Start of Summer

At least it feels that way, as the weather is hot, hazy and high 90’s (after horrendous storms and tornado watches).

The Senate tried and missed on passing climate change legislation. High gas prices (I saw $4.59/gallon at the local Exxon today), imperfect policy and a heated campaign season (aren’t they always?) prompted procedural maneuvering from the start. The Republicans refused to waive the “reading of the bill,” so 500 pages, 8 hours and three hoarse clerks later, debate began to reach cloture and a motion to proceed, but little substance of the bill was addressed. Some Senators still seem confused about the difference between weather and climate. Apparently the Republicans were also annoyed that the Democratic leadership wasn’t bringing up nominations as promptly as supposedly promised.

At the same time, there’s a collective sigh of relief with the Democratic primary season ending. The very next morning, campaign volunteers were outside the Metro station on the Hill, handing out gold index cards inviting staffers to volunteer to work on the McCain campaign. Already.

The Hill newspapers are also regularly debating the scope of the presidential campaign and possible VP picks (that’s the latest game here). Everyone’s watching to see how the Senate manages a campaign between two of its own, and many others wondering where they might fit in the next administration – cabinet, administrative office, White House. High entertainment factor for the emotionally uninvolved.

Constituents are increasingly concerned about rule changes expected to occur this summer related to Medicaid and Medicare benefits, and whether or not fixes will be in the Supplemental, what the specifics of the Medicare bill will be, and what corrective amendments might be offered by leadership to less germane bills going to the floor, correcting problems with competitive bidding for durable medical equipment suppliers (sounds like I know what I'm talking about already...). Seeing the farm bill back to vote again on that 15th amendment accidentally left out of the version sent to the president for signature was unexpected and distracting. Talk about someone dropping the ball!

I dropped (introduced) the bill I’d been working on for several weeks, on the same day as the House version. One senator agreed to be an original cosponsor on ours (especially helpful since she’s on the committee to which it’s been referred) and four prominent national organizations came out to endorse it. We distributed a press release, included it in talking points for the Senator’s events this weekend, and I shared my “one pager” with district staff for their information. A good experience to see this process from beginning to end.

I attended my first reception at the Willard Hotel (http://www.washington.intercontinental.com/washa/index.shtml). Apparently that’s where the term “lobbyist” started, as so many people would hang around in the lobby, hoping to catch elected officials visiting from the White House, one block away. This reception was “allowed,” since it was a “widely attended event” (still, we ate standing, no forks). It was a majestic building, in any event.

The District summer season is in full swing. Free concerts, movies and plays, house and garden tours, charity fundraisers, and gazillion joggers and bikers (myself included). Despite the 98-degree heat outside, I took my morning bicycle ride, and found the paved canal path to Great Falls Park! Will return with more time to take the 14-mile trip to the park. I did successfully (2nd time’s the charm) obtain my Congressional Parking pass ($25) for my residential district, which I’m apparently eligible for since I work in the same office as my home state.

Late this afternoon I was able to check off another destination of interest: Arlington National Cemetery, http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/. And less than three miles away, right over the bridge near the Lincoln Memorial! Lots of other patriotic tourists there, too, dripping with sweat while watching the changing of the guard and visiting such sites as the Kennedy graves and the Iwo Jima monument. A very sobering and peaceful place. Sad to think that we’re currently at war.

The Millennium Stage (free concerts) at the Kennedy Center concluded their A Cappella series Friday evening with The Manhattan Transfer (who I listened to in school, decades ago). They were fabulous, and still popular, as the hall was filled – needing 4X more seating (and completely filled) than usual. I walked there, and am wearing down the support in my walking shoes. We women need a better fashion for wearing good walking shoes with work suits. My style will start attracting pidgeons!

The markets have blackberries and other locally grown fruit, so I’m in heaven. Gardens are fragrant (though needing frequent watering), my neighborhood has a wonderful public art display, and the next crop of university students are moving in. Life goes on.

Here’s hoping that tomorrow’s farmer’s market has my favorite cherry chocolate bread.