Hill Watcher - Daily Tidbits from the Hill

Medical Marijuana - Co-Sponsor List is Growing: July 12, 2009

2009-06-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

Barney Frank offered this bill last year and was the sole sponsor. Several months later, he introduces the bill again - this time with 12 co-sponsors...and bi-partisan support. The tides may be shifting.

By Mr. FRANK (D-MA)(for himself, Mr. BLUMENAUER (D-OR), Mr. FARR (D-CA), Mr. MCDERMOTT (D-WA), Mr. PAUL (R-TX), Ms. WOOLSEY (D-CA) , Mr. ROHRABACHER (R-CA), Mr. GRIJALVA (D-AZ) Mr. THOMPSON (D-CA), Mr. GEORGE MILLER (D-GA), Mr. STARK (D-CA), Mr. HINCHEY (D-NY), Mr. OLVER (D-MA) and Ms. BALDWIN (D-WI)):

H.R. 2835. A bill to provide for the medical use of marijuana in accordance with the laws of the various States; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Ceiling Fans, Films and Working Abroad for Child Support - June 4, 2009

2009-06-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Been quite a while - a few odd bills introduced in June 4th, 2009 - 2 seems pretty special interest oriented and the third makes me wonder what circumstances arose that triggered the need for the bill.

By Mr. CROWLEY (D-NY):
H.R. 2719. A bill to extend the temporary suspension of duty on certain ceiling fans; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

By Mr. CROWLEY (D-NY) (for himself and Mr. DREIER (R-CA)):
H.R. 2720. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the election to treat the cost of qualified film and television productions as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

By Mr. GERLACH (R-PA) :
H.R. 2723. A bill to amend the Social Security Act to provide for an exemption to allow an individual otherwise ineligible to travel outside the United States to do so for employment purposes to pay child support arrearages, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Credit Card Ratings, Child Marriage, Tax on Single-Use Bags and Selecting Programs Your Taxes Go To

2009-04-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

Here are several interesting bills from the last week:

This first one seems like a pretty good idea - coming up with standard rating system from credit cards to help consumers weed out the shady card companies.

By Mr. WYDEN (D-OR):
S. 900. A bill to require the establishment of a credit card safety star rating system for the benefit of consumers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Another good idea to treat physical activities same as medical care in terms of tax and credits.

By Mr. KIND (D-WI) (Mr. BRADY (R-TX), Mr. BLUMENAUER (D-OR), and Mr. WAMP (R-TN):
H.R. 2105. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain amounts paid for physical activity, fitness, and exercise as amounts paid for medical care; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Interesting bill with good motive, but how the heck would we be able to enforce?

By Ms. MCCOLLUM (D-MN) (for herself, Mrs. CAPPS (D-CA), Ms. CORRINE BROWN (D-FL), Ms. JACKSON-LEE (D-TX), Mr. OBERSTAR (D-MN), Ms. LEE (D-CA), Mrs. MALONEY (D-NY), Ms. WATSON (D-CA), Mrs. TAUSCHER (D-CA), Mr. HONDA (D-CA), Mr. HINCHEY (D-NY), Mr. MOORE (D-KS), Mr. MCGOVERN (D-MA), Mr. BISHOP (D-GA), Mr. MORAN (D-VA), Mr. ELLISON (D-MN), Mr. FILNER (D-CA), Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (D-TX), Ms. DELAURO (D-CA), Mr. CARNAHAN (D-MO), Mr. FARR (D-CA), Ms. ESHOO (D-CA), Mr. MCNERNEY (D-CA), Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (D-IL), Mr. WALZ (D-MN), Mr. CROWLEY (D-NY), Mr. HASTINGS (D-FL), and Ms. MOORE (D-WI)):
H.R. 2103. A bill to protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

I imagine the environmentalists will love this bill:

By Mr. MORAN (D-VA):
H.R. 2091. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a retail tax on single-use carryout bags, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Finally, I don't see this bill going anywhere - basically opens the door to each person deciding what they put their tax dollar to.

By Mr. LEWIS (D-GA) (for himself, Mr. OBERSTAR (D-MN), Mr. ELLISON (D-MN), Mr. STARK (D-CA), Mr. MCDERMOTT (D-WA), Mr. PAYNE (D-NJ), Mr. RUSH (D-NJ), Mr. FATTAH (D-PA), Ms. BALDWIN (D-WI), Mr. MCGOVERN (D-MA), and Mr. HOLT (D-NJ)):
H.R. 2085. A bill to affirm the religious freedom of taxpayers who are conscientiously opposed to participation in war, to provide that the income, estate, or gift tax payments of such taxpayers be used for nonmilitary purposes, to create the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund to receive such tax payments, to improve revenue collection, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Test Message Spam & Industrial Hemp - April 2009

2009-04-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Congress is still on recess and return next Monday, April 20th. Here are two bills introduced before they left on recess that caught my eye.

I am all for both of these pieces of legislation and am happy to see both have bipartisan support:

By Ms. SNOWE (R-ME) (for herself and Mr. NELSON (D-FL)):

S. 788. A bill to prohibit unsolicited mobile text message spam; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Source GPO Page: S4309)

By Mr. PAUL (R-TX) (for himself, Ms. BALDWIN (D-WI), Mr. CLAY (D-MO), Mr. FRANK (D-MA), Mr. GRIJALVA (D-AZ), Mr. HINCHEY (D-NY), Mr. MCCLINTOCK (R-CA), Mr. GEORGE MILLER (D-CA), Mr. ROHRABACHER (R-CA), Mr. STARK (D-CA) and Ms. WOOLSEY (D-CA)):

H.R. 1866. A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marihuana, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (Source GPO Page: H4518)

FDR Docs, Unlawful Entry Aggravated Felons, US Using Other Currency & Alien Students

2009-03-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

I definitely need to change the title of this blog. 'Daily' tidbits have become too difficult. I presume things will slow down a little once (if) the 2010 budget passes. This week will be a big step towards its passage.

Here are some bills that stood out to me over past week:

This first one makes me just think....huh? Claims of US to certain FDR docs?

By Mr. SCHUMER:

S. 692. A bill to provide that claims of the United States to certain documents relating to Franklin Delano Roosevelt shall be treated as waived and relinquished in certain circumstances; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Not so sure about this one . Would an illegal cited for something as minor as 'jaywalking' be considered an aggravated felon? Perhaps the purpose of bill meant to speed up deportation by labelling aggravated felonies to all crimes.

By Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida (for herself, Mr. BILBRAY, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. LUETKEMEYER, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. JONES, Mr. CHAFFETZ, Mr. POE of Texas, and Mr. AKIN):

H.R. 1753. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include in the definition of the term ``aggravated felony'' a criminal violation committed by an alien who unlawfully entered the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Here's a House Joint Resolution. Don't see this ever being an issue, but who knows. It would create constitutional amendment to prohibit US from using another country's currency. I have a few trillion Zimbabwe Dollars burning a hole in my pocket, so I'm still holding out hope.

By Mrs. BACHMANN (for herself, Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. SHADEGG, Mr. KIRK, Ms. FOXX, Mr. PITTS, Mr. BARTLETT, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. GINGREY of Georgia, Mr. WAMP, Ms. FALLIN, Mr. FLEMING, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. BROUN of Georgia, Mr. AKIN, Mr. ISSA, Mr. KING of Iowa, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. PAUL, Mr. CULBERSON, Mrs. BIGGERT, Mr. BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. JONES, Mr. POSEY, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, and Mr. CONAWAY):

H.J. Res. 41. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the President from entering into a treaty or other international agreement that would provide for the United States to adopt as legal tender in the United States a currency issued by an entity other than the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Interesting bill about immigrant students. I have to think there are some horror stories out there that caused this bill to come up.

By Mr. BERMAN (for himself, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California, Mr. NUNES, Mr. POLIS, Mr. CAO, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. CONYERS, and Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida):

H.R. 1751. A bill to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Travel to Cuba, Flat Tax, Cell Phone Photo Noise, Dying on Wrong Date, Double Decker Horse Transport & College Football Bowls/Playoffs: Feb 27, 2009

2009-02-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

Here are several bills from the past two weeks that have peaked my interest and will likely be controversial.

This first bill would allow travel between US and Cuba:

By Mr. DORGAN (D-ND) (for himself, Mr. ENZI (R-WY), Mr. LUGAR (R-IN), and Mr. DODD (D-CT)):

S. 428. A bill to allow travel between the United States and Cuba; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

This second bill would create a flat tax alternative for paying income tax:

By Mr. BURGESS (R-TX):

H.R. 1040. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide taxpayers a flat tax alternative to the current income tax system; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Here is a bill building off the paranoia of the digital age (most of the paranoia is deserved) - which requires cell phones to make noises when they take photos:

By Mr. KING (R-NY):
H.R. 414. A bill to require mobile phones containing digital cameras to make a sound when a photograph is taken; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

This next bill is an odd one that can potentially cost folks who die on the wrong day of the month. I wonder why the PA Congressmen jumped on this piece of legislation.:

By Mr. HOLDEN (D-PA) (for himself and Mr. PLATTS (R-PA)):

H.R. 954. A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide that a monthly insurance benefit thereunder shall be paid for the month in which the recipient dies, subject to a reduction of 50 percent if the recipient dies during the first 15 days of such month, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Ahhh, yes, the ole' double decker horse transport bill:

By Mr. KIRK (R-IL) (for himself, Mr. COHEN (D-TN), and Mr. WHITFIELD (R-KY)):
H.R. 305. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit the transportation of horses in interstate transportation in a motor vehicle containing 2 or more levels stacked on top of one another; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

For those of us who are college football fans, these next two are devoted to college football playoffs/bowl games:

By Mr. BARTON (R-TX) (for himself, Mr. RUSH (D-IL), and Mr. MCCAUL (R-TX)):
H.R. 390. A bill to prohibit, as an unfair and deceptive act or practice, the promotion, marketing, and advertising of any post-season NCAA Division I football game as a national championship game unless such game is the culmination of a fair and equitable playoff system; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Got to love pushing for playoff system in college football:

By Mr. GARY G. MILLER (R-CA):
H.R. 599. A bill to prohibit the receipt of Federal funds by any institution of higher education with a football team that participates in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, unless the national championship game of such Subdivision is the culmination of a playoff system; to the Committee on Education and Labor.

Electoral College, Cell Phone Pic Sounds and Tax deductions for Parents of Murdered Children - Feb. 5, 2008

2009-02-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

I've fallen greatly behind with all the work going on with the recovery package the Senate has been debating this week. The House passed their recovery package last week and the Senate will try and pass theirs this week. After that, the two chambers will need to work out the differences in their packages and then have another vote on a final bill.

Here are some interesting bills from past couple weeks dealing with the Electoral College, cell Phone pic sounds and Tax deductions for parents of murdered children. All 3 are great ideas to me.

By Mr. GENE GREEN (D-TX):
H.J. Res. 9. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish the electoral college and to provide for the direct popular election of the President and Vice President of the United States; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

By Mr. KING (R-NY):
H.R. 414. A bill to require mobile phones containing digital cameras to make a sound when a photograph is taken; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

By Mr. POE (R-TX):
H.R. 432. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow parents of murdered children to continue to claim the deduction for the personal exemption with respect to such child; to the Committee on Ways and Means.

First Flurry of Senate Bills of 2009 (111th Congress): Jan 6, 2008

2009-01-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

The Senate started the year with a bang, introducing 162 bills and 3 resolutions in their first full day back at work. The House did not introduce any bills yesterday, spending much of the day swearing in Members and electing Members to standing committees.

So below, I've pasted the 1st official bill introduced by Senate for the 111th Congress, as well as 6 other bills of interest:

Here is the 1st official bill introduced in the Senate for the new Congress, which deals with President-elect Obama's and the Congress' first priority of the new year - the economic recovery package:

By Mr. REID (D-NV) (for himself, Mr. LEVIN (D-MI), Mr. KERRY (D-MA), Mr. KENNEDY (D-MA), Mr. BEGICH (D-AK), Mrs. BOXER (D-CA), Mr. DURBIN (D-IL), Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ), Mr. BINGAMAN (D-NM), Mr. CASEY (D-PA), Mr. LAUTENBERG (D-NJ), Ms. STABENOW (D-MI), Mrs. MCCASKILL (D-MO), Mr. LIEBERMAN (I-CT), Ms. KLOBUCHAR (D-MN), Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY), and Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY):

S. 1. A bill to create jobs, restore economic growth, and strengthen America's middle class through measures that modernize the nation's infrastructure, enhance America's energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need, and for other purposes; read the first time. Source: GPO [S39]

Here is a bill introduced by Democratic Senators to review the regulations President Bush issued in his final days occupying the White house:

By Mr. REID (D-NV) (for himself, Mr. LEVIN (D-MI), Mr. KERRY (D-MA), Mr. BEGICH (D-AK), Mr. DURBIN (D-IL), Mrs. BOXER (D-CA), Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ), Mr. BINGAMAN (D-NM), Mr. CASEY (D-PA), Mr. LAUTENBERG (D-NJ), Ms. STABENOW (D-MI), Mrs. MCCASKILL (D-MO), Ms. KLOBUCHAR (D-MN), Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY), Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY), and Ms. MIKULSKI (D-MD)):

S. 8. A bill to return the Government to the people by reviewing controversial ``midnight regulations'' issued in the waning days of the Bush Administration; read the first time. Source: GPO [S39]

Here is a bill to beef up work requirements of Federal prison inmates:

By Mr. ENSIGN (R-NV):

S. 41. A bill to require a 50-hour workweek for Federal prison inmates, to reform inmate work programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S39]

This bill is designed to help homeowners who are underwater (mortgage more than home value) restructure mortgages on their principal residences:

By Mr. DURBIN (D-IL) (for himself, Mrs. BOXER (D-CA), Mrs. FEINSTEIN (D-CA), Mr. HARKIN (D-IA), Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY), and Mr. WHITEHOUSE (D-RI)):

S. 61. A bill to amend title 11 of the United States Code with respect to modification of certain mortgages on principal residences, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S39]

Here's a bill to ensure illegal immigrants cannot obtain credit cards, as the 9/11 hijackers did.

By Mr. VITTER (R-LA):

S. 84. A bill to close the loophole that allowed the 9/11 hijackers to obtain credit cards from United States banks that financed their terrorist activities, to ensure that illegal immigrants cannot obtain credit cards to evade United States immigration laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Source: GPO [S39]

Another bill by Vitter, who was busy introducing a schload of bills yesterday, requiring all felons to provide DNA samples:

By Mr. VITTER (R-LA):

S. 106. A bill to require that all individuals convicted of a felony under State law provide a DNA sample; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S39]

And finally, a tri-partisan bill to provide DC a voting seat and Utah an additional seat in the House of Representatives:

By Mr. LIEBERMAN (I-CT) (for himself, Mr. HATCH (R-UT), Mr. LEAHY (D-VT), Mr. KENNEDY (D-MA), Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY), Mr. DODD (D-CT), Mr. SANDERS (I-VT), Mr. KERRY (D-MA), Mr. DURBIN (D-IL), and Mr. FEINGOLD (D-WI)):

S. 160. A bill to provide the District of Columbia a voting seat and the State of Utah an additional seat in the House of Representatives; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Source: GPO [S39]

The 111th Congress Begins Today - Jan. 6th, 2009

2009-01-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

The House and Senate will officially kick off the 111th Congress today, and new Members will be sworn in. There are still several seats still to be filled (Senate seats for Illinois and Minnesota will remain open for time being and there will be a April 7th special election for Rahm Emanuel's Congressional seat).

The Economic Recovery package is the top priority for lawmakers as they return today, with hopes of the package being ready for President-elect Obama to sign into law before the end of the month.

The other priority will be to finish the fiscal 2009 appropriations process before March 6th, when the stopgap funding runs out.

The next year or two are going to be a hell of a ride.

Postings will start back up on normal schedule tomorrow as the 111th has finally kicked off!

Congress Out (for the most part) Until Jan. 6th, 2009

2008-12-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

The House and Senate are out of session until everything begins again in the 111th Congress on January 6th, 2009. Members will be working on a couple issues until then - Mainly the Economic Recovery package that will likely be signed by President-elect Obama in the first couple days of him taking office. They are also working out aspects of the potential automakers bailout.

We'll be monitoring, but will likely be quiet until Jan 6th.

Happy Holidays.

Presidential Pardons, Prison Work Requirements and Student Athlete Concussions: November 20, 2008

2008-11-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

Congress was back in for three days this week and did work on an economic recovery package and the loan to automakers. The only bill to pass this week was an extension of unemployment benefits for the jobless who have exhausted their benefits.

There were a few interesting bills introduced the past two days.

The first bill is from the House and is aimed to discourage Presidential pardons of members of the administration in the final 90 days of presidency.

By Mr. NADLER (D-NY):
H. Res. 1531. A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President of the United States should not issue pardons to senior members of his administration during the final 90 days of his term of office; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H10856]

This next bill from the Senate deals with prison inmate work requirements.

By Mr. ENSIGN (R-NV):
S. 3695. A bill to require a 50-hour workweek for Federal prison inmates, to reform inmate work programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S10659]

The final bill is another one from the House that addresses the growing problem of student athletes suffering concussions:

By Mr. PASCRELL (D-NJ)(for himself, Mr. PLATTS (R-PA), and Ms. JACKSON-LEE (D-TX)):
H.R. 7274. A bill to amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment and implementation of concussion management guidelines with respect to student athletes, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H10844]

Senate Returns: Economic Recovery and Housing Crisis - November 17, 2008

2008-11-19T12:42:00.000-08:00

The Senate is back this week for reorganization (voting on leadership and committee membership), as well as a few votes on an economic recovery package, a unemployment insurance extension bill and the $25billion automakers loan package.

There were some bills introduced in the Senate, mainly dealing with economic recovery and the housing crisis:

By Mr. REID (D-NV):
S. 3688. A bill to provide for additional emergency unemployment compensation, to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to authorize loans to automobile manufacturers and component suppliers, and for other purposes; read the first time. Source: GPO [S10578]

By Mr. REID (D-NV) (for himself and Mr. BYRD (D-WV)):
S. 3689. A bill making supplemental appropriations for job creation and preservation, infrastructure investment, and economic and energy assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes; read the first time. Source: GPO [S10578]

By Mr. DURBIN (D-IL):
S. 3690. A bill to help struggling families stay in their homes and to ensure that taxpayers are protected when the Secretary of the Treasury purchases equity shares in financial situations; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S10578]

Victory Speech by President-elect Barack Obama - 11/4/2008

2008-11-06T10:29:00.000-08:00

Whether you were joyful or sad by the outcome of the presidential election, President Elect Barack Obama's speech was beautiful:

PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA: If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America. (perhaps a reference to my all-time favorite song, Sam Cooke's 'A Change is Gonna Come')

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy thats coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what youve sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didnt start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didnt do this just to win an election and I know you didnt do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how theyll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one thats on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.And tonight, I think about all that shes seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we cant, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:Yes We Can.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Congress Has Adjourned - Back Nov. 17th When Senate Returns!

2008-10-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Survivors of Federal Safety Officers, GSEs Banned From Lobbying, Derivative and Hedgefund Oversight and Consumer Credit Protections: October 3, 2008

2008-10-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

Friday was the last day Congress was in session. The House has recessed 'at the call of the chair', so they are out unless they get called back to work by Pelosi, which is possible in light of the economic crisis we're in the midst of. The Senate has recessed until November 17th, when they will come back for a brief lameduck session to deal with some bills.

The House was briefly in session on Friday to pass the Financial Rescue bill, along with some other legislation, and they also introduced several interesting bills, which are pasted below:

This first bill is a great one that would provide enhanced benefits to survivors of Federal public safety officers killed in line of duty.

By Mr. HALL (D-NY):
H.R. 7263. A bill to amend chapters 81, 83, and 84 of title 5, United States Code, to provide for enhanced benefits for survivors of Federal public safety officers killed in the line of duty; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Source: GPO [H10828]

This next bill is another great one that would prohibit lobbying or contributions from GSEs (Government Sponsored Enterprises) such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

By Mrs. BONO MACK (R-CA):
H.R. 7254. A bill to prohibit government-sponsored enterprises from making lobbying expenditures, political contributions, or other certain contributions; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H10828]

These final two bills deal with the current economic crisis, and what got us into so much trouble to start with, both on a large scale (derivative dealers and hedge fund managers) and on a smaller personal scale (providing individuals better protection and transparency when dealing with consumer credit):

By Mr. MARKEY (D-MA):
H.R. 7266. A bill to amend the Federal securities laws to enhance oversight over certain derivatives dealers and hedge funds, reduce the potential for such entities to increase systemic risk in the financial markets, enhance investor protections, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H10828]

By Mr. DELAHUNT (D-MA):
H.R. 7258. A bill to create a new Consumer Credit Safety Commission, to provide individual consumers of credit with better information and stronger protections, and to provide sellers of consumer credit with more regulatory certainty; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H10828]

Metal Theft and Fencing, Penalties for Drunk Driving Employees & National Auto Inspection Standards: October 1, 2008

2008-10-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

The House was not in session yesterday and the Senate spent large part of the day dealing with the financial rescue/bailout plan and the US-India Nuclear Agreement. Below is one bill introduced in the Senate yesterday as well as a few others introduced in the House and Senate over the past week.

This first bill is an interesting one dealing with the new issue of metal theft and fencing, particularly copper:

By Ms. KLOBUCHAR (D-MN) (and Mr. HATCH (R-UT)):
S. 3666. A bill to require certain metal recyclers to keep records of their transactions in order to deter individuals and enterprises engaged in theft and interstate fencing of stolen copper, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S10323]

Here in a bill introduced over the weekend in the House, which holds employers accountable when their employees are convicted of driving an 'over-the-road' bus under the influence of booze or drugs:

By Ms. JACKSON-LEE (D-TX):
H.R. 7204. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish sanctions and penalties applicable to an employer whenever an employee of the employer is convicted of driving an over-the-road bus under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance while acting within the scope of the employee's employment; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H10330]

And finally, another bill by same Representative on same day. This one seems to make a lot of sense, but those that know transportation better than me would know if it is valid to hold same motor vehicle inspection standards for all states (national standard) instead of each state having their own individual standards. I can see how automobiles in different states would have different requirements. I'd have to think autos in Alaska and Colorado would have different needs than those in Arizona or New Mexico.

By Ms. JACKSON-LEE (D-TX):
H.R. 7210. A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to establish national standards for State safety inspections of motor vehicles, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H10330]

Peer-to-Peer Computer Programs, Tax Refund Loans & Aliens with Ph.D. from US Institution: September 30, 2008

2008-10-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

The House was out yesterday and the Senate had a short day. Not really any bills of interest were introduced, however, there were some bills of note introduced over the past weekend as the Members stayed in DC to work on the financial rescue/bailout package.

Here are three bill introduced in the House on the 27th.

The first bill seems important to me in this new age of so many 'peer-to-peer' programs. The bill is to ensure both sides of the 'peer-to-peer' are aware they are hooked up to such program.

By Mrs. BONO MACK (R-CA)(for herself, Mr. BARROW (D-GA), and Mr. BARTON (R-TX)):
H.R. 7176. A bill to prohibit the installation on a computer of certain ``peer-to-peer'' file sharing software without first providing notice and obtaining consent from the owner or authorized user of the computer; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H10299]

Finally, I think this next bill is also important. It deals with the many 'lenders' who offer 'tax refund loans' and works to improve advertising and disclosure requirements for the lenders.

By Mrs. MCCARTHY (D-NY):
H.R. 7188. A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act to establish certain advertising and disclosure requirements with respect to tax refund anticipation loans, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H10299]

And this final bill will probably bring some controversy. It allows aliens who receive a Ph.D. from US institution in certain areas to be admitted for permanent residence. If this will keep the best and brightest in the US, then I'm behind it.

By Mr. FLAKE (R-AZ):
H.R. 7184. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize certain aliens who have earned a Ph.D. degree from a United States institution of higher education in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to be admitted for permanent residence and to be exempted from the numerical limitations on H-1B nonimmigrants; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H10299]

Country of Origin Label, Webcasted Sound Recordings, Death in Custody of Law Enforcement & Additional Leave: September 29, 2008

2008-09-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

Another COOL (country of origin label) bill. I definitely like the idea of seeing where products we eat are being produced.

By Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY) (for herself, Mr. FEINGOLD (D-WI), and Mr. BROWN (D-PA)):
S. 3653. A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for country of origin labeling for dairy products; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Source: GPO [S10069]

The next bill will require reading of the legislative language, but looks to provide agreements for webcasting 'sound recordings'.

By Mr. WYDEN (D-OR) (for himself and Mr. BROWNBACK (R-KS)):
S. 3649. A bill to amend section 114 of title 17, United States Code, to provide for agreements for the reproduction and performance of sound recordings by webcasters; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S10069]

Here is a bill with a good idea for providing oversight to deaths of those in custody of law-enforcement, but wish it would do more than 'encourage':

By Mr. SCOTT (D-VA):
H.R. 7227. A bill to encourage States to report to the Attorney General certain information regarding the deaths of individuals in the custody of law enforcement agencies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H10642]

And here is a good bill to let parents use leave for handling parental duties for their kid's and/or grandkid's educational and extracurricular activities, and to take care of family medical needs to assist elderly relatives.

By Mrs. MALONEY (D-NY)(for herself, Mr. GEORGE MILLER (D-CA), Mr. MCDERMOTT (D-WA), Mr. HASTINGS (D-FL), Mr. AL GREEN (D-TX), and Ms. JACKSON-LEE (D-TX)):
H.R. 7233. A bill to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow employees to take, as additional leave, parental involvement leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities and to clarify that leave may be taken for routine family medical needs and to assist elderly relatives, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H10642]

Bulk Handgun Purchases, Internet Skill Game Facilities, Votes for Former Prisoners & Stem Cell Research: September 26, 2008

2008-09-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 bills introduced in the Senate and 2 from the House.

This first bill will surely upset those who are strong backers of the 2nd amendment, but it's hard for me to understand why someone would need to purchase handguns in bulk.

By Mr. LAUTENBERG (D-NJ) (for himself and Mr. MENENDEZ):
S. 3634. A bill to reduce gun trafficking by prohibiting bulk purchases of handguns; to the Committee on the Judiciary.

This is an interesting bill to authorize licensing for Internet skill game facilities. I envision a bar-like scene, where people go to play Internet games instead of boozing. Source: GPO [S9657]

By Mr. MENENDEZ:
S. 3616. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the licensing of Internet skill game facilities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Source: GPO [S9657]

On the House side, this is another bill sure to bring controversy, which is to allow those formerly incarcerated to vote. I'm of the feeling that if someone has served their sentence, they should be allowed to come back as citizens and be allowed to participate in elections. Though for some horrible crimes, might be tough to swallow knowing that person has same right to vote as person who has never broken the law:

By Mr. CONYERS (D-MI):
H.R. 7136. A bill to secure the Federal voting rights of persons who have been released from incarceration; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H10129]

Might as well wrap this up with yet another bill of controversy. This one is deals with the high emotion subject of stem cell research:

By Ms. DEGETTE (D-CO)(for herself and Mr. CASTLE (R-DE)):
H.R. 7141. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research, to direct the National Institutes of Health to issue guidelines for such stem cell research, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H10129]

Unlawful Arrests, Obesity in America and Nuclear Activities in Iran: September 26, 2008

2008-09-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

Here are three bills introduced in the Senate yesterday.

The first one is very vague and will require reading the legislative text to see how they propose to accomplish the goals of the bill, but if they are able to, I'm all for it. One of the worst things to happen to a citizen (and our country) is to end up being arrested or detained unlawfully in the 'land of the free'.

By Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ)(for himself and Mr. KENNEDY (D-MA) ):
S. 3594. A bill to protect United States citizens from unlawful arrest and detention; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S9492]

Another vague bill with solid goals, particularly with the direction our country is moving in regards to the health of its citizens.

By Mr. BINGAMAN (D-NM):
S. 3584. A bill to comprehensively prevent, treat, and decrease overweight and obesity in our Nation's populations; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9492]

The final bill deals with assessing Iran's nuclear activities.

By Mr. ENSIGN (R-NV):
S. 3578. A bill to establish a commission to assess the nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran; to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Source: GPO [S9492]

General Elections on Weekends, Teaching Kids about Finances & Lighthouses: September 25, 2008

2008-09-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

Here are a few bills introduced yesterday.

I absolutely love this bill from the House. I have never truly understood why general elections are held on Tuesdays instead of weekends, or why employers are not required by law to give their employees a few hours off on election day, and this bill addresses that issue by pushing to move the general election to the weekend. I think it would be great to encourage more citizens to vote.

By Mr. LARSON (D-CT):
H.R. 7034. A bill to change the date for regularly scheduled general elections for Federal office to both the Saturday and Sunday after the first Friday in November, and for other purposes; to the Committee on House Administration. Source: GPO [H9423]

And here are a couple bills from the Senate.

In light of the financial problems our country and many of its citizens are facing, I think this is a strong bill. We can never start teaching financial responsibility too early:

By Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY):
S. 3557. A bill to encourage savings, promote financial literacy, and expand opportunities for young adults by establishing KIDS Accounts; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S9414]

Finally, people who are into lighthouses will enjoy this bill.

By Mr. LEVIN (D-MI)(for himself and Ms. STABENOW (D-MI)):
S. 3555. A bill to establish a pilot program to provide for the preservation and rehabilitation of historic lighthouses; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Source: GPO [S9414]

Drug Testing for Social Programs, Mortgage Disclosure for Congress, Rural After-School Programs & Discrimination Against Unborns: September 23, 2008

2008-09-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Here are three bills introduced in the Senate yesterday.

This first one will certainly be controversial, requiring drug testing for participants of the federal social program TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). I understand the desire to make sure TANF funds are used appropriately, but I have to question the cost and privacy factors of the testing.

By Mr. VITTER (R-LA):
S. 3540. A bill to amend title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to implement a drug testing program for applicants for and recipients of assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S9280]

The second bill has been prompted by several questionable mortgages some Members of Congress are currently locked in to. I'm all for full disclosure of our public officials.

By Mr. CORNYN (R-TX)(Mrs. BOXER (D-CA), Mr. ROBERTS (R-KS), Mr. PRYOR (D-AR), Mr. ISAKSON (R-GA), and Mr. SALAZAR (D-CO)):
S. 3542. A bill to require full and complete public disclosure of the terms of home mortgages held by Members of Congress; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Source: GPO [S9280]

This third Senate bill will attempt to improve rural after-school programs.

By Mrs. LINCOLN (D-AR) (Ms. COLLINS (R-ME)):
S. 3545. A bill to enhance after-school programs in rural areas of the United States by establishing a pilot program to help communities establish and improve rural after-school programs; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9280]

Finally, here is a peculiar bill dealing with discrimination of unborns. I am having a hard time understanding how someone discriminates against an unborn's sex or race. How can one tell without having medical equipment with them?

By Mr. FRANKS (R-AZ) (for himself, Mr. TAYLOR (D-MS), Mr. FORTENBERRY (R-NE), Mr. LIPINSKI (D-IL), Mr. SMITH (R-TX), and Mr. PENCE (R-IN)):
H.R. 7016. A bill to prohibit discrimination against the unborn on the basis of sex or race, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H9083]

Baggage Fees for Service Members, Raising Federally Insured Max Deposit & Company Officers Repaying Bonuses: September 22, 2008

2008-09-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

On the House side, here are three interesting bills.

This first one makes a lot of sense to me, requiring airlines to waive certain baggage fees to service members travelling under orders:

By Mr. BACA (D-CA):
H.R. 6985. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to require air carriers to waive certain baggage fees for members of the uniformed services traveling under orders; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H8577]

This next bill would raise the max Federal deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $200,000. I presume in an effort to gain more confidence in banks and increase push for savings.

By Mr. COHEN (D-TN):
H.R. 6986. A bill to amend section 1821(a)(1) of title 12, United States Code, to raise the maximum Federal deposit insurance coverage to $200,000; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H8577]

The final bill will be cheered by many across America, except those officers who have to repay their bonuses:

By Mr. FEENEY (R-FL) (Mr. ROSKAM (R-IL), and Mr. GARRETT (R-NJ)):
H.R. 6987. A bill to amend the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to require officers to repay bonus amounts received during a year in which their company is subject to a taxpayer bailout, as well as the two previous years; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H8577]

Presidential Powers to Authorize Energy Exploration, Term Limits for Congress, Algae Derived Fuels & Sharia Law Ban: September 19, 2008

2008-09-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Senate and House were not in session last Friday, so here are 4 interesting bills introduced in the House last Thursday.

The first bills doesn't have a chance of moving anywhere. In order to pass, a majority of the Members of House and Senate would have to vote against keeping their own jobs. It would amend the Constitution to set term limits on Members of Congress. No chance they are voting to put a limit on their own terms. As nice as it would be to have Members dealing solely with issues facing the American people and not spending time and energy on re-election - I just can't see term limits ever happening.

By Mr. KUHL (R-NY):
H.J. Res. 98. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of times Senators and Representatives may be elected; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H8476]

This second bill will be very controversial and would provide the President authorization power to approve oil and gas projects. I'm surprised it was introduced by a Minnesotan Member of Congress, not exactly the state I think if first when it comes to energy exploration.

By Mrs. BACHMANN(R-MN):
H.R. 6953. A bill to authorize the President to review and approve oil and gas exploration, development, and production projects under existing Federal oil and gas leases, both onshore and offshore, and to limit administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to such projects, upon finding that such a project complies with all applicable Federal laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources. Source: GPO [H8476]

The third bill provides credit for algae derived fuels. Algae? Yes, algae.

By Mr. BILBRAY (R-CA)(for himself, Mr. KENNEDY (D-RI), Mr. BARTLETT (R-MD), Mr. ISSA (R-CA), Mr. HUNTER (R-CA), and Mrs. BONO MACK (R-CA)):
H.R. 6943. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a credit for algae derived fuels, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H8476]

Finally, another somewhat odd bill that falls under the 'no-duh' kind of legislation, prohibiting any aliens from advocating Sharia law. I am pretty confident Sharia law isn't going to happen over there in the states, so I could care less if anyone advocated for it. We still have dopes in the states advocating for segregation - who really cares what the fringe wants?

By Mr. TANCREDO (R-CO):
H.R. 6975. A bill to require aliens to attest that they will not advocate installing a Sharia law system in the United States as a condition for admission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H8476]

Puppy Protection, Defibrillators for Schoolkids, Polar Bear Trophies & Covert Operations to Overthrow Iran: September 18, 2008

2008-09-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a four bills introduced yesterday: Two in the Senate and two in the House.

Talk about a heck of a political platform: “I am for puppies” – would love to see this bill come to a vote and see who is against protecting puppies.

By Mr. DURBIN (D-IL) (for himself, Mrs. FEINSTEIN (D-CA), Mrs. MCCASKILL (D-MO), and Mr. WYDEN (D-OR)):
S. 3519. A bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide further protection for puppies; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Source: GPO [S9025]

I think this next bill is a great one, I'm all for emergency preparedness, especially when it comes to America's youth:

By Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY)(for herself, Mr. VOINOVICH (R-OH), and Mr. BROWN (D-OH)):
S. 3520. A bill to establish a grant program for automated external defibrillators in elementary and secondary schools; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9025]

And over in the Senate, I have to wonder who is so desparately looking to import polar bear trophies shot before 1973 that this bill was important to introduce?

By Mr. YOUNG (R-AK):
H.R. 6936. A bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; to the Committee on Natural Resources. Source: GPO [H8476]

And finally, a very interesting bill in the House prohibiting CIA and DoD from using funds to provide covert assistance in the overthrowing of Iran's government:

By Ms. LEE (D-TX) (for herself, Ms. WOOLSEY (D-CA), Mr. HINCHEY (D-NY), Ms. WATERS (D-CA), Mr. MCGOVERN (D-MA), Mr. MCDERMOTT (D-WA), and Mr. GRIJALVA (D-AZ)):
H.R. 6951. A bill to prohibit the use of funds by the Central Intelligence Agency or the Department of Defense to provide covert or clandestine assistance for the purpose of overthrowing the Government of Iran; to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8476]