Blog Post
Blog Post
July 12, 2007
This week, the Bush Administration began to lower expectations for the Iraqi progress report on 18 political, economic, and military benchmarks required by Congress by July 15th. The report is expected to be released today. While our troops have performed heroically in Iraq, the Administration is conceding violence remains high, the Iraqi government has failed to meet any of the benchmarks endorsed by the President in January, and political reconciliation is non-existent.
Blog Post
July 11, 2007
With the death of Lady Bird Johnson, Texas has lost one of its favorite daughters, and our nation has lost one of its finest first ladies.
Lady Bird Johnson was one of our nation's greatest, and first, environmentalists -- decades ahead of her time. She understood that beautifying the nation was about more than simple aesthetics, but also quality of life -- in both urban and rural areas, and for both the rich and the poor.
Blog Post
July 11, 2007
The House has passed the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, H.R. 2669, by a vote of 273-149. The bill will provide the single largest increase in college aid since the GI bill in 1944. The legislation invests about $18 billion dollars over the next five years in reducing college costs, helping millions of students and families.
Blog Post
July 11, 2007
Today Chairman Henry Waxman wrote to Secretary Leavitt requesting documents related to political interference with the work of the Office of the Surgeon General. Former Surgeon General Carmona testified before the Oversight Committee on July 10 that political appointees edited his public remarks, blocked him from developing or issuing several reports or calls to action, and denied travel requests on political grounds.
See video of testimony from Former Surgeon General Carmona and others >>
Blog Post
July 11, 2007
Today, attorney George T. Manning, representing former White House Counsel Harriet Miers, rescinded his prior confirmation that Ms. Miers would attend the House Judiciary Committee's hearing on Thursday in response to a subpoena and would assert executive privilege to certain questions posed by the Committee, as directed by the President.
Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers and Subcommittee Chairwoman Linda Sánchez responded to Mr. Manning today:
July 11, 2007BY FAX AND U.S. MAIL
Mr. George Manning
Jones Day
Blog Post
July 11, 2007
As noted when it was announced, the Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing, "The Use and Misuse of Presidential Clemency Power for Executive Branch Officials." Witnesses will include Ambassador Joseph Wilson; Roger Adams, US Department of Justice Pardon Attorney; Douglas A. Berman, William B.
Blog Post
July 11, 2007
The House is currently debating the rule for the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, H.R. 2669, with debate on the bill beginning immediately after. The bill will provide the single largest increase in college aid since the GI bill in 1944. The legislation invests about $18 billion dollars over the next five years in reducing college costs, helping millions of students and families.
Blog Post
July 11, 2007
Yesterday Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff was reported to have made the following remarks:
Homeland Security chief warns of 'increased risk'
E.A. Torriero, Chicago Tribune - July 11, 2007
Blog Post
July 10, 2007
The House Democratic leadership tonight announced that the House will vote later this week on a bill to change course in Iraq. The legislation, sponsored by Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, would begin the responsible redeployment of U.S. troops within 120 days and complete redeployment by April 1, 2008. The President would have to report to Congress why troops should remain in Iraq for limited purposes such as to fight terrorism or to train Iraqi forces.
Speaker Pelosi:
Blog Post
July 10, 2007