Recent Legislation
Legislation: Environment and EnergyRight Now: Oil Companies on the Record
I previewed this yesterday -- today the House Select Committee for Energy Independence and Global Warming "will bring top-level executives from the five largest oil companies to discuss the current state of oil and gas prices, oil company profits, and the need for clean, renewable fuels to ease demand for oil and cut global warming pollution."Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
John McCain Skips Stimulus Package Vote
Yesterday Republicans blocked the economic stimulus package in the Senate, which would have extended unemployment benefits and sends helped out wounded and disabled veterans. It also would have helped 21.5 million senior citizens get stimulus checks.Legislation: Budget
Bush Cuts Critical Water Funding
President Bush unveiled a $3.1 trillion budget for 2009 that includes significant cuts into water funding projects. Senator Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) issued a statement on these critical cuts to water projects in his state: The President's request is 37%...Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Congress to Vote Again on Children's Health
Back in December, Bush vetoed an expanded children's health care program -- despite an overwhelming majority in the House and the Senate favoring the bill.Legislation: Environment and Energy
Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Deliver Democratic Radio Address
Speaker Nancy Pelosi will deliver the Democratic Radio Address tomorrow. In her address she will discuss historic energy legislation that will set the nation on a path to energy independence and reduce the cost of home heating oil and the price at the pump.Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
House Passes Legislation Extending Army Field Manual
The bill, which would extend to intelligence agencies the anti-torture prohibitions in the Army Field Manual, just passed 222-199. Speaker Pelosi's blog has the specifics.Legislation: Environment and Energy
Global Warming Bill Moves Forward
"Democrats turned back repeated efforts by Republican senators to soften the economic impact of a global warming bill before advancing it out of a Senate committee on Wednesday."Legislation: Budget
One Ugly Mother?
As Atrios might say, behold the World's Greatest Deliberative Body:Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Bush Vetoes Health and Education Bill
Earlier I wrote about how your family owes $16,500.00 for the war in Iraq through 2008. Amazing, then, that President Bush decided that he wants to veto a health and education bill because he claims to be concerned about spending.Legislation: Budget
Dean: Bush Republicans Have Made A Mess
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement after President Bush spoke about the budget today:Legislation: Veterans
Bush Talks About Veterans Funding in Texas While Threatening to Veto It in DC
Heading into the Veterans Day holiday weekend, President Bush is in Texas today to visit an Army medical center in San Antonio.Legislation: Immigration
Voters Again Reject Republican Fear Tactics on Immigration
The American people once again rejected the Republican Party's divisive fear mongering on immigration yesterday at the polls, just as they did a year ago.Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
Caging Law Introduced
As many of you know, GOP "caging lists" were discovered shortly before the 2004 campaign. These lists are generally used to suppress the vote by "challenging" the right of individuals to vote.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
McCain's Halloween Health Care Push All Trick and No Treat
John McCain takes a bag full of tricks but no treats to the Kaiser Family Foundation's Presidential Candidate Forums today as he presents a health care reform plan that would bring the Bush Administration's failed health care policies back from the dead.Legislation: Environment and Energy
Debunking Dana Perino
White House press secretary Dana Perino says that lives will be saved if the planet gets hotter. But research shows that's just silly.Legislation: Budget Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Bush Republicans Have the Wrong Priorities
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement in response to President Bush sending Congress a request for an additional $46 billion in war spending, for a total of $196 billion, while he vetoed a bill to give health care coverage to 10 million of America's low income children:Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Dr. Jennifer Howse, President of the March of Dimes Foundation, to Deliver Democratic Radio Address
The President of the March of Dimes Foundation, Dr. Jennifer Howse, delivers the Democratic Radio Address. In her address, Dr. Howse discusses the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) bill and explain the importance of the legislation to millions of children across America.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Dean: Bush Republicans Are Leaving Millions of Children Behind
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued a statement after Republican members of the House of Representatives voted to uphold President Bush's veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, denying health care to ten million children.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
On Children's Healthcare, The American People Support Democrats
New polling from NPR and the Kaiser Family Foundation indicate that by large margins--and even among Republicans--the American people support the Democratic expansion of SCHIP to cover uninsured children.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Dean: Bush Republicans Have the Wrong Priorities
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean responded to President Bush's press conference today, noting that the Republican Congress was so negligent in passing spending bills that the Cincinnati Post wrote that last year Republicans "set a record for sloth and irresponsibility on the spending bills."Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Dean: Bush's Veto of Health Care for America's Children Is Heartless
As President Bush tries to justify his veto of the bipartisan State Children's Health Insurance Program today in Arkansas, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement:Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Republican Leader McConnell's Office Behind Concerted Attack On 12 Year Old SCHIP Recipient
The Journal Courier in Kentucky reports today that Senator Mitch McConnell's staff has admitted that they tried to fan the flame of the smear campaign against the Frost family last week.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
John McCain's Bush-Like Health Care Plan: More of the Same
Despite widespread dissatisfaction with the Bush presidency, John McCain insists on offering more of the same failed Bush policies that have been a disaster for the American people.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Republicans Attack 12-Year-Old For Saying Health Care is Important
Radical right-wing Republicans sink to a new low, attacking a 12-year-old boy for saying that children's health care is important.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Giuliani-Backed Veto Denies New Hampshire Kids Health Care
While President Bush is vetoing the bipartisan plan that would provide 10 million children health care, Rudy Giuliani will be defending Bush's move as he campaigns in the Granite State this morning. Even though it would cost more than 8,700 kids in New Hampshire needed health care coverage, Giuliani has stubbornly backed Bush's veto threat for months.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Dean: Bush's Veto of Health Care for America's Children is Appalling
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued a statement after President Bush vetoed a bipartisan plan supported overwhelmingly by the American people and 43 governors to extend and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program to cover 10 million low-income kids.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Governor Dean: Bush Veto is "Appalling"
Governor Dean's statement on Bush's veto of health insurance for low-income children.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Bush Vetoes Children's Health Care Bill
Bush vetoed legislation that would fund and expand the Children's Health Insurance Program.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Romney Chooses President Bush Over Uninsured Children
Mitt Romney is back in Boston today, one day after revealing more of his health care hypocrisy on the campaign trail. Asked by a reporter in Missouri if he would veto the Democratic plan to provide health insurance to 3.8 million uninsured children by expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), as President Bush has vowed to do, Romney said "Yeah. Yeah, I sure would."Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Fred Thompson Stands With President Bush, Not Iowa's Kids
As Fred Thompson campaigns in Iowa today, Iowa voters will want to know why he is standing stubbornly behind President Bush's threat to veto health care coverage for 10 million low income children, including 32,000 of Iowa's kids.Legislation: Law and Justice
Howard Dean Applauds Senate Passage of Hate Crimes Bill
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today applauded the passage of the federal Hate Crimes bill in the U.S. Senate. The bill would provide equal protections for every American by extending the definition of hate crimes under federal law...Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
12-Year-Old Asks Bush To Sign Children's Health Bill
Graeme Frost delivers this week's Democratic Radio Address. He asks Bush to sign into law the renewal of CHIP that Congress passed this week.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Governor Dean Blasts Bush For Threatening to Veto Health Coverage For Kids
Governor Dean blasted President Bush today for threatening to veto legislation that would provide health care coverage for millions of low-income children.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Senate Democrats Expand Health Coverage For Kids
By a vote of 69-39, the Senate has passed legislation expanding health coverage to more children through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a highly successful program that makes sure poor children can receive medical care when they are sick. But Bush has threatened to veto the legislation.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Children's Health Care Passes House
The bill, which covers an estimated 10 million children, prevents shortfalls in funding that denies coverage and guarantees dental health and mental health. Will Bush veto coverage of millions of children?Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
Did General Petraeus Report the Right Numbers?
Two weeks ago, General David Petraeus testified before Congress that sectarian violence in Iraq is decreasing. But the Washington Post has published new evidence challenging the way that the U.S. military is analyzing and tallying each civilian death in Iraq.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Voters Deserve to Know: Would Giuliani, McCain, Romney and Thompson Stand with Bush and Veto Children's Health Care?
The leading Republican presidential contenders have stood stubbornly behind President Bush on issue after issue and now they also appear to be standing behind his threat to veto health care for low-income children.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
50th Anniversary of the Integration of Little Rock Central High School
Fifty years ago today, nine students started the integration of Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Republicans Obstruct Children's Health Insurance
It looks like the entirety of the Republican strategy -- in Congress and the White House -- is to prevent as much as possible from getting done for the American people. They've blocked votes on Iraq, voting rights, human rights, and troop rest. In fact, they're literally on a path for setting a record for the most obstructionist in history.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Governor Rendell Calls on Bush to Stop Playing Partisan Politics As Usual with Health of Our Children
During the Democratic radio address this week, Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania called on President Bush to sign the bipartisan plan to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and provide millions of children the health care they need and deserve.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Democrats Make College More Affordable for AAPI Families
The Democratic Congress yesterday sent landmark legislation to the President that reduces college costs for millions of young people. The Democratic National Committee and College Democrats of America praised Congressional Democrats and highlighted the bills benefits for Asian American and Pacific Islander families and students:Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
Dean: Republicans Choose President Bush Over Our Troops
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement after President Bush spoke today on many issues, including the war in IraqLegislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
CDA Praises Democrats for Making College More Affordable for Minority Students
Washington, DC - Today the Democratic Congress sent landmark legislation to the President that reduces college costs for millions of young people. College Democrats of America issued the following statement praising Congressional Democrats and highlighting the bill's benefits for minority students.Legislation: Homeland Security and National Defense
Bush Wants To Expand Spying Powers
Bush wants to expand spying powers, even though his intelligence officers have misled Congress about its effectiveness.Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
More On Troop Readiness
After Stephanie wrote below about the pro-troop Webb amendment, which would guarantee longer rest periods for troops between deployments, news came that there's going to be an apparent toothless McCain-Warner proposal that's simply a "sense of the Senate" type resolution.Legislation: Law and Justice
Senate Vote on Habeas Corpus
A crucial vote will take place today at 10:30 am ET, when the Senate will hold a cloture vote on legislation that would restore habeas corpus--a safeguard against illegal imprisonment that is essential to civil liberties. Democrats in the Senate need 60 votes to overcome the Republican filibuster of this important legislation.Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
Dean: Democrats Are Keeping Their Promise To Clean Up Government
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement after President Bush signed sweeping lobbying and ethics reform legislation into law:Legislation: Environment and Energy
Arctic Ice the Size of Florida Melts in One Week
Scientists are alarmed that over 69,000 square miles of Arctic sea ice, roughly the size of Florida, melted away in just six days last week.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Number of Uninsured Rose Last Year
The number of uninsured children rose significantly last year.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Dean: Bush Republicans Putting the Health and Safety of America's Children in Jeopardy
According to news reports today, the Bush Administration has instituted a new policy making it harder for states to enroll children in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which currently provides health care coverage to over six million children nationwide.Legislation: Veterans
Democrats Demand an End to Empty Rhetoric When President Bush Addresses VFW Convention
As President Bush prepares to address the 108th annual convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Kansas City tomorrow, Democrats today called on the President to offer more than the same empty rhetoric and broken promises on the issues that matter to America's veterans and military families.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Hollow Speeches Won't Erase Non-Candidate Thompson's Record of Ignoring Veterans
Undeclared GOP Presidential candidate Fred Thompson was in Kansas City, Missouri today to address the 108th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. But like his unofficial campaign Thompson's record on veterans' issues raises a lot of questions.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Bush Administration Cuts Kids From Health Insurance Program
The Bush administration is making it more difficult for states to provide health coverage to low-income children by mandating tough new rules that determine eligibility--even though many states are trying to increase the number of children covered.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Bush Officials Spreading Misinformation About Children's Health Insurance
Department of Health and Human Services directors are sending copycat letters to newspapers across the country, spreading misinformation about the children's health insurance program, SCHIP, currently up for re-authorization.Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
New Ethics Rules Have Lobbyists Scrambling
After the Democratic House and Senate passed tough new ethics rules last week, K Street lobbyists are scrambling to clean up their act.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Time To Brush Up On Policy? Giuliani Mixes Up Medicare and Medicaid
Giuliani confuses Medicare and Medicaid.Legislation Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Dean: Democrats Working To Make Sure Children Have the Health Care They Deserve
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed legislation that gives millions of low-income children health care:Legislation Legislation: Homeland Security and National Defense
Dean: Democrats Show Why Americans Trust Them to Keep the Country Safe
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement after Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid signed a bill that implements the recommendations of the 9-11 Commission and makes our country safer and more secure:Legislation Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
Dean: Democrats Bring Honest Leadership Back to Washington
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed sweeping lobbying and ethics reform:Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
Can't make this up
This just got sent my way:Legislation Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Editorial Roundup: "Bush goes ideological at the expense of children"
President Bush is threatening to veto a critical children's health care program set to be renewed this week by Congress, and the American people are outraged. The following are excerpts from recent editorials from across the country:Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Not Ready for Examination? Giuliani’s Health Care Plan Leaves Big Questions
Rudy Giuliani "scoffed" after New Hampshire voters asked him tough questions about his health insurance "plan"--which looks identical to the Bush plan.Legislation: Homeland Security and National Defense
Congress Reaches Consensus on 9/11 Commission Recomendations
The Democratic-led Congress just reached consensus on legislation that would "require a greater share of Homeland Security grants to be based on risk, instead of a political formula, and seeks to tighten security of cargo carried on ships and passenger planes."Legislation
Dean: America's Working Families Get A Long-Overdue Pay Raise Today
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement commending Democrats for enacting the first minimum wage increase in a decade:Legislation Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
College Democrats Blast Bush Threat to Veto Student Loan Bill
The College Democrats of America today applauded House Democrats for standing up to President Bush’s irresponsible veto threat and passing the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007. After promising last year to make college more accessible and affordable, Democrats kept that promise by passing the Reduction Act, which would increase the size of Pell grants for poor students, cut interest rates for student loans, cap monthly loan payments at 15 percent of a student’s discretionary income, and slash subsidies for the scandal-plagued student loan industry by $19 billion. [New York Times, 7/11/07]Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
Democrats Push for Troop Readiness
This afternoon, with the 2-week debate beginning for the defense authorization bill, Democrats will push to bring the war in Iraq to an end. It begins with the Jim Webb Troop-Readiness Amendment, which is being introduced today in the Senate.Legislation Legislation: Immigration
MUST READ: After Immigration Bill’s Fall, Republicans May Pay in Latino Votes
After Senate Republicans and their right-wing allies defeated bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform last week, The New York Times reported yesterday that the GOP will pay a price in 2008 and lose support from Hispanic voters. As the report notes, “…Hispanics may have been deeply alienated by the heated rhetoric that wound around the axle of the debate, most of it stemming from a few Republican opponents and the loud echo chamber of talk radio.” The Times also reports that the defeat of immigration reform at the hands of the GOP sends a message to the growing Latino population that they are not welcome in the Republican Party, a message with huge implications for 2008 and beyond. As former Reagan Administration senior official Linda Chavez notes, the GOP’s defeat of comprehensive immigration reform “...is disastrous for the Republican Party” in terms of attracting or keeping Hispanic voters.Legislation Legislation: Immigration
Dean: President Bush and Republicans Failed the American People With Their Lack of Leadership on Immigration Reform
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement after Republicans blocked comprehensive immigration legislation in the Senate:Legislation Legislation: Immigration
Must Read: Immigration Politics Tears GOP Apart
After a critical vote yesterday on immigration reform in the Senate and looking toward another, the Wall Street Journal detailed how the issue is tearing the GOP apart in an editorial this morning. The editorial highlighted how the "continuing rancor among Republicans" is "the classic case in which pandering to the base will harm the GOP overall."Legislation Legislation: Immigration
Dean Applauds Immigration Vote in Senate
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement after the Senate voted to move forward on the comprehensive immigration reform bill. In the statement Dean reaffirmed the Democratic Party's support for comprehensive reform that restores order to the border, protects workers and their wages, stops dividing families, and allows hard working immigrants who pay taxes and obey the law the opportunity to apply for legalization and eventually earn the responsibilities of citizenship:Legislation
Dean: Republicans Vote Against Hard-Working Americans
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked further consideration of the Employee Free Choice Act.Legislation: Veterans
U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards To Give Weekly National Democratic Radio Address on Record Budget Increases for America's Veterans
U.S. Representative Chet Edwards (TX-17), Chair of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, will deliver the Democratic Radio Address Saturday June 23rdLegislation: Environment and Energy
Victory! Senate Dems Pass Energy Bill
In a victory for the American people, the Senate passed important legislation increasing fuel efficiency, creating laws against price gouging, and boosting the use of renewable fuels.Legislation: Environment and Energy
GOP Blocks Renewable Energy Incentives
Once again Senate Republicans have put the special interests before the people they are supposed to represent, blocking a measure to provide tax breaks for renewable energy.Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
Fair Elections Hearing
This morning, starting at 10am, the Senate is holding a hearing about the "Fair Elections Now Act," which is sponsored by Senator Durbin.Legislation Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Dean: Republicans Should Listen to the Needs of the American People and Support the Employee Free Choice Act
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement expressing support for the Employee Free Choice Act. Union members, labor leaders and Congressional Democrats came together this afternoon to show support for the legislation...Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
House Democrats Work to Increase Student Aid
Recently, House Democrats under the leadership of Rep. George Miller introduced legislation that would increase federal college financial aid by $20 billion over the next five years. Passing through the Education and Labor Committee by an overwhelming majority of 30-16, the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 (HR 2669) would be the largest single increase in student aid since the G.I. Bill was signed into law in 1944.Legislation: Environment and Energy
Another GOP Filibuster
Is the Republican Party falling in love with being in the minority? How else do you explain why they would filibuster an energy bill that would reduce our dependence on foreign oil by focusing on energy conservation and renewable fuels.Legislation
Response by DNC Chairman Howard Dean on Massachusetts Marriage Vote
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the overwhelming vote in the Massachusetts legislature to defeat a discriminatory, anti-marriage constitutional amendment:Legislation: Environment and Energy
Democrats Getting It Done: Energy Independence
Energy independence is something that both sides talk about, but it's an issue where the old Republican Congress simply failed to lead. Now the Democratic Congress is taking up the issue, offering bold ideas to reduce our nation's dependence on oil by significantly reducing our oil consumption.Legislation: Financial Services, Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Affordable Housing for Katrina Victims
With FEMA asking families who currently live in government provided trailers, including Hurricanes Katrina victims, to buy them, House Democrats are pushing to make housing more affordable.Legislation: Law and Justice
The Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act Needs Your Support
The Bush Administration has done everything in its power to block the distribution of emergency birth control to women. From delaying over-the-counter sales of the emergency contraception pill known as "Plan B," to overruling the decision [...]Legislation: Small Business
Government Agencies and Small Businesses
Once again, the Democratic Party is fighting for small businesses, with a bill that requires government agencies to buy at least a quarter of their goods and services from small businesses.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Lowering Prescription Drug Costs
Chalk up one more victory for America, as the Senate voted 63-28 to allow lower-priced prescription drugs to be imported from Canada. While the president's advisors are recommending a veto, the bill still stands a shot at passage.Legislation: Law and Justice
Dean Applauds Passage of Hate Crimes Prevention Bill
Today the United States Congress overwhelmingly passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) by a margin of 237-180.Legislation: Law and Justice
House Passes Hate Crimes Bill
The Democratic-led House of Representatives just passed legislation to extend the definition of hate crimes to include violence against a person because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.Legislation: Environment and Energy
Arctic Ice Cap Melting 30 Years Earlier Than Predicted
This piece of news straight from Reuters:Legislation: Budget
Living the Life...
Giuliani indulges in swanky hotels on the campaign trail:Legislation: Environment and Energy Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security Legislation: Science and Technology Legislation: Veterans Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
First 100 Days A Success
With the Senate recently completing their 100th work day, it's worth taking a look at all they have already done to improve the lives of Americans. Unlike the do-nothing Republican Congress they replaced, Democrats have already pursued a positive agenda and gotten things done on ethics reform, minimum wage, energy independence, eduction, health care, homeland security, veterans, and Iraq.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Defending the Rights of Workers
Today there's a editorial in the Sacramento Bee that provides the important context in which the Employee Free Choice Act is offered. The system is currently broken, with an outdated system that desperately needs reform:Legislation: Law and Justice
Hate Crimes Legislation Introduced in the Senate
Today Governor Dean issued a statement about a critical Hate Crimes bill just introduced in the Senate.Legislation: Science and Technology
Dean Commends Democrats For Passage Of Stem Cell Bill
After years of having President Bush play politics with the issue, last night Senate Democrats passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, which increases federal funding for stem cell research and expands the number of stem cell lines available for federally-funded research. Earlier this year, House Democrats voted to expand this critical research, which would help give hope to 100 million Americans affected by debilitating or life-threatening diseases and their families.Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
Senate: No More Blank Check On the War
There's big news in the Senate. By a 51-47 vote, the emergency spending bill including troop withdrawal language passed. The New York Times has more:Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
AARP Running Medicare Negotiating Ads
AARP, the nonpartisan membership organization for people over fifty, will begin running radio advertisements in 10 states urging the Senate to pass legislation to allow the federal government to negotiate for lower drug prices.Legislation: Small Business
Democratic Congress a Boon to Small Business
The election marked a change in leadership, and the Democrats in Congress are using their new positions to help small businesses, as Entrepreneur.com recently noted.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Aiming To Expand Early College Awareness Programs
Democrats are giving college students more reason to continue revitalizing their local chapters across the nation. Diverse, which focuses on issues related to higher education, has the story:Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
Dean: Democrats Offer a New Direction in Iraq
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement following the Senate vote to change course in IraqLegislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
Senate Keeps Troop Withdrawal Deadline
With the civil war in Iraq spiraling out of control, the Senate voted for a troop withdrawal deadline for American combat troops. The language will remain in the Senate version of the emergency spending bill that recently passed in the House of Representatives. President Bush promised a veto of the bill.Legislation: Law and Justice
Dean on Introduction of Hate Crimes Prevention Bill
Last night, John Conyers introduced the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA), a bipartisan bill that would extend the definition of hate crimes to include violence against a person because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
Vote Accessibility For People With Disabilities
This week the Elections Subcommittee of the House Administration Committee will begin a series of hearings on Congressman Holt's voting accessibility bill, the "Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act."Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
Sunshine Laws
An editorial in today's New York Times summarizes pending sunshine. This administration has gone out of its way to avoid the truth, hide the facts and obstruct the processes of an open and honest government. This kind of legislation is...Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
House Democrats Have A Plan
Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats have introduced legislation that would hold the Iraqi government accountable to meet benchmarks while calling for the redeployment of U.S. combat troops by a specific date. The legislation would also expand funding for veterans' health care and meet troop readiness standards so that they aren't sent in without the proper training.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Disclosing 401(k) Fees
Workers deserve to retire with the dignity and comfort that they have earned, but as the Associated Press reports, incomplete information about hidden fees can drain thousands of dollars from 401(k) plans.Legislation: Veterans
Disability Compensation for Veterans
The Democratic Party understands the need to honor those who have sacrificed on behalf of this nation. Fixing the disability compensation program so that those with disabilities can collect their pensions, along with their disability payments, is an important step.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Access to Health Insurance
Recently, Speaker Pelosi released a statement calling for President Bush to support efforts to provide states with the funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
DNC Commends Democratic Leadership for Passage of Employee Free Choice Act
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement praising the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act:Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
A Victory For Working Families
Last week, the Employee Free Choice Act passed in the House of Representatives 241 to 185. EFCA restores American workers' right to freely choose whether or not to form a union. Specifically, the bill says that once a majority of workers sign a card authorizing a union, it is then formed. President Bush has already threatened a veto of this vital legislation, which first must go to the Senate.Legislation: Homeland Security and National Defense
Dean: Bush's Failed Policies Felt Across the Country
As President Bush meets today with the National Governors Association, a bipartisan chorus of governors is challenging the Bush White House's failed policies and the negative impact they are having in regions across the country. According to the Los Angeles Times, governors of both parties have warned that the President's decision to escalate the war in Iraq, including sending "additional troops" to the region, "would put added pressure on National Guard units already stretched to their limits." The Times also noted that "eighty-eight percent of stateside Army National Guard units are 'very poorly equipped,' with less than half of what they need to respond to a domestic crisis," according to testimony given last week to the independent Commission on the National Guard and Reserves.Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
Reid: Senate Will Vote on Iraq
Reid: “For nearly four years, the Republican-controlled Senate stood silent on the President's flawed Iraq policies and watched as the situation deteriorated into a civil war. The American people have chosen to change course. Democrats have chosen to change course....Legislation: Budget
Empty GOP Threats and an Overdue Spending Bill
The Republican-dominated Congress failed to fulfill their obligations last year by putting off approving a spending bill funding nearly half the federal government. Senate Democrats, however, passed the spending plan today despite the GOP threatening to block the bill.Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
Watching the Privacy Watchdog
In keeping with the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, some lawmakers in Washington seek to make the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board more independent from the president.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Employee Free Choice Act Clears House Committee
Just last week the Employee Free Choice Act was introduced in the House of Representatives, and already it has cleared one significant hurdle: the House Education and Labor Committee. From the AFL-CIO blog: The House Education and Labor Committee beat...Legislation: Budget
Bush's Failed Legacy Watch: National Service
President Bush is again trying to save his legacy after years of failed policies. Today, he will visit a branch of the YMCA in Washington, DC to promote volunteerism. For the last six years of his Presidency, President Bush routinely spoke of the need to promote national service while simultaneously cutting crucial programs like Americorps.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Bush's Medicare and Medicaid Cuts
Rising health care costs are the root cause for the financial obstacles we need to address when taking a look at Medicare and Medicaid. Instead of addressing the issue, however, President Bush has simply proposed $101 billion in cuts to the popular programs over five years.Legislation: Financial Services, Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Employee Free Choice Act Introduced in House
Union members and supporters have something to smile about this week - the Employee Free Choice Act has been introduced in the House. The bill, aimed at shoring up the ability of workers to organize, is long overdue.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Must Read: The President's Risky Health Plan
Today, a New York Times editorial points out that President Bush's new plan to tax working families' health insurance will do little to actually help the 47 million Americans without health insurance or help reduce skyrocketing medical costs. Bush's policies could even increase the number of uninsured if it goes badly which is "not the answer Americans are waiting for and not what they deserve." Democrats remain committed to finding solutions to the challenges facing our health care system, not creating new onesLegislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Bush Pushes Health Care Tax Increase In The Show Me State
Today, President Bush pitched his recycled health care scheme at an event in Lee's Summit, Missouri. The proposal, which would increase taxes on middle class Americans, has been soundly discredited by experts and various publications across the country.Legislation: War, Foreign Relations and Intelligence
Confronting Bush Over the Iraq War
As the Bush administration continues to escalate the civil war in Iraq with tens of thousands of additional troops, the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee took the first step in their opposition with a resolution declaring the escalation "not in the national interest."Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
GOP Blocks Minimum Wage Increase
It's not enough that America realizes it's way past time we increase the minimum wage. It's not enough that families across the nation struggle to make ends meet. It's not enough that the House voted for a no-strings-attached minimum wage bill. Senate Republicans still blocked an increase in the minimum wage.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Smooth Talking Mitt Embraces Bush Health Care Tax
Smooth talking Mitt Romney tonight rushed to embrace President Bush's latest health care scheme, even though it represents a new health care tax for middle class families and will do little to provide health care for more Americans or address the problem of rising health care costs. In a written statement, Romney said he "welcomes" the President's plan, that "states are the best laboratories" for finding health care solutions, and that his state found a way to expand health care "without a tax increase."Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
Ethics Reform Bill Passes in the Senate
After trying every trick in the book to prevent it, Senate Republicans capitulated Thursday and allowed the passage of new ethics rules in the Senate by Democrats. The bill bans meals, gifts and trips from lobbyists, requires identification of earmark sponsors, and prevents senators from negotiating for private sector jobs.Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
GOP Blocks Ethics Reform
Even after the American people swept Republicans out of office last November amid countless GOP corruption scandals, Republicans are still clinging to the culture of corruption they brought to Washington. Exit polls from the midterm elections showed that "voters said corruption and ethics in government" were more important than any other issue.Legislation
Dean Hails Passage Of The House Democrats' "100-Hours Agenda"
Today, House Democrats passed legislation to end big tax breaks for oil companies. With this important work done, House Democrats fulfilled their promise to pass sweeping legislation to help millions of hard-working American families. These measures included allowing the government to negotiate prices with prescription drug companies to benefit America's seniors, enacting the important recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to keep our country secure, cutting student loan interest rates in half to help our nation's students, raising the minimum wage for millions of hard-working Americans, and passing measures to help advance stem cell research.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
College Democrats Praise Passage of Student Loan Bill and 100 Hours Agenda
College Democrats of America President Lauren Wolfe issued the following statement congratulating the Democratic Congress for their legislative accomplishments in the first 100 hours:Legislation
First 100 Hours Over
The ability of the Democrats to win over significant numbers of Republicans on most votes signals the slim but enticing possibility of Democratic mastery over a demoralized Republican Party. If the new bipartisanship takes root, the prospects for health care legislation and immigration reform sharply improve.Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
Senate Republicans Vote No on Ethics
Despite being voted out of power by an American public sick of corruption, the Senate Republicans don't seem to have learned their lesson. Yesterday, they voted against strengthening the body's ethics rules, and even what should have been a simple yes or no vote by Republicans involved shenanigans.Legislation: Environment and Energy
Ending Big Oil Subsidies and Investing in Energy Independence
The last item on the 100 Hours Agenda? Rolling back multi-million dollar subsidies the GOP-controlled Congress awarded to Big Oil and investing in energy independence. From the LA Times: When oil company executives came before the Republican-controlled Congress in 2005...Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Making College Affordable - Now and in the Future
As part of their first 100 Hours Agenda, Democrats in the House are expected to vote today on the "College Student Relief Act of 2007" - which will cut interest rates in half on loans for middle class borrowers, saving the average student thousands over the life of his or her loans.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
America's Working Families Helped With Minimum Wage Increase
Today, the Democratic Congress passed a bipartisan measure to increase the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour. With 89 percent of Americans backing this measure to help our country's working families, President Bush and Republicans in Congress now have the opportunity to help millions of hard-working Americans and their families by supporting this legislation.Legislation: Science and Technology
Stem Cell Research: Offering Hope and Promise
One of the Senate's first 10 bills of the 110th Congress is to increase funding for embryonic stem cell research.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
It's About Time!
Tackling a top priority, the House pushed an increase in the federal minimum wage toward passage Wednesday, finally giving hard-working Americans the raise they deserve. "For 10 years the lowest-paid Americans have been frozen out. They have been working at a federal poverty wage, not a federal minimum wage," said Democratic Rep. George Miller (CA), who authored the legislation.Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
Democrats Ending Republican Reign of Pork Barrel Spending Sprees
Under the new Democratic-controlled Congress the House voted last week to shine a spotlight into the murky world of import-tariff suspensions, a little-known form of special-interest legislation that has cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue.Legislation: Ethics, Government and Election Reform
Cleaning Up After the GOP
House Democrats wasted no time cleaning up Washington after numerous Republican scandals with "the broadest ethics and lobbying revision since the Watergate era." Last night, after the new Congress was sworn in and Speaker Pelosi took the gavel, the House...Legislation
The Senate Agenda
Senator Reid's First 10 Bills of 2007: Senate Democrats' First Ten Bills of the 110th Congress Ethics reform, to clean up Congress so the government can get back to serving the American people. Raising the minimum wage, to give millions...Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
McConnell To Oppose Negotiating For Lower Prices
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, the incoming Senate minority leader, recently vowed to oppose a common-sense Democratic proposal to allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security
Eliminating the Medicare [Part-D]onut Hole & Other Fixes
Soon-to-be Speaker Pelosi has outlined her vision for the first 100 hours of a Democratic Congress. Included is a fix to the disastrous Medicare bill passed by the Republicans which prevents the federal government from negotiating lower drug prices for seniors.Legislation: Health, Education, Labor, and Economic Security