Two Weeks Before Campaign Recess

Senate activity is focusing on completing Dept. of Defense (DoD) appropriation bills, Homeland Security approps bill, some version of an energy bill (if the Republicans will let the Democrats pass something on energy before the election), and the 2nd stimulus package. SCHIP (children's health insurance program) is a very long shot bill to be accomplished this year, although the "August 17th directive", which would have reduced benefits to kids in states through Medicaid cuts, has been postponed, rather than triggered.

It's not clear if the scheduled approps legislation will pass, or if a "CR" (continuing resolution) will need to be passed instead, which would allow all of the federal programs to continue, usually with their present level of funding. Alternatively, for authorizing legislation, a "manager's package" could bundle some bills together, which may or may not pass (see "Advancing America's Priorities Act" which was not passed on July 28th) - no guarantees in this climate of partisan rancor and with three senators running for jobs in the White House.

Good progress on the two bills I've been preparing for the Senator's introduction. I finalized the bill language and have these versions from Leg Counsel, I've prepare a summary ("one pager") for use in press releases and other communication, and sought endorsements from national groups.

Today, we sent out the "Dear Colleague" letter to other senators, inviting them to be original cosponsors. I hope to learn which offices have agreed, and to "drop" both on Wednesday! Tomorrow I draft a floor statement about the bills - although I suspect that with the little time left in this session and so much work to do, it's unlikely that my boss will get floor time to give the statement. In that case, we just give it to the cloakroom, which gets it put in the Congressional Record as if he gave it (still pretty impressive to my mom, and still good exposure for public health).

In the meantime, we're still naming post offices, doing some small stuff, and declaring awareness days and months - my favorite is the "National Day of Encouragement" (!) - I can't make this stuff up.

Lots of attention on the campaign, on the ethically challenged Congressmen (Sen. Stevens, Rep. Rangel, others choosing not to run for re-election), and on the staffers and lobbyists who are changing jobs. In fact, I'm getting ready to start job-hunting, myself. I expect extended musical chairs in the not-too-distant future.

I've attended some interesting briefings - on poverty, on weakening immigration benefits, on mental health parity (it's coming!), on getting your message written on the back of a napkin (Dan Roam,), and on the Constitution's birthday (by the Senate historian) - they even had birthday cake.

I've earned 6 free trips on Amtrak with all of my commuting on weekends, so I'm trying to cram them in before the expire October 31st. Of course, it would have been easier if I had checked my Amtrak guest rewards account before last week, where I would have known about these sooner.

I attended the first showing of the DC short film festival, and they were terrific!

The Senate Softball League play-offs are this Saturday, so we'll know soon what the outcome will be. My challenge will be to stay on my feet, as apparently it's a marathon session of games until the finals - it sounds a little like "last team standing."

Question: what do you think about the presidential campaign tickets?