Congress
Posted at 5:25pm on Jun. 20, 2008 Bank of America's Bailout Bill
64 Pages of 'Confidential and Proprietary' Evidence
By Bluey
Tim Carney at the Washington Examiner has another solid piece today on Bank of America’s role in the housing bailout bill. With the Senate set to vote on the legislation next week, conservatives are mounting a last-ditch effort to stop an outrageous abuse of taxpayer money.
The “confidential and proprietary” document Carney uncovered (click here to view) illustrates just how intricately involved Bank of America has been in drafting the legislation with Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.). Bank of America, of course, is in the process of buying Countrywide Financial Corp., which remains at the center of the mortgage meltdown.
A Senate staffer and a House staffer both told me on background that the House version of the bill — or at least the bailout portion — was drafted by Bank of America. I have also reviewed a March 11, 2008, "Discussion Document" currently circulating among Hill staffers that appears to have been drafted by somebody at Bank of America.
The document's title, "FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008," is now the title of HR 5831, the House version of Dodd-Shelby, sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass.
The paper more or less spells out the mortgage bailout plan contained in the House and Senate versions. The date of the document is one month earlier than the date HR 5831 was introduced. If the document, stamped "confidential and proprietary" is valid, it points to a Bank of America source as the author of the House version of this bill. Calls and e-mails to Dodd, Frank, and Bank of America were not returned.
If this was happening under a Republican Congress just imagine the media scrutiny. We’re barely hearing a peep.
Posted in Barney Frank | Chris Dodd | Congress | Congress | Housing Crisis | Mortgage Bailout — Comments (13)/ Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 6:38am on Jun. 18, 2008 How Republicans Can Win the Energy Debate in Congress
Let's Have an Old-Fashioned Filibuster
By Bluey
My fellow contributors at RedState have had no shortage of posts the past few days on the need to drill for oil. The message is finally resonating on Capitol Hill, where House Minority Whip Roy Blunt is producing a daily gas chart and Senate Republican leaders are beginning to talk tough.
These are positive developments, but rhetoric alone will not solve our energy problems. That requires leadership and action, two things that are hard to come by in Congress.
Fortunately for the GOP, oil drilling appears to be something everyone can agree on. Republicans who don't always see eye to eye -- Sens. Ted Stevens (Alaska) and Tom Coburn (Okla.) come to mind -- are in sync when it comes to this. The party's nominee, Sen. John McCain, gave his colleagues a big boost this week with an endorsement for offshore drilling.
While McCain's energy position is far from perfect -- ANWR remains off limits for him -- Republicans can't let that slow them down. They should take this fight to the Democrats at every opportunity. And they can begin by shutting down the Senate if Democrats refuse to allow offshore drilling.
I'm talking about an old-fashioned filibuster. I know it won't be like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," but why not make a spectacle of it? The next time Majority Leader Harry Reid tries to do something, call his bluff.
There's a reason Newt Gingrich has collected nearly 900,000 names for his petition calling for more drilling. Americans are tired of inaction. Forcing a showdown on Capitol Hill is the best move Senate Republicans could make. Not only would it bolster the party in the short term, but it would also give GOP leaders some backbone for future fights.
Posted in Congress | Congress | Energy | filibuster | oil | Republicans — Comments (26)/ Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 5:28pm on Jun. 11, 2008 Conservatives Complain GOP's Earmark Plan Doesn't Go Far Enough
Act Now, Not Later
By Bluey
As House Republicans unveiled their economic agenda today, conservatives expressed disappointment that it does nothing to address earmark reform now and instead calls for an "immediate moratorium" in the future. The document was drafted to lay out the GOP's agenda in January 2009 if Republicans reclaim control of the House.
Earmark critics, however, say that view is completely unrealistic. They think a total ban on earmarks must be instituted today because the chances of Republicans taking back the House are slim. "We need to lead by example and differentiate ourselves," a conservative staffer told me. "The economic agenda today will allow earmarks this year and the next if Republicans do not win the House. No fundamental change from the status quo."
The struggle over earmarks is reflected in the differing views of two GOP leaders: Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.) and Policy Chairman Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.). The Hill reported the conflict earlier this week with Hensarling demanding action now and McCotter opposed to a "one-size-fits-all ban." In a memo released this afternoon, Hensarling reiterated his support for a ban. He could press the issue by bringing it to a conference-wide vote.
As I reported on RedState last night, the GOP's economic agenda includes many conservative proposals, including a flat tax, free-market health care, entitlement reform, balanced budget and energy production. Yet earmarks remain a sticking point despite Minority Leader John Boehner's attempt to reach a consensus.
Conservatives don't dispute the laudable policy goals included as part of the economic agenda -- many developed by the Republican Study Committee. But that's no excuse to take a pass on earmark reform today. Although it remains a divisive issue for Republicans, Hensarling should keep fighting for a ban on pork-barrel projects. Boehner faces no easy task bringing the GOP together, but he should view this as an opportunity for the GOP to distinguish itself from Democrats in advance of November's elections.
Posted in Congress | Congress | Earmarks | Jeb Hensarling | Republicans — Comments (6)/ Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 10:45pm on Jun. 10, 2008 House GOP's Bold Economic Agenda
Earmark Moratorium, Flat Tax Among Policy Goals
By Bluey
House Republicans will unveil their economic agenda tomorrow with proposals to end earmarks, simplify the tax code and increase energy production. The GOP's agenda should excite conservatives, who will recognize many of the policy goals as long-sought objectives.
For the past 18 months in the minority, Republicans have struggled to unify around a specific set of policy goals. Their economic agenda comes one month after they promoted an "American Families Agenda." Two other policy plans will be unveiled in the coming months.
The centerpiece of the economic agenda is spending and tax reform. The proposal calls for an "immediate moratorium on congressional earmarks," which constitutes remarkable progress for House Republicans. The GOP was unable to arrive at that goal earlier this year following its retreat. But after pressure from Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.), conservatives apparently won over Boehner, who has long opposed pork-barrel projects. (Note: Although this plan would impose a moratorium on future earmarks, conservatives are still insisting on one this year.)
On tax reform, Republicans are proposing a "two-tier flat tax system that can be filed on one page," a bold move that moves beyond tinkering with the existing tax code. While it certainly won't satisfy FairTax supporters, it differs drastically from anything Democrats have proposed. Americans will be dealt the largest tax increase in history if liberals have their way in Congress.
Other goals that are noteworthy include:
• Passing entitlement reform that addresses the problems facing Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
• Balancing the federal budget by 2012 without raising taxes.
• Prohibiting federal spending from growing faster than the economy.
• Extending the current welfare work requirements to food stamps and housing.
• Making portability a central component of health care reform.
Posted in Congress | Congress | Earmarks | Energy | Flat Tax | Republicans | Spending — Comments (49)/ Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 1:30pm on Jun. 3, 2008 Questioning the map-changing Democratic wave
Everything is brand new, just like last time
By Neil Stevens
Were the 2006 Congressional defeats the foreshocks of a map-shifting earthquake in the 2008 election, or were they just the same thing that normally happens in the sixth year of a Presidency?
I have examined the last seven sixth year midterm elections (Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy/Johnson, Nixon, Reagan, Clinton, Bush) and the losses the President's party lost in both houses of the Congress, and I'm unconvinced that there was anything to learn long-term from the last election.
Read on for the details...
Posted in 1938 | 1958 | 1966 | 1974 | 1986 | 1998 | 2006 | Congress | Elections | Incumbency | Year Six — Comments (26)/ Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 10:24am on Jun. 3, 2008 Notes from the Global Warming Debate on Capitol Hill
Senator Boxer lets the cat out of the bag
By blackhedd
There is some wire-service reporting out this morning (here and here) on the Congressional debate over the Warner-Lieberman bill. This is the legislation that would increase the Federal gasoline tax from its current 18.2 cents a gallon to 53 cents by 2030. (Any bets on whether we’ll still even be using dollars by then?)
Much more importantly, this bill would mandate a “cap-and-trade” regime for industrial emissions of greenhouse gases. This is similar to what Europe does now, but the plan differs in key respects.
Prospects for this legislation are poor, as even co-sponsor Joe Lieberman (?-Connecticut) acknowledges that it’s unlikely the Senate will have the votes to override a promised Presidential veto or even to shut off debate.
Senator Boxer (D-California) is getting credit as the architect of the legislation. That little Republican you see way up on the ramparts taking the spears and arrows and hollering ”Noooooo!” is Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
Keep reading…
Posted in Boxer | Cap-And-Trade | Congress | Economy | gasoline taxes | warner-lieberman — Comments (26)/ Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 8:05am on May 21, 2008 MI:07-- 7th District Democrat Challenging Mark Schauer (D-Frontrunner) and his petitions!
By RightMichigan.com
Cross-posted on Right Michigan at www.RightMichigan.com.
Last cycle I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a Farm Bureau Congressional candidate interview session down in Hillsdale County. Tim Walber was there, Joe Schwarz and a couple of Democrats. The one woman in the field waited her turn then took the microphone and discussed her position on various ag issues before fielding questions.
Posted in 2008 | Congress | Democrats | Mark Schauer | Michigan | Sharon Renier | www.RightMichigan.com — Comments (0) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 8:00am on May 20, 2008 Why is the MSM encouraging lawmakers to commit economic suicide?
By RightMichigan.com
Cross-posted on Right Michigan at www.RightMichigan.com.
I have a friend. I know, shocker, right? I've actually got a few but I'm thinking about one in particular right now. Years ago my friend's parents were going through a pretty messy divorce. He and his younger siblings weren't taking things particularly well and no one really could blame them. Their dad was and is a good guy. His now ex-wife, eh. But I digress.
Posted in Breaking News | Congress | Gas Tax | Michigan | www.RightMichigan.com — Comments (86) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 11:37am on May 7, 2008 I think that I need to have the Netroots clarify something for me.
Not to interrupt their paeans of joy over the Obama win, of course.
By Moe Lane
I'll wait.
(pause)
All right?
OK, explain something to me. Obama's the inevitable nominee, yes, yes, the GOP is doomed, yadda, yadda, the Democrats are going to take the White House, consolidate Congress, cut and run from Iraq, start war crimes trials against the Bush administration, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Oh, yes, by now we over here on the Right can sing along; you folks haven't been shy about blaring these - and one other - discordant tunes in our weary, weary ears. 2007 might have been a lowered-expectations disaster for your crowd, but with the new wave of Red-to-Blue (or whatever you're calling it) we should be on the brink of the Glorious People's Progressive Future. Why, we're even hearing about how Nancy Pelosi is going to stand up to the administration with the new war supplemental bill (H/t: Hot Air). All in all: this is supposed to be your time.
So why are you letting the Democratic leadership set you up?
Democrats Unveil War Supplemental Plans
House Democratic leaders outlined a war supplemental spending plan to their rank and file Tuesday that will give members a chance to vote separately on Iraq policy riders and various spending add-ons.
The bill, to be brought directly to the floor later this week, would set a Dec. 31, 2009, goal for withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. It also would ban permanent U.S. bases in Iraq, limit interrogation techniques to those included in the current Army field manual, bar a status of forces agreement that would obligate the U.S. to defend Iraq without congressional approval, and require Iraq to match U.S. reconstruction funding dollar for dollar. And it would call for U.S. forces to pay the same fuel prices in Iraq as the Iraqis.
The bill will be divided into three sections — for war money, policy riders and domestic spending. That will permit House Democrats to vote for or against each section while still getting the measure through that chamber.
Read on.
Posted in Congress | GWOT | Liberals | Nancy Pelosi | Netroots — Comments (12)/ Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 3:07pm on May 6, 2008 "The FairTax Cult"
By Jeff Emanuel
That's the title of Chris Farris's outstanding piece on the "FairTax," posted over at my Georgia blogging home, Peach Pundit.
In his post (and please do read the whole thing), Farris addresses the publicize-at-all-costs tactics used by the program's supporters, and lays out the problems that can, and likely will, occur if and when the FairTax proposal leaves the Ivory Tower and becomes a seriously-debated policy prescription.
More below the fold.
Posted in Congress | Economy | Elections | FairTax | taxes — Comments (26) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 8:14am on May 2, 2008 Monica Conyers (MI-14) goes to school... errr... gets schooled
By RightMichigan.com
Cross-posted on Right Michigan at www.RightMichigan.com.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Friday morning fights. This morning we have a battle for the ages. Brains versus brawn. Age versus youth. Decades of experience versus precocious curiosity. A contrast in styles for the ages. A sitting Detroit City Councilwoman and wife of a United States Congressman versus a girl barely in her teens.
Posted in Congress | Culture | Detroit | John Conyers | MI-14 | Michigan | Monica Conyers | Shrek | www.RightMichigan.com — Comments (2) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 8:42am on Apr. 23, 2008 MI-07 Candidate Mark Schauer and Senate Dems vote NO on vital new relief while Granholm touts tax breaks
By RightMichigan.com
Cross-posted on Right Michigan at www.RightMichigan.com.
Talk about mixed signals. Yesterday while Jennifer Granholm jubilantly touted the promise of several thousand new jobs in the Kalamazoo area made possible by a giant M.E.G.A. tax break and while media outlets across the State highlighted the role reduced taxes played in making the new jobs possible the Democrats were back in Lansing trying to scuttle a tax relief package aimed at aiding thousands of additional businesses across the State.
Posted in Breaking News | Congress | Democrats | Mark Schauer | MI-07 | Michigan | tax break | tax increase | tax-hikers — Comments (0) / Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 5:25pm on Apr. 11, 2008 How Do You Spell Defeat?
Ask House Democrats
By absentee
The appearances before Congress by General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker this week were marked less by the sober forthrightness of the two men than by Democrat grandstanding. Tuesday’s Senate hearings were best summed up by Sen. Joseph Lieberman: "As I hear the questions and the statements today, it seems to me that there's a kind of 'hear no progress in Iraq, see no progress in Iraq, and most of all, speak of no progress in Iraq.'"
On Wednesday the hearings were before the House Armed Services Committee. Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO) set the Democrat tone in his opening remarks. "We should not begin this hearing without recalling how we got here," he said. "Iraq was invaded on incorrect information. The turbulent aftermath following the initial military victory was not considered, despite warnings of the aftermath, including two such warnings from me. Now we're in our sixth year of attempting to quell this horrendous aftermath." The remainder of his opening speech was heavy on the horrendous, as he invoked failures and Bin Laden to paint a bleak picture of an impotent America, an intransigent Iraq, a neglected Afghanistan, and a stubborn President.
"Things haven't changed that much in Iraq," was the ever-present message. House Democrats piled on a theme of "No Hope, No Change" in contrast to their leading Democrat candidate, who for his part on Tuesday was keen on pointing out that there is “still violence in Iraq.”
Posted in Congress | Defeatocrats | Democrats | General Petraeus | War — Comments (26)/ Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 12:00am on Apr. 3, 2008 Legislative Patience Is A Virtue . . . But Few Are Virtuous
By Pejman Yousefzadeh
I forget where it was that I read it, but the standard response to any particular crisis of the moment seems to pattern itself after the following line of thinking:
- Something must be done.
- This is something.
- Therefore, this must be done.
This is the line of thinking that is leading Congress to devise solutions to the housing crisis. If we legislate in haste, we repent in leisure. But don't try telling Representatives and Senators that. Between re-election challenges and the continuing belief that government possesses some kind of grand and unfathomable capability to solve any and all problems afflicting society, legislating in haste appears to be the order of the day.
Posted in Congress | Economy | Housing Crisis — Comments (0)/ Email this page » / Read More »
Posted at 10:15am on Mar. 28, 2008 Maybe if Kwame uses a booster seat his mom won't lose her spot in Congress (and other fever dreams)
By RightMichigan.com
Cross-posted on Right Michigan at www.RightMichigan.com.
I guess you can file this one under "OOPS!"
News broke yesterday that some of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's friends were getting together to form a big fancy legal defense fund. The taxpayers footed his legal bills the last time the guy was on trial but now that he's facing twelve indictments including eight different felony counts I guess the guy's on his own.
Posted in Breaking News | Congress | Kilpatrick | Kwame | MI-13 | Michigan — Comments (1) / Email this page » / Read More »
