Coasting

Ah, while two weeks delayed, we are finally in recess. The members are in their districts campaigning for themselves and each other, so we're just writing speeches, catching up, organizing and preparing for next year. I'm researching the impact of the fiscal mess on health care agencies to identify possible legislative relief.

The Senate Banking Committee did just have a hearing, so a few members (including my boss) came in for the day. Senator Schumer, whose office is two doors down, gave a press conference right in the hall. Lots of cameras and reporters. Not a big deal anymore.

We still have occasional constituent and lobbyist visits. This is actually a good time to visit, as we can pay attention and use the data and suggestions for considering new policy. We're also catching up on our writing, the website, and capturing all of the accomplishments of the year.

I'm catching up on lunch and dinner with friends and colleagues, too, so that's fun. The U.S. Supreme Court has resumed its session for the year, so I hope to catch another case, if it works out. At the same time, the Capitol Visitor Center is being completed, and this week they took down those opaque fences blocking the view on the street. Now we see the outside of the Capitol in all its majesty.

We will have a lame duck session the week of November 11th, when new members get oriented, and committee chairs and leadership positions are selected. This week should be very interesting.

In the meantime, I've been job hunting and preparing for three talks at the annual health education and public health meetings in San Diego, CA next week. I've been back home for the holidays, catching up with family, friends, pets, and garden. That's a relief.

VP Cheney was in the George Washington University Hospital (one block from my studio) the other day, on the same day as my farmer's market. Sure, he's fine, but the descending media scarfed up all of the apple cider and other goodies, leaving little for us late-working residents...

Tomorrow, a friend and I will be canvassing in Virginia for the presidential campaign. Down here, that's pretty much all that's talked about. This debate, that dinner, the jokes on SNL; it's all consuming. For many reasons, I'll be glad when it's over, and fingers crossed for my desired outcome.

Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) said Tuesday that the Senate will likely return for its November lame-duck session to consider an economic stimulus package and other proposals to tighten lending regulations.

It would also include unemployment benefits and government funds for infrastructure projects, as well as additional aid for residential mortgages, student loans and credit card debt, and a last attempt this session to address some of the worthy bills that Sen. Coburn still has a "hold" on.

And please, remember to VOTE!