Double wow! What an even more historic week! You could see the tension on the faces of the Congress and their staffers. I suspect we also reached a record number of constituent phone calls to all the offices. In fact, I couldn't reach one Senator's office to alert them that my boss was interested in cosponsoring his bill - I had to climb 5 flights of stairs and tell them in person!
With the end of session in sight and so much to legislate, many senators wanted to give floor speeches. I deferred a subway car to Senator Conrad (D, ND) and his staffer so that they could ride in private while he prepared, and I took the next car (these little "subways" have 3 cars that travel on underground tracks connected the Senate, Capitol and House buildings. Nice if you're in a hurry or there's bad weather). I also saw Kay Bailey Hutchison (R, TX) getting out of her chauffeured car at the Russell Bldg while I unlocked my bicycle.
The Senate couldn't muster a veto-proof passage of the 2nd economic stimulus package, which included some excellent bills for public health, energy assistance for low income families, a 7-week extension of unemployment insurance benefits, a temporary 10% increase in food stamp benefits, $19.6 billion for states to address rising Medicaid costs, and $925 million for a polar icebreaker, among others. Very disappointing.
We're still on the cusp of getting mental health parity, now that the name of the bill (Wellstone-Domenici) was sorted out - now it's how to pay for it.
Most dramatic was the day-to-day, even hour-by-hour changes about the bailout - who's at fault, who knows how to solve, who would support those solutions. High-level meetings, unexpected bedfellows (House R's holding up the most recent solution, supported by D's and the White House Administration).
Goals and values agreed to first: no rewarding high-paid executives for risky/greedy decisions, risk/benefit borne by taxpayers, how any monies would get paid out, what protections for homeowners at risk for foreclosure, any role for judges to adjust mortgages (apparently one of the deal-breakers), special oversight boards, etc. Especially dramatic to watch how this gets negotiated while banks start to fail, the stock markets across the globe drastically dip, and newscasters prognosticate - which either inspires confidence or fear.
During all of this, I dropped my two public health bills 9/24! S. 3570 - A bill to establish a National Public Health Coordinating Council to assess the impact of Federal health-related socio-economic and environmental policies across Federal agencies to improve the public's health. S 3571 - A bill to stimulate social policy and community environments to improve health by encouraging policies and programs to improve community health by policy and design, and for other purposes. Both have been referred to the HELP committee, but it's so late in the 110th Congress, and with so little legislating time left, and with the chair, Senator Kennedy, not returning until January, there is no way that these bills will be considered.
I hope that both will be re-introduced (new bill numbers) in the 111th Congress, with Senate cosponsors, and that it might make it out of committee and pass by unanimous consent. Fingers crossed! The floor statement will also be printed in the Congressional Record, further describing the purpose of these bills to promote public health, on Page S9423. I'm thrilled!
I also heard CDC head, Dr. Julie Gerbeding, keynote the George Washington University's Moments in Leadership. Two of the ten suggestions she had for Congress were addressed by these bills!
The Senate and key staff are working a second weekend, trying to get the bailout and continuing resolution passed. It looks as if the Senate might be in a lame duck session in either October or November.
In the meantime, my spousal unit is here for the weekend, and we went to the Air and Space Museum hangar near the Dulles Airport - the Udvar-Hazey. Fabulous! Actual airplanes - including the Concorde, the Corsair, and the Blackbird (my favorite). We also did a flight simulation of an F14 - I was the gunner, and we rated "Ace"! It was the going upside down part I struggled with...
Question: what did you think of the first presidential debate?
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Continued Drama
Wow, first we bail out Bear Stearns, then watch Lehman Bros. falter, now we bail out AIG after propping up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Many homes in foreclosure, the subprime market implodes, the stock markets takes a nosedive, and the president fiddles.
These are big problems, no doubt, although all of our own making. I would like to see energy, education and health be considered as urgent as backing up those companies that have the fox in the hen house and executives making multi-millions in salaries and buy outs.
Little progress on the floor, and with election day looming, a hotly contested presidential race, and a 50-50 senate (especially with Sen. Lieberman siding with the Republicans in rhetoric and loyalty), it's understandable how the Senate gets deadlocked logistically. It takes leadership, courage, and bipartisan collaboration to legislate. Even a bipartisan "group of 20" couldn't get enough support to move energy legislation.
This must frustrate the House of Representatives greatly, as they pass much more legislation than does the Senate. Sometimes that's a good thing (like the House recently passing legisation allowing semi-automatic weapons in D.C., which likely won't even get to the floor in the Senate), and sometimes not (they've passed some good energy bills, and we haven't).
The Senate Banking Committee staff are working this weekend, along with the Treasury Dept. and others to find a short-term solution to keep banks solvent. According to the National Journal:
The Treasury Department would be allowed to purchase up to $700 billion in bad mortgage debt from U.S.-headquartered companies over the next two years, under a proposal Treasury Secretary Paulson submitted to Congress this weekend. The plan is the Bush administration's latest and most significant bid to help calm the crisis in the U.S. financial markets, where major investment firms have gone out of business or have been bought out and the federal government has acted as a bidder of last resort to bail out Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and insurance giant American International Group.
This week we can expect a final flurry of activity, where Senate leaders will put forth a bailout package to steady the financial sector, a comprehensive energy bill, tax-extenders legislation and a CR (continuing resolution) to keep the government funded.
Then they go home to campaign and do work in their districts.
This past week, I continued to meet with constituent and national groups, reviewed pending legislation to recommend for cosponsorship, and solicited cosponsors for the two public health bills the senator will introduce this week. Five groups agreed to endorse and help publicize, but with all the distractions of emergent issues, no other offices have reviewed these bills for approval. Understandable, and any Senator can be added as a cosponsor after the bills are introduced.
On my way to a meeting, I looked down into the atrium of our building (Hart has a wonderful Calder "Mountains and Clouds" sculpture, which fills part of the 9-story atrium, and noticed two Capitol police officers escorting a handcuffed person out of the building. Just another reminder that I'm "not in Kansas anymore."
I attended a fascinating candidates' forum on the "Presidential Perspectives on Health" at George Washington University (2 blocks from my apt.). Organized by Research!America and Scientists and Engineers for America, it was moderated by Julie Rovner, Health Policy Correspondent, National Public Radio. Panelists were Jay Khosla, Health Policy Advisor for John McCain Dora Hughes, MD, MPH, Health Policy Advisor for Barack Obama.
Hughes smoked Khosla, citing research and community experience, with the specifics of proposals and legislative initiatives, where Khosla gave platitudes ("choice," "access") without understanding the implications of these vague suggestions. Good questions from the audience, too. I submitted 3, but none were used.
Last Wednesday morning, I participated in the orientation of the two new Association of Schools of Public Health Fellows, who start this week. It was fun to review and give advice regarding my experience, what I've learned, and what I wished I knew when I started.
Senate softball playoffs started with a beautiful day. Apparently our division competes with other league winners in the D.C. league. We won our division title 9-0. We won our first play-off game 8-1, our 2nd 8-4, and lost the third 10-7 (which we could have won if they hadn't intentionally walked our strongest hitter with bases loaded, two out, bottom of the last inning). At least we lost to last year's league Champions. We ended the season 11-1, with a lot of fun, and with me making the All-Star team! What a hoot! I'm so sore now I'm not sure I could even lift a bat!
It was special, though, playing softball at West Potomac Park, right behind the FDR Memorial (where we escaped for restrooms). You could hear the carousel from the Smithsonian, see a red fox galavant across the outfield (my first D.C. fox!), and see the boats in the river.
Today was another gorgeous day, and the inaugural Capital Criterium Bicycle Race, which included Tour de France 6th place finisher, Christian Vande Velde. The route was a 1K, 6-corner circuit loop down Pennsylvania Ave, turning on 13th, Avenue F, 12th and Avenue E. It was exciting, noisy, and fun! Espcially being able to see the Capitol and White House in view.
As long as I was on my bicycle, I toddled over to the National Gallery of Art west wing, which had its closing exhibition of Martin Puryear, an amazing scultor who uses natural materials, expecially wood. Then over to the Botanical Gardens, which continues its sustainability exhibit, then through the other Smithsonian gardens, Enit Haupt and others, to the bike trail passed the Jefferson Memorial and Kennedy Center. Along the trail I was 20" from a great blue heron at the water's edge, and noticed a cormoran in the Potomac River along side me. What a great day.
These are big problems, no doubt, although all of our own making. I would like to see energy, education and health be considered as urgent as backing up those companies that have the fox in the hen house and executives making multi-millions in salaries and buy outs.
Little progress on the floor, and with election day looming, a hotly contested presidential race, and a 50-50 senate (especially with Sen. Lieberman siding with the Republicans in rhetoric and loyalty), it's understandable how the Senate gets deadlocked logistically. It takes leadership, courage, and bipartisan collaboration to legislate. Even a bipartisan "group of 20" couldn't get enough support to move energy legislation.
This must frustrate the House of Representatives greatly, as they pass much more legislation than does the Senate. Sometimes that's a good thing (like the House recently passing legisation allowing semi-automatic weapons in D.C., which likely won't even get to the floor in the Senate), and sometimes not (they've passed some good energy bills, and we haven't).
The Senate Banking Committee staff are working this weekend, along with the Treasury Dept. and others to find a short-term solution to keep banks solvent. According to the National Journal:
The Treasury Department would be allowed to purchase up to $700 billion in bad mortgage debt from U.S.-headquartered companies over the next two years, under a proposal Treasury Secretary Paulson submitted to Congress this weekend. The plan is the Bush administration's latest and most significant bid to help calm the crisis in the U.S. financial markets, where major investment firms have gone out of business or have been bought out and the federal government has acted as a bidder of last resort to bail out Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and insurance giant American International Group.
This week we can expect a final flurry of activity, where Senate leaders will put forth a bailout package to steady the financial sector, a comprehensive energy bill, tax-extenders legislation and a CR (continuing resolution) to keep the government funded.
Then they go home to campaign and do work in their districts.
This past week, I continued to meet with constituent and national groups, reviewed pending legislation to recommend for cosponsorship, and solicited cosponsors for the two public health bills the senator will introduce this week. Five groups agreed to endorse and help publicize, but with all the distractions of emergent issues, no other offices have reviewed these bills for approval. Understandable, and any Senator can be added as a cosponsor after the bills are introduced.
On my way to a meeting, I looked down into the atrium of our building (Hart has a wonderful Calder "Mountains and Clouds" sculpture, which fills part of the 9-story atrium, and noticed two Capitol police officers escorting a handcuffed person out of the building. Just another reminder that I'm "not in Kansas anymore."
I attended a fascinating candidates' forum on the "Presidential Perspectives on Health" at George Washington University (2 blocks from my apt.). Organized by Research!America and Scientists and Engineers for America, it was moderated by Julie Rovner, Health Policy Correspondent, National Public Radio. Panelists were Jay Khosla, Health Policy Advisor for John McCain Dora Hughes, MD, MPH, Health Policy Advisor for Barack Obama.
Hughes smoked Khosla, citing research and community experience, with the specifics of proposals and legislative initiatives, where Khosla gave platitudes ("choice," "access") without understanding the implications of these vague suggestions. Good questions from the audience, too. I submitted 3, but none were used.
Last Wednesday morning, I participated in the orientation of the two new Association of Schools of Public Health Fellows, who start this week. It was fun to review and give advice regarding my experience, what I've learned, and what I wished I knew when I started.
Senate softball playoffs started with a beautiful day. Apparently our division competes with other league winners in the D.C. league. We won our division title 9-0. We won our first play-off game 8-1, our 2nd 8-4, and lost the third 10-7 (which we could have won if they hadn't intentionally walked our strongest hitter with bases loaded, two out, bottom of the last inning). At least we lost to last year's league Champions. We ended the season 11-1, with a lot of fun, and with me making the All-Star team! What a hoot! I'm so sore now I'm not sure I could even lift a bat!
It was special, though, playing softball at West Potomac Park, right behind the FDR Memorial (where we escaped for restrooms). You could hear the carousel from the Smithsonian, see a red fox galavant across the outfield (my first D.C. fox!), and see the boats in the river.
Today was another gorgeous day, and the inaugural Capital Criterium Bicycle Race, which included Tour de France 6th place finisher, Christian Vande Velde. The route was a 1K, 6-corner circuit loop down Pennsylvania Ave, turning on 13th, Avenue F, 12th and Avenue E. It was exciting, noisy, and fun! Espcially being able to see the Capitol and White House in view.
As long as I was on my bicycle, I toddled over to the National Gallery of Art west wing, which had its closing exhibition of Martin Puryear, an amazing scultor who uses natural materials, expecially wood. Then over to the Botanical Gardens, which continues its sustainability exhibit, then through the other Smithsonian gardens, Enit Haupt and others, to the bike trail passed the Jefferson Memorial and Kennedy Center. Along the trail I was 20" from a great blue heron at the water's edge, and noticed a cormoran in the Potomac River along side me. What a great day.
Monday, September 15, 2008
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?
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?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Starting Back after Convention Recess
More activity outside the halls of Congress than on the floor. With the members working more in their districts, staff had time for delayed vacation and training.
I had the opportunity to participate in the CRS's 2-day Advanced Legislative Institute. Very helpful to more fully appreciate the legislative process in-depth, from the arcane culture and rules, to behind-the-scenes negotiating and procedure. It can really make a difference if you appreciate the subtlety of all of the rules and procedures.
Lots of distractions for the supposedly quiet month of August: Olympics, political conventions, hurricanes, vacations, and parental heart surgery. Am back in DC after several weeks away, back home, in Millville NJ, and in Florida to help my mom recovery from heart surgery. Fortunately, she's doing well, so I worry less and can focus here more.
The Potomac River is brown after yesterdays tropical storm - mostly rain (>3"), skies are bright blue, and everyone is outside. Kayaks and canoes on the river, softball and football in the parks, joggers and cyclists on the trails (including me), and the sweet smell of cypress in the air (don't ask me why). There was even a polo match in West Potomac Park - unexpected to see the horses on the field!
The Kreeger Museum had its annual open-house today in NW DC, so I pedaled uphill 3 miles to join a friend. Almost as good as the Phillips Collection for its holdings: Picasso, Monet, Degas, Miro, Cezanne, Chagall, Renoir, van Gogh, Klee, Rodin and Henry Moore, and much more, in a beautiful mansion designed by Philip Johnson on 5.5 acres - in DC - very impressive. Nice that the founder of Geico was a generous patron of music and the arts.
Apparently Senator Kennedy is expected to work at home and not return to the Senate until January. Not sure what that forebodes re HELP committee bills. Majority Leader Reid also may want to complete the legislating process before the end of September, so there may be only 3 weeks for finishing draft bills before introduction. Am ready to head down this finish line!
Btw, if you liked the movie, "The Red Violin," you may like the Geraldine Brooks novel, "People of the Book." Same premise (tracing the lineage of an inanimate object through its history). I enjoyed the story.
Question: why do I always have a headwind while riding my bicycle?
I had the opportunity to participate in the CRS's 2-day Advanced Legislative Institute. Very helpful to more fully appreciate the legislative process in-depth, from the arcane culture and rules, to behind-the-scenes negotiating and procedure. It can really make a difference if you appreciate the subtlety of all of the rules and procedures.
Lots of distractions for the supposedly quiet month of August: Olympics, political conventions, hurricanes, vacations, and parental heart surgery. Am back in DC after several weeks away, back home, in Millville NJ, and in Florida to help my mom recovery from heart surgery. Fortunately, she's doing well, so I worry less and can focus here more.
The Potomac River is brown after yesterdays tropical storm - mostly rain (>3"), skies are bright blue, and everyone is outside. Kayaks and canoes on the river, softball and football in the parks, joggers and cyclists on the trails (including me), and the sweet smell of cypress in the air (don't ask me why). There was even a polo match in West Potomac Park - unexpected to see the horses on the field!
The Kreeger Museum had its annual open-house today in NW DC, so I pedaled uphill 3 miles to join a friend. Almost as good as the Phillips Collection for its holdings: Picasso, Monet, Degas, Miro, Cezanne, Chagall, Renoir, van Gogh, Klee, Rodin and Henry Moore, and much more, in a beautiful mansion designed by Philip Johnson on 5.5 acres - in DC - very impressive. Nice that the founder of Geico was a generous patron of music and the arts.
Apparently Senator Kennedy is expected to work at home and not return to the Senate until January. Not sure what that forebodes re HELP committee bills. Majority Leader Reid also may want to complete the legislating process before the end of September, so there may be only 3 weeks for finishing draft bills before introduction. Am ready to head down this finish line!
Btw, if you liked the movie, "The Red Violin," you may like the Geraldine Brooks novel, "People of the Book." Same premise (tracing the lineage of an inanimate object through its history). I enjoyed the story.
Question: why do I always have a headwind while riding my bicycle?
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