Lots happening, both on and off the chamber floor. I’m making progress on the three legislative initiatives I’m working on, and learning more about the process at the same time. Each time I speak with someone from a different perspective, my head spins and looks in another direction, so it’s important for me to recognize each group’s agenda and where they’re coming from. Ultimately, I have to decide for myself what the best direction is, see who agrees and where opposition might come from, and mitigate it if possible with enough support.
It’s easy to tell who works for the Senate and who for the House as we emerge from the Metro stop Friday morning. Blue jeans and flip flops – House; suits – Senate. Unfortunately, the Senate was in session both Friday morning and Saturday, running down the 30-hour clock after cloture since unanimous consent wasn’t obtained, nor was agreement to end debate. The Senate was able to pass an imperfect housing relief bill Saturday, but has postponed a second economic stimulus plan (hopefully one targeted to key industries and for those most in need) until September.
The amendment trees are very strategic devices in both the House and the Senate, controlled by the Speaker and Majority Leader, and in different ways. One of the votes started looking like this:
Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the House amendments to the Senate amendments to H.R. …., the ….. bill. This is the cloture vote on the updated …..bill sent back from the House—which includes …... It includes Rep. ....’s proposal on …. It also includes the Senate-passed language on …...
Despite much debate, still no energy bill passing the Senate. Not one about speculation, drilling or for alternative fuel. Very frustrating, lots of posturing and theater, not much honest debate. You almost think some of the Senators are giving floor speeches to use as sound bites for their elections, since some of their statements are not based on facts. I’m not confident about LIHEAP (low-income home energy assistance program) getting needed funds, and am hopeful about an omnibus bill (since my boss has a bill in that package). This is that “Dr. No” package of bills I mentioned last time.
In fact, the election seems to be foremost on many members’ minds (obviously – at least the entire House and 1/3 of the Senate, plus the leadership, office staff, the lobbyists, the media, etc.). Apparently the House Whips are doing much less whipping, pretty much instructing their party members to vote however they need to personally to get re-elected. So much for party ideology. Although before 1994 (and Rep. Gingrich’s “contract”), there was much more bipartisan negotiating and cooperation to get good policy passed. What type of leadership and electorate will it take to demand bipartisanship again?
There continue to be briefings and hearings on a range of topics, from the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s National Call for Action [http://www.nctacancer.org/], where I spoke with former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona to the HELP subcommittee on children’s hearing on preventing childhood obesity. That hearing was a bit frustrating, as while one witness (Arkansas’ surgeon general) knew his facts and had ideas and data, the other three had such a narrow perspective, that they didn’t contribute much to advancing the agenda. I can only hope that the Senators’ staff know the research and can provide the information not forthcoming from the expert witnesses.
The public health research already had sound theory and data about how to reduce childhood obesity, from fully funding CDC programs that work, to redesigning the built environment, improving school offerings (meals and vending machines, curricula to include physical activity), and having health insurance reimburse for effective wellness programs (e.g., quit smoking, weight loss and gym memberships, for instance). More than ¾’s of chronic disease can be prevented with physical activity, nutritious eating and weight management, and being smoke-free. Congress can formulate policy based on such findings, and needs activists, constituents, and professional groups to be insisting on it.
It’s easy to find the briefing and hearing rooms, as there’s usually a folding table outside with a sign-in sheet and handouts. A colleague saved me a seat at one hearing, unfortunately right behind one of the witnesses. I say unfortunately, because I was right in the glare of the camera lights. Another colleague emailed me that she saw me on the TV channel covering the hearing…Very hard not to scratch your ear or rub your nose when you know you’re within the sight line of the camera.
On Wednesday, I watched a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, commemorating the integration of the armed forces. Good pomp and tradition, with the House and Congressional leadership in person on the dias for speechmaking. U.S. Army Chorus, Armed Forces Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the national anthem, invocation, remarks, benediction and God Bless America. I noticed the metal plate on the inside shoe heel of the uniforms, which makes that “click” upon the heel strike (like at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier).
It’s hard not to feel patriotic at times like this, although there was no recognition of the Hispanics, Asians or Native Americans who also served our country bravely in the armed forces, an noticeable oversight of the ceremony.
I’ll also have to make wider turns coming up the marble staircases in the Russell Senate Office Building, as I nearly body blocked Senator Murray (Washington) coming down the stairs with her staff.
This morning I cycled to the Mall, to visit the Museum of Natural History. Of course you have to visit the Hope diamond (which used to be more than twice as big, before past owners kept cutting it down), but what caught my imagination was the new exhibit, Ocean Views, nature’s best photography competition winners - http://www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/ocean%20views/ . On my way cycling home, I decided to stop into the Holocaust Museum again, since there was no line.
Halfway through the exhibit, I noticed the skies growing very dark (another metaphor?), and I dashed out of there to pedal home before the huge thunderstorm. No such luck - I didn’t make it home dry, and cycled through torrents of water. ‘Good thing I knew the way, as I couldn’t read the street signs through all of the rain. Of course, once I got home the lightning stopped.
Yesterday was a great bicycle ride with a friend down the Mt. Vernon Trail to the mansion. The tide must have been out, as the river flats were wide, with lots of birds, ducks and turtles out in the marsh. I must have seen 50 egrets in the mud, looking for food. And so was a squirrel in the courtyard of Mt. Vernon (looking for food), as I felt these warm lips around my fingers when I casually lowered my arm, with some Trader Joe’s Snapea Crisps in my left hand. I’m not sure who was more startled, me or the squirrel, but did I let out a squeal!
Saturday night I caught the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage's Jamie Coon, singer/guitar player, who was good. Friday night, the Woolly Mammoth Theater had Mike Daisy in “If You See Something, Say Something,” which was both funny and pointed.
Btw, 34,000 registered lobbyists, and fortunately that man did not jump last Monday evening, although he was on the ledge for hours.
Question: why are the newspaper boxes located behind the subway grate, so your skirt has to blow in order to get a paper?
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Racing Toward Recess
The Democratic Party had its retreat over the weekend, and will return tomorrow to address the legislation they'd like to pass before recess: housing and foreclosure issues, an energy bill, discussion of a second economic stimulus package and all of the bills "Dr. No" (Senator Coburn) has had an objection to since the session began in January.
The pressure is rising to consider off-shore drilling, something the east coast states are strongly against. Appropriations from different committees are also being allowed to move forward at a pace decided by Majority Speaker Reid. He's been very deliberate about the agenda, bringing PEPFAR (AIDS relief for Africa) on the floor for debate before energy, to the frustration of the Republicans.
Staff expects votes to be scheduled over the weekend, so people are planning accordingly in order to be in the office.
Last week the Medicare bill passed the Senate, something groups had lobbied heavily for. If only people lobbied as hard to reduce childhood poverty.
I drafted two speeches for the Senator to review - one on the food recall re tomatoes/peppers and needing more support for the FDA and public health, the other about the cost: benefit of prevention. No forward progress yet on them, but hope springs eternal.
The Trust for America's Health held a press conference last Thursday at the National Press Club (so convenient, around the corner from the White House, and just minutes by bike for me from the apt.), releasing this report - http://healthyamericans.org/reports/prevention08/.
Basically, if we invested $10/person in effective community-based programs to help people reduce obesity, quit smoking and eat nutritiously, we could save more than 6 times that amount in 5 years. Sounds like a worthy investment to me!
Last Thursday was the annual Congressional baseball game in the new Nationals Stadium. Mostly Congressmen play - one woman, and two senators. The Republicans continued their eight-year winning streak, and the biggest excitement came when a Senator accidentally let go of his bat during a practice swing, where it flew into the stands and hit a spectator. Oops. I'm sure there's a metaphor here somewhere.
I've been having some very enlightening conversations with staff at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, CDC, Trust for America's Health, the Institute for Medicine and others about my two legislative ideas. The researchers, funders and evaluators have been exceedingly generous with their time, sharing their experience and recommendations. How refreshing to know that my phone calls get returned!
The office staff organized a special tour of the Archives last Friday, where we saw original documents from the private vault. We saw the Congressional record of the very first meeting of Congress - no quorum so they had to adjourn (slow going on those dirt roads, I guess). The first order of business once they had a quorum as to count the electoral votes for the first president.
We also saw George Washington's first message to Congress, the first budget (mostly for the same things - military, roads - no public health yet). Even then they had a $6000 budget debt. We saw the contract for the Louisiana Purchase, the original signatures and handwriting of the early presidents, and the statement forming the first Congressional committees. Okay, I'm starting to sound like a geek.
Of note, the two most valuable documents in the vault were George Washington's inaugural address, and, get this, the very first cover of MAD magazine. Go figure.
I was quite moved seeing these aged original documents, imagining the faith the founding leaders had in the future. I can't help but think they'd be disappointed in our priorities and actions now, although amazed that the democracy still stands and functions.
We had a little excitement today, in my office building with an open atrium, where a foreign visitor was threatening to jump from the 7th floor. This standoff went on for several hours (I don't know if it's even resolved yet). We learned this when members from the opposing softball team were delayed, possibly locked down for a short time and late to the game. I'm definitely "not in Kansas" anymore.
On a lighter note, I was 3 for 3 at the game, which we won. We played on the mall, on the opposite side of the screen set up for the Monday evening movies on the mall (tonight was "The Candidate"). It was nice to play with background music for a few hours, too.
My nosiest two neighbors moved, and my cable service was repaired, two improvements in quality of life.
The pressure is rising to consider off-shore drilling, something the east coast states are strongly against. Appropriations from different committees are also being allowed to move forward at a pace decided by Majority Speaker Reid. He's been very deliberate about the agenda, bringing PEPFAR (AIDS relief for Africa) on the floor for debate before energy, to the frustration of the Republicans.
Staff expects votes to be scheduled over the weekend, so people are planning accordingly in order to be in the office.
Last week the Medicare bill passed the Senate, something groups had lobbied heavily for. If only people lobbied as hard to reduce childhood poverty.
I drafted two speeches for the Senator to review - one on the food recall re tomatoes/peppers and needing more support for the FDA and public health, the other about the cost: benefit of prevention. No forward progress yet on them, but hope springs eternal.
The Trust for America's Health held a press conference last Thursday at the National Press Club (so convenient, around the corner from the White House, and just minutes by bike for me from the apt.), releasing this report - http://healthyamericans.org/reports/prevention08/.
Basically, if we invested $10/person in effective community-based programs to help people reduce obesity, quit smoking and eat nutritiously, we could save more than 6 times that amount in 5 years. Sounds like a worthy investment to me!
Last Thursday was the annual Congressional baseball game in the new Nationals Stadium. Mostly Congressmen play - one woman, and two senators. The Republicans continued their eight-year winning streak, and the biggest excitement came when a Senator accidentally let go of his bat during a practice swing, where it flew into the stands and hit a spectator. Oops. I'm sure there's a metaphor here somewhere.
I've been having some very enlightening conversations with staff at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, CDC, Trust for America's Health, the Institute for Medicine and others about my two legislative ideas. The researchers, funders and evaluators have been exceedingly generous with their time, sharing their experience and recommendations. How refreshing to know that my phone calls get returned!
The office staff organized a special tour of the Archives last Friday, where we saw original documents from the private vault. We saw the Congressional record of the very first meeting of Congress - no quorum so they had to adjourn (slow going on those dirt roads, I guess). The first order of business once they had a quorum as to count the electoral votes for the first president.
We also saw George Washington's first message to Congress, the first budget (mostly for the same things - military, roads - no public health yet). Even then they had a $6000 budget debt. We saw the contract for the Louisiana Purchase, the original signatures and handwriting of the early presidents, and the statement forming the first Congressional committees. Okay, I'm starting to sound like a geek.
Of note, the two most valuable documents in the vault were George Washington's inaugural address, and, get this, the very first cover of MAD magazine. Go figure.
I was quite moved seeing these aged original documents, imagining the faith the founding leaders had in the future. I can't help but think they'd be disappointed in our priorities and actions now, although amazed that the democracy still stands and functions.
We had a little excitement today, in my office building with an open atrium, where a foreign visitor was threatening to jump from the 7th floor. This standoff went on for several hours (I don't know if it's even resolved yet). We learned this when members from the opposing softball team were delayed, possibly locked down for a short time and late to the game. I'm definitely "not in Kansas" anymore.
On a lighter note, I was 3 for 3 at the game, which we won. We played on the mall, on the opposite side of the screen set up for the Monday evening movies on the mall (tonight was "The Candidate"). It was nice to play with background music for a few hours, too.
My nosiest two neighbors moved, and my cable service was repaired, two improvements in quality of life.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Mid-July Legislative Activity
Evenings at work are longer for legislative staff as Majority Leader Reid (Nevada) introduces and re-introduces legislation to get bills past cloture (that magic 60-vote figure to overcome a filibuster threat by the minority) and on the floor for a vote. Progress on the FISA bill (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act - which changes federal wiretapping laws, in part by granting retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies if the government requested the electronic surveillance), a veto-proof passing of a Medicare bill (which has all but two needed fixes of problematic regulations), and a housing/foreclosure bill.
It was quite moving when Senator Kennedy appeared (a well kept secret, although his wife and niece, Carolyn, where in the gallery) to vote on the Medicare bill, likely being that one vote needed to reach "60."
I expect an energy bill, PEPFAR (the AIDS relief for Africa bill), and a few others to come up this month, while appropriations are moving through committee. It does look as if the budget will be approved by a continuing resolution, as it was last year. This defers real budget authority to the new president, by just continuing spending amounts this year as they were in the past.
Last week was notable for another reason. Unexpectedly, I was granted floor privileges! Why is this a big deal (for me at least)? Technically, no one except Senators is allowed on the Senate floor without permission. The entire Senate has to grant Unanimous Consent (UC) for such a privilege. Legislative staff is likely granted permission once, the first day of the session, for the entire year. For fellows such as myself, my boss had to ask the presiding officer (Senator Klobuchar, in my case) for UC - which she granted "without objection." And there I went, onto the floor to sit on a red plush bench near the back of the chamber not far behind my member. This exchange is printed in the Congressional Record, which of course I printed out the very next day and added my boss's "frank" (signature), with permission, as a keepsake. I tried to find the C-SPAN link to send family, but was unable to.
So what did I see? A mostly empty chamber, frankly, as they were doing morning business. This is when Senators asked for time (1-10 minutes, usually) to give a speech, usually alternating by party. While I was there, Senator Gregg (R-New Hampshire) asked to introduce an energy bill by the Republicans, which was objected to (the Democrats expect to introduce their own energy bill soon). I had the chance to get a close-up view of the historic desks, the detail of the rugs and wallpaper, and a more central perspective of the ceiling design.
Walking through the parlor where the pages sit, waiting to run an errand, I noticed rules and decorum. No cell phones, uniform fashion (navy and gray pants/skirts and jackets, mostly), and the "water chart." The pages bring a glass of water to each speaking Senator without being asked. So how do these pages know who likes sparkling, bottled, or tap, with or without ice? From the water chart, indicating preference and seat, of course!
In addition to needed to be granted permission to come onto the floor, there are other rules. Jackets required, and no open-toed shoes, purses or bags, food, flowers, really anything. I brought only my ID. But it was still a thrill, and literally and figuratively, a privilege.
On a social note, I found the half-price ticket booth in the city. I splurged, and saw Momma Mia! in its last week, and tried "Jaleo," a Spanish tapas restaurant around the corner from the National Theater. Taking a taxi home after the play, we drove by the south lawn of the White House, and I remembered that scene in An American President, where Annette Benning makes the same trip (except she had a date with the president, rather than a campy musical).
Just finished an interesting book (at least to me, now that I walk along Pennsylvania Avenue every day going home from work) called "Pennsylvania Avenue, Profiles in Backroom Power." One powerful lobbyist talks about his approach in several steps:
1. Is there a legislator or regulator challenging rules that would hurt their clients -a "wolf at the door"?
2. Find advocates to speak up for the client - the champions.
3. Identify rival interests to be a foil in arguments over potential government action - the bad guys.
4. Identify the most extreme consequence of the potential policy and use that as a scare tactic - the horror story.
I see this being played out with health care reform, with climate change policy, and other proposed legislation all the time.
Question: How many people are registered as lobbyists nationally?
It was quite moving when Senator Kennedy appeared (a well kept secret, although his wife and niece, Carolyn, where in the gallery) to vote on the Medicare bill, likely being that one vote needed to reach "60."
I expect an energy bill, PEPFAR (the AIDS relief for Africa bill), and a few others to come up this month, while appropriations are moving through committee. It does look as if the budget will be approved by a continuing resolution, as it was last year. This defers real budget authority to the new president, by just continuing spending amounts this year as they were in the past.
Last week was notable for another reason. Unexpectedly, I was granted floor privileges! Why is this a big deal (for me at least)? Technically, no one except Senators is allowed on the Senate floor without permission. The entire Senate has to grant Unanimous Consent (UC) for such a privilege. Legislative staff is likely granted permission once, the first day of the session, for the entire year. For fellows such as myself, my boss had to ask the presiding officer (Senator Klobuchar, in my case) for UC - which she granted "without objection." And there I went, onto the floor to sit on a red plush bench near the back of the chamber not far behind my member. This exchange is printed in the Congressional Record, which of course I printed out the very next day and added my boss's "frank" (signature), with permission, as a keepsake. I tried to find the C-SPAN link to send family, but was unable to.
So what did I see? A mostly empty chamber, frankly, as they were doing morning business. This is when Senators asked for time (1-10 minutes, usually) to give a speech, usually alternating by party. While I was there, Senator Gregg (R-New Hampshire) asked to introduce an energy bill by the Republicans, which was objected to (the Democrats expect to introduce their own energy bill soon). I had the chance to get a close-up view of the historic desks, the detail of the rugs and wallpaper, and a more central perspective of the ceiling design.
Walking through the parlor where the pages sit, waiting to run an errand, I noticed rules and decorum. No cell phones, uniform fashion (navy and gray pants/skirts and jackets, mostly), and the "water chart." The pages bring a glass of water to each speaking Senator without being asked. So how do these pages know who likes sparkling, bottled, or tap, with or without ice? From the water chart, indicating preference and seat, of course!
In addition to needed to be granted permission to come onto the floor, there are other rules. Jackets required, and no open-toed shoes, purses or bags, food, flowers, really anything. I brought only my ID. But it was still a thrill, and literally and figuratively, a privilege.
On a social note, I found the half-price ticket booth in the city. I splurged, and saw Momma Mia! in its last week, and tried "Jaleo," a Spanish tapas restaurant around the corner from the National Theater. Taking a taxi home after the play, we drove by the south lawn of the White House, and I remembered that scene in An American President, where Annette Benning makes the same trip (except she had a date with the president, rather than a campy musical).
Just finished an interesting book (at least to me, now that I walk along Pennsylvania Avenue every day going home from work) called "Pennsylvania Avenue, Profiles in Backroom Power." One powerful lobbyist talks about his approach in several steps:
1. Is there a legislator or regulator challenging rules that would hurt their clients -a "wolf at the door"?
2. Find advocates to speak up for the client - the champions.
3. Identify rival interests to be a foil in arguments over potential government action - the bad guys.
4. Identify the most extreme consequence of the potential policy and use that as a scare tactic - the horror story.
I see this being played out with health care reform, with climate change policy, and other proposed legislation all the time.
Question: How many people are registered as lobbyists nationally?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Independence Day Weekend
The weekend started with our Senate office softball team playing the best team in the league, and after giving up ten runs in the first inning, slipped past them 15-14for the win. A good start to a great celebration of the nation’s birthday in the capital.
Before the game I had time to visit the National Portrait Gallery (http://www.npg.si.edu/), which had a fascinating exhibit with all of the presidential portraits, along with highlights of their careers. Additionally, a video loop played key speeches of the more recent presidents. Particularly poignant was former President Carter’s remarks to the nation about conserving energy. (We apparently haven’t learned yet.)
'Imported the spousal unit to share in the festivities, we passed on Mt. Vernon’s celebrations and birthday cake, and the Archives’ reading of the Declaration of Independence in order to cycle down to Alexandria and check things out. People were scoping out the best location for fireworks’ viewing, placing blankets, setting up tents, and setting anchor on the Potomac all along the bike route. Lots of preplanning, as we saw all-day card games, barbeques and family picnics.
We found lunch on the mall at the Smithsonian’s annual folk festival (NASA, Bhutan, Texas, don’t ask me for the rationale) – exhibits, food, music and dancing. Lots of folks in red, white and blue, in all get-ups. We ventured back to the Capitol by Metro, to wait on line in the rain past security for a spot in the grass at the concert. Moderated by Jimmy Smits (again, don’t ask me…), performers included Huey Lewis and the News, Jerry Lee Lewis (notice a theme?), the National Symphony Orchestra and others (http://dc.about.com/b/2008/06/17/a-capitol-fourth-2008-independence-day-concert.htm).
For us the best part was seeing the cannons go off during the 1812 overture, and then finding a new spot on the mall to watch the fireworks unobstructed (20 minutes worth, but not as good as NYC’s). It was awe-inspiring. The founding fathers said that we should celebrate the nation’s birthday with “illuminations.” Here we are, centuries later, doing just that. So even when politics gets discouraging, and our nation’s problems fester, we still are a functioning democracy, carrying out the vision after hundreds of years – you have to feel inspired.
So in keeping with this patriotic theme, Saturday we had an appointment (requested in February, rejected in May, and granted an opening in June) for the White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/life/video/index.html). Another long line, but it moved quickly once the folks who didn’t read the instructions (no purse, no camera, no lipstick, no water, etc.) left the line.
The tour is self-guided - of some of the downstairs rooms, including the east room (receptions, ceremonies, press conferences). The state dining room seats 130, and includes a quote from John Adams”: …may none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof. ”(!) The red room is often used for receptions by the First Ladies. The blue room is where the Christmas tree gets decorated. The green room (my favorite) was once used as President Jefferson’s dining room, and has gorgeous damask silk wallpaper.
I was trying to recall movies of the White House (my cultural reference) for signs of familiarity. The coolest part, however, happened on the back lawn, as we all gathered around the windows. The helicopter landed, the marine pilot came out to open the side door. Ten minutes later, out came President and Mrs. Bush from the White House to step up into the helicopter, followed by their entourage. George sat by the window, waving at the crowd, while the helicopter ascended (practically straight up – and as someone said – there’s no dust on the leaves of those trees with such a breeze from the blades). I admit it was a thrill, but a cheap thrill. My mother wasn’t impressed, but I was.
Sunday we went to Arlington National Cemetery, along with half of D.C. it seemed, to see the changing of the guard (spousal unit’s first time), and then down the bike path to the airport to watch the planes take off and land over our heads. We never seem to tire of that amazing view.
I’m reading “Pennsylvania Avenue, Profiles in Backroom Power” (Harwood & Seib) about the power brokers, lobbyists, and how political pressure seems to trump sound policy. Now I find this fascinating, although I confess that just one year ago I wouldn’t have given this book a second thought. Am also reading “Girls Like Us” (Weller), about Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon, and how they shaped a generation. Since it was my generation, it’s like visiting my past with a greater understanding. I get the cultural references.
To catch up, the hill that the Capitol sits on was Jenkins Hill (http://www.capitolhillhistory.org/library/04/Jenkins%20Hill.html), the Senate did not pass Medicare before the July 4th recess, the farmer’s market still doesn’t have that cherry chocolate bread (but today they had great peaches and blackberries, but no more strawberries), Felton was the first female Senator, and the media sits off to the Supreme Court justices left, perpendicular to and off to the side of their bench. One theory on why no “J” street in the Capital is that the letters I and J were often indistinguishable from each other (especially when handwritten) .in 18th century English. I still don’t know why flowers are not allowed on the Senate floor.
My knees still ache from all the walking on concrete and marble, my shoes are wearing out, and I still get a thrill walking by all of the history, architecture, and tourists. This is a great town, flaws and all.
This week I hope to meet with the Senator to discuss my public health ideas, and see progress on the housing, Medicare and health bills. I hope Congress can focus.
Before the game I had time to visit the National Portrait Gallery (http://www.npg.si.edu/), which had a fascinating exhibit with all of the presidential portraits, along with highlights of their careers. Additionally, a video loop played key speeches of the more recent presidents. Particularly poignant was former President Carter’s remarks to the nation about conserving energy. (We apparently haven’t learned yet.)
'Imported the spousal unit to share in the festivities, we passed on Mt. Vernon’s celebrations and birthday cake, and the Archives’ reading of the Declaration of Independence in order to cycle down to Alexandria and check things out. People were scoping out the best location for fireworks’ viewing, placing blankets, setting up tents, and setting anchor on the Potomac all along the bike route. Lots of preplanning, as we saw all-day card games, barbeques and family picnics.
We found lunch on the mall at the Smithsonian’s annual folk festival (NASA, Bhutan, Texas, don’t ask me for the rationale) – exhibits, food, music and dancing. Lots of folks in red, white and blue, in all get-ups. We ventured back to the Capitol by Metro, to wait on line in the rain past security for a spot in the grass at the concert. Moderated by Jimmy Smits (again, don’t ask me…), performers included Huey Lewis and the News, Jerry Lee Lewis (notice a theme?), the National Symphony Orchestra and others (http://dc.about.com/b/2008/06/17/a-capitol-fourth-2008-independence-day-concert.htm).
For us the best part was seeing the cannons go off during the 1812 overture, and then finding a new spot on the mall to watch the fireworks unobstructed (20 minutes worth, but not as good as NYC’s). It was awe-inspiring. The founding fathers said that we should celebrate the nation’s birthday with “illuminations.” Here we are, centuries later, doing just that. So even when politics gets discouraging, and our nation’s problems fester, we still are a functioning democracy, carrying out the vision after hundreds of years – you have to feel inspired.
So in keeping with this patriotic theme, Saturday we had an appointment (requested in February, rejected in May, and granted an opening in June) for the White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/life/video/index.html). Another long line, but it moved quickly once the folks who didn’t read the instructions (no purse, no camera, no lipstick, no water, etc.) left the line.
The tour is self-guided - of some of the downstairs rooms, including the east room (receptions, ceremonies, press conferences). The state dining room seats 130, and includes a quote from John Adams”: …may none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof. ”(!) The red room is often used for receptions by the First Ladies. The blue room is where the Christmas tree gets decorated. The green room (my favorite) was once used as President Jefferson’s dining room, and has gorgeous damask silk wallpaper.
I was trying to recall movies of the White House (my cultural reference) for signs of familiarity. The coolest part, however, happened on the back lawn, as we all gathered around the windows. The helicopter landed, the marine pilot came out to open the side door. Ten minutes later, out came President and Mrs. Bush from the White House to step up into the helicopter, followed by their entourage. George sat by the window, waving at the crowd, while the helicopter ascended (practically straight up – and as someone said – there’s no dust on the leaves of those trees with such a breeze from the blades). I admit it was a thrill, but a cheap thrill. My mother wasn’t impressed, but I was.
Sunday we went to Arlington National Cemetery, along with half of D.C. it seemed, to see the changing of the guard (spousal unit’s first time), and then down the bike path to the airport to watch the planes take off and land over our heads. We never seem to tire of that amazing view.
I’m reading “Pennsylvania Avenue, Profiles in Backroom Power” (Harwood & Seib) about the power brokers, lobbyists, and how political pressure seems to trump sound policy. Now I find this fascinating, although I confess that just one year ago I wouldn’t have given this book a second thought. Am also reading “Girls Like Us” (Weller), about Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon, and how they shaped a generation. Since it was my generation, it’s like visiting my past with a greater understanding. I get the cultural references.
To catch up, the hill that the Capitol sits on was Jenkins Hill (http://www.capitolhillhistory.org/library/04/Jenkins%20Hill.html), the Senate did not pass Medicare before the July 4th recess, the farmer’s market still doesn’t have that cherry chocolate bread (but today they had great peaches and blackberries, but no more strawberries), Felton was the first female Senator, and the media sits off to the Supreme Court justices left, perpendicular to and off to the side of their bench. One theory on why no “J” street in the Capital is that the letters I and J were often indistinguishable from each other (especially when handwritten) .in 18th century English. I still don’t know why flowers are not allowed on the Senate floor.
My knees still ache from all the walking on concrete and marble, my shoes are wearing out, and I still get a thrill walking by all of the history, architecture, and tourists. This is a great town, flaws and all.
This week I hope to meet with the Senator to discuss my public health ideas, and see progress on the housing, Medicare and health bills. I hope Congress can focus.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Halfway through the Fellowship
It's hard to believe that I've already been here for six months. I feel as if I'm just starting to figure out my role, my way around, and my opportunities. I want more time...
I’ve been away for a week, and the Senate was apparently trying to eeck out legislation on Medicare, housing and foreclosure fixes and some other measures that just didn’t get enough votes – on one issue they were one vote short of getting cloture (that magic 60 votes) to be able to debate the bill.
Lobbyists (the “K” Street gangs) are preparing their clients for a new White House administration, which means new relationship to establish to find the side and back door. Guesses around town are a VP pick for candidate McCain of either Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee, and for candidate Obama, possibly Senator Biden, and the generally thinking is not likely Senator Clinton. There’s constant scrutiny, debate, gossip and coverage of the candidates, their past speeches and remarks, etc. I think it’s unreasonable and it seems to reduce the likelihood of seeing authentic candidates.
Early last week I heard that Senator Clinton was returning to the Senate at about 1pm that day, so a group of us decided to join a growing group of tourists and other staffers on the steps of the Capitol to greet her upon her return. We waited about 20 minutes (not bad) and her black car pulls around. Security pushes back the group, insisting on a five-foot wide aisle for her entrance. Up she comes in a turquoise blue pants suit, smiling and greeting everyone on both sides.
She shook my hand (!) and I mentioned how proud we were of her. I think her campaign took courage, regardless what you think about her candidacy. What she did was not easy. She greeted almost everyone (except those pushy media, who kept elbowing their way in front of you with their microphones and steno pads), proceeding up to the steps of the Capitol, to the Democratic Senators waiting at their caucus lunch (Republicans have their own caucus lunch on Tuesdays, too), to be followed by votes that afternoon. Catch me on the CNN video clip on their website!
This was my first brush with celebrity, as I don’t see all that many senators in the hallways – they’re usually either behind closed doors, or on the underground subway to the Senate chamber to vote.
I did get a fabulous tour of the new Capitol Visitors Center, scheduled to be open to the public on December 2nd (a historical date for the Capitol – you’ll have to take the tour yourself to learn the story). The space is huge, mirroring the stone and architecture of the existing Capitol, up to date with security and AV features, and much more efficient for visitors. The displays are fascinating (I usually don’t feel this way about museums…), interactive and very well designed. I highly recommend coming once it’s open, and plan on visiting again myself. For more info: http://www.aoc.gov/cvc/.
Tom Fontana, the Project Communications Officer for the Capitol Visitor Center, gave us a tour personally, sprinkling his remarks with great stories, costs and schedule challenging, his conversations with different Congressional leaders, and other gossip. (Such as who reserved the new theater on the Sunday of the 2009 superbowl…) See for yourself: http://www.aoc.gov/cvc/photos/index.cfm. This week is recess, so it’s very quiet - less traffic, meetings, visitors. I’m preparing for my first meeting with the Senator for early next week, and have distilled my public health remarks from 15 pages to 5, and now I have to summarize it down to 2. It’s public health defined, great achievements from the last century and my predictions for this one, the overall problem and upstream solutions, and my focusing on obesity and the built environment, with specific legislative suggestions. I hope to identify a few opportunities that he would be interested in championing (is that a word?).
We have a softball game tomorrow against the best team in the league (I think we’re ranked 2nd), and two of our best players are away for the week; oh well. With summer comes great fruit at the farmers markets, and (I’ll regret thinking this) the weather hasn’t been too unbearable yet.
This weekend is July 4th celebrations – concerts, fireworks, parades, and the annual Smithsonian folk festival on the mall. Fingers crossed for good weather! I’m looking forward to the festivities.
Question: the actual name of the hill the Capitol was built on?
I’ve been away for a week, and the Senate was apparently trying to eeck out legislation on Medicare, housing and foreclosure fixes and some other measures that just didn’t get enough votes – on one issue they were one vote short of getting cloture (that magic 60 votes) to be able to debate the bill.
Lobbyists (the “K” Street gangs) are preparing their clients for a new White House administration, which means new relationship to establish to find the side and back door. Guesses around town are a VP pick for candidate McCain of either Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee, and for candidate Obama, possibly Senator Biden, and the generally thinking is not likely Senator Clinton. There’s constant scrutiny, debate, gossip and coverage of the candidates, their past speeches and remarks, etc. I think it’s unreasonable and it seems to reduce the likelihood of seeing authentic candidates.
Early last week I heard that Senator Clinton was returning to the Senate at about 1pm that day, so a group of us decided to join a growing group of tourists and other staffers on the steps of the Capitol to greet her upon her return. We waited about 20 minutes (not bad) and her black car pulls around. Security pushes back the group, insisting on a five-foot wide aisle for her entrance. Up she comes in a turquoise blue pants suit, smiling and greeting everyone on both sides.
She shook my hand (!) and I mentioned how proud we were of her. I think her campaign took courage, regardless what you think about her candidacy. What she did was not easy. She greeted almost everyone (except those pushy media, who kept elbowing their way in front of you with their microphones and steno pads), proceeding up to the steps of the Capitol, to the Democratic Senators waiting at their caucus lunch (Republicans have their own caucus lunch on Tuesdays, too), to be followed by votes that afternoon. Catch me on the CNN video clip on their website!
This was my first brush with celebrity, as I don’t see all that many senators in the hallways – they’re usually either behind closed doors, or on the underground subway to the Senate chamber to vote.
I did get a fabulous tour of the new Capitol Visitors Center, scheduled to be open to the public on December 2nd (a historical date for the Capitol – you’ll have to take the tour yourself to learn the story). The space is huge, mirroring the stone and architecture of the existing Capitol, up to date with security and AV features, and much more efficient for visitors. The displays are fascinating (I usually don’t feel this way about museums…), interactive and very well designed. I highly recommend coming once it’s open, and plan on visiting again myself. For more info: http://www.aoc.gov/cvc/.
Tom Fontana, the Project Communications Officer for the Capitol Visitor Center, gave us a tour personally, sprinkling his remarks with great stories, costs and schedule challenging, his conversations with different Congressional leaders, and other gossip. (Such as who reserved the new theater on the Sunday of the 2009 superbowl…) See for yourself: http://www.aoc.gov/cvc/photos/index.cfm. This week is recess, so it’s very quiet - less traffic, meetings, visitors. I’m preparing for my first meeting with the Senator for early next week, and have distilled my public health remarks from 15 pages to 5, and now I have to summarize it down to 2. It’s public health defined, great achievements from the last century and my predictions for this one, the overall problem and upstream solutions, and my focusing on obesity and the built environment, with specific legislative suggestions. I hope to identify a few opportunities that he would be interested in championing (is that a word?).
We have a softball game tomorrow against the best team in the league (I think we’re ranked 2nd), and two of our best players are away for the week; oh well. With summer comes great fruit at the farmers markets, and (I’ll regret thinking this) the weather hasn’t been too unbearable yet.
This weekend is July 4th celebrations – concerts, fireworks, parades, and the annual Smithsonian folk festival on the mall. Fingers crossed for good weather! I’m looking forward to the festivities.
Question: the actual name of the hill the Capitol was built on?
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