a commission such as this would not only benefit those who want the truth on the actions within the Bush administration, but for all administrations to come in order to make sure that no executive administration abuses their powers, and perhaps such a commission should be implemented in all three branches of the government.

House Passes Mortgage Bankruptcy Bill

A step in the right direction. Keeping people in their houses is a good thing and one way of making troubled assets a little less troublesome. At least Alan Blinder is happy now.

RNC member calls on Michael Steele to resign

What hilarious hi jinx have ensued since Michael Steele ascended to RNC Chair. Hip hop makeovers, spending bill bling bling, interviews with Chuck D from Public enemy, Colbert rap battle, openly going after Rush Limbaugh.........awesome. Well now his resignation is being called for within the RNC. Surprise Surprise.

Republicans attempt to stall spending bill

Falling short of the "60 votes needed to end debate," $410 billion dollars needed to continue most government functions is in jeopardy. Most in the GOP, such as Senator John McCain, claim that the spending bill is ripe with "earmarks" (a term still under debate) and have refused to support the measure. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he will allow Republicans until Monday to change their votes to ensure the government has the funds necessary to function.

We must begin to ask ourselves "what is the strategy here?" After witnessing what occurred with the stimulus project, the strength of the majority party is obvious, and the weakness of the minority has been emphasized. The GOP seems to be gearing up for a strong fight against the ruling Democrats. The strategy seems to be hoping that all Democratic measures fail, and will put up enough stalling in an effort to say to the electorate "we told you so" in the event that the majority party's agenda does not succeed. There is a much better way to proclaim that the majority party is not in line with the needs of the people: a classic Senate filibuster.

Bring out the cots, and let the real debate begin. If the GOP is serious about showing the American people they disagree with Democratic policies, they should round themselves up and attempt to filibuster any legislation that does not get 60 votes. This would certainly display their disagreement in the most effective manner.

When considering the classic filibuster, let us ask:

1. If the GOP is serious about stalling the Democratic agenda, why not let the people see how committed they really are to such an act? 
2. Should the Republicans filibuster? Why or why not?
3. Would an attempted filibuster by the GOP favor themselves, or their rivals?

Feingold, Ryan, McCain unite to curb earmarks

Since the line item veto was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1998, McCain and Feingold introduced new legislation gives Congress the ability to accept or reject each item the president tries to veto. That way, Congress retains control over the process while forcing lawmakers to justify spending items to their colleagues.

Feingold Opposes Spending Bill

Senator Feingold is not in favor of the new spending bill and believes the President should veto the bill. I am assuming that Feingold must not have any earmarks in the bill, and it must be a little too far out of his preferences.

House Rep to Ban Gitmo Detainees from U.S. Soil

This article brings up the question about what should happen to the detainees held at Guantanamo since it is to be closed by the end of the year. While enemy combatants in war have rights under the Geneva Convention, there is no place that grants rights to them in the U.S. Constitution. It is stated in the article that some of the previously held detainees have gone back to a life of terrorism. For this reason I do not believe introducing a bill that would ban them from setting foot on U.S. soil would stop them, or anyone for that matter, from doing so.

Senate Debates $410 Billion '09 Spending Bill

Uh oh, John McCain needs a nap. Here you can read all about some proposed earmarks and why non-Democrats hate them.

In Senate, Bipartisan Love of Earmarks

This harkens back to a discuss we had in class about pork. So if I am understanding this whole situation -- one Senators earmark is another Senators pork - depending on what your constituents need and or want in your home state? So is earmark sort of a euphemism for pork? Kind of like how utility means happy.

Filibusters: The Senate’s Self-Inflicted Wound

The cries against super-majoritarianism mount.

Bring on the bacon!

This article shows that party affiliation does not matter when pork spending is truly broken down. Every senator or representative for that matter is expected to bring home the bacon.

Interesting videos on new Reps on Capitol Hill

Worth checking out to see how it works being a Freshman Rep in Congress

Any other Alternatives?

The Iraq withdrawal, President Obama 19 month pledge; I don't know. Well, I figure once our troops exit with Iraq's government in control, that within minutes of the USA final plane returning home, that all chaos would break out. Paragraph three states the same.

I wondered when will I use this spatial theory. Reading this article I do understand using this theory can be helpful. There should have been more alternatives, because establishing written and verbal agreements with our known enemies is insane. How they maintain who's who and what's what?
I guess its a win win situation because the Iraq people have nothing. What happens when that need is no longer needed?

Great article, take a look.

Snow Cancels Pelosi's Plans

Last thing I want to start here is a debate whether or not global exists or does not exist. However, I do find this article amusing and ironic since Pelosi had to cancel her appearance at a Global Warming event due to inclement weather.

The Phantom Filibuster

An interesting op-ed about the filibuster and its intended usage.

Kansas Governor to head Department of Health and Human Services.

If and when this appointment is confirmed by the Senate, it will be very interesting to see how the Obama Administration will reform health care. On a side note, Obama also nominated Nancy-Ann DePearle as health care czar, an interesting addition to this administration, that we touched on last week in class. Sebelius has extensive in this field, while govenor of Kansas she was in charge of Kansas' Medicaid program and actually worked as an insurance commisioner. I am very excited to see how much and how far we can reform the health care policies in this country, for being one of the most affluent countries in the world, we have some of the most difficult standards in order to access health care.

Kohl seeks 401(k) relief

Sen. Kohl is the chairperson of the Special Committee on Aging. He Made a statement about the current economic crisis and how it is effecting the nations 401(k)'s. He mentioned a lot of loss in the past year citing one fund losing 40% of its worth. The Senator may in the future be looking to secure some funds to save many the nations retirement accounts.

Frustrated G.O.P. Tries to Drive Wedge Between Obama and Pelosi

Will Pelosi become one of the most powerful Speakers in history?

Hell Hath No Fury Like...

It appears that NRSC Chair John Cornyn has made his life harder by attempting to push Senator Jim Bunning out of the Kentucky senate race for 2010. Be careful what you wish for...