Cherry Blossoms!

While the temperature is still cool (30's - 50's), you know it's spring when the tourists descend on the district for the cherry blossoms in full bloom. And it is spectacular. As you walk around the tidal basin with the cherry trees arching overhead and into the water, you're walking through a pink tunnel filled - yes, with tourists in your path as they pose for photos with their friends. Lots of cameras, dogs, and families. It's actually very nice. And it looked like a million other people thought so, too! In addition to the activities with the Cherry Blossom Festival, there was a marathon race and kite flying on the mall http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/.

The District of Columbia is a full garden zone ahead of my hometown in NJ, so while blooms happen sequentially back home – crocus, daffodil, magnolia, hyacinth, tulip, iris, etc, here they all bloom at once! The trees are yellow and pink, flowers blooming, shrubs a young green, and that great mulch smell! Mmmm!

Had dinner with friends and spouse in great restaurants: Rasika (fabulous Indian in Penn Quarter), Sake Club (Japanese up in Woodley Park) and Central (also in Penn Quarter). Have to fuel the D.C. economy while I'm here, right? Also had a chance during lunch to walk around the NE neighborhood and find the Eastern Market - just like Reading Market - growers and other vendors side by side in a large building selling meat, fruit and vegetables, cheese, flowers, nuts, etc. We should all be so lucky to have a market like this one. And the neighborhood was historic brownstones, cobblestones (that's homes and roads) and ethnic restaurants. I could live here!

I've been revealed. The APHA "Nation's Health" had a story on the fellowship timed to the release of the application for the 2009 fellowship opportunity. http://www.apha.org/advocacy/fellowship/ So if any of your readers (besides my mom) are thinking about applying - go for it! It's been a fabulous opportunity for me, learning about the process and issues in Congress, enjoying our amazing capitol, and gaining a new appreciation about democracy (at least how and when it works). I'm also willing to answer anyone's questions about my experience.

Took a great bicycle ride this weekend down the Mount Vernon trail to historic Alexandria. Had to stop on the path by National Reagan airport to see the planes taking off directly (and I mean directly) overhead. Boy, those wheels pull up fast! Also explored the East and West Potomac Park - good prospects for a ten-mile exercise loop. Visited my old friend, Abe (Lincoln, monument, that is - and he still inspires), and dragged my husband through all of the monuments, war memorials, and Rock Creek Park bike path up to the National Cathedral. It sounds impressive, but it's all less than 20 miles round trip (although there is one big hill to the cathedral, and well worth it).

Swung by the Georgetown Cupcake place to try my luck again. Prospects looked good as it was mid-day and no line! But alas, the sign in the window said: closed for private party. I may never have that cupcake!

Last week of recess (oops, still "district work period"). My week included preparing for two bill introductions this coming week. I drafted a bill summary (a "one-pager" to be included with press releases and "dear colleague" letters to other senate offices inviting their members to cosponsor), checked with leg counsel and CRS (Congressional Research Service - love them!) to assure constitutionality of language, and spoke with coalition members to review action steps.

I'm observing how important it is for organizations to work as a coalition, to connect with a Member's office with data, to supply research and individual stories and experiences, to trigger communication by constituents to many Congressional offices asking for bill support and co-sponsorship. In some cases, these coalitions even supply draft language for the bill, or even the idea/request for the bill itself.

Many offices also pay very close attention to the volume as well as quality of constituent contact. What's being asked for, who are experts in our district/state, and how often are we being asked? I've observed that offices truly care and make an effort to respond to constituent needs. And when contact is made by non-constituent groups, there's always the question as to whether the specific state/district is also affected.

As we're preparing for several other bills for introduction, I reviewed existing authorized research looking for gaps in needs and services, organized a briefing on the subject with CRS, continued meeting with constituents, attended a briefing on the troublesome Medicaid regulation changes, and reviewed how those rules would affect services in my Member's state. I'm learning so much! Also attended a briefing organized by an AAAS fellow on another issue for my state's full delegation. That, too, was interesting, and tangentially related to public health (few things aren't, frankly).

I also slipped out Wednesday morning to see if I could catch the Supreme Court in session. After standing in line (on line?) at 8:30am and missing the cut off for the 10am session, I chatted with the tourists and residents remaining on line (in line?) and at 11:10am, made it in. And this time they don't take your purse (although they still prefer that you check it in the lockers provided - but you still need 25 cents). I missed the session where they considered the question of whether you're competent to represent yourself if you're incompetent to stand trial. The case I watched was whether you had to have a confirmed plan for bankrupcy before selling any assets: http://www.supremecourtus.gov/oral_arguments/daycall/daycall_03-26-08.pdf

This week, the Senate is back in session. I hope to "drop" the bill myself on Tuesday!

Question: where does Cokie Roberts (NPR) sit in the Supreme Court chambers, and is she related to the chief justice? [Bill - you can't answer until you send me your email address...]