Getting fundraising requests now for local candidates in Florida. We are setting our own criteria now and letting them know we won't donate if they don't give us an answer. Nor will we do campaign foot work.

The first standard is that the candidate must disavow the way Florida has acted and ask them to start acting more decently. Here are two shameful episodes that must not be repeated in this state.

Hillsborough County DEC chair was extremely rude to the media about Governor Dean

Anyone we support here must agree and believe that chair owes an apology.

We must have a Florida party that is for the people, not under the total control of the congressional Democrats here.

Wasserman-Schultz helps Nelson lead the battle against the DNC.

Nelson, Wasserman-Schultz, Hastings, et al need to back off.

Hillary Clinton For President
by LiberalKickingAss

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/26/0134/05644

P.S. Don't forget to vote on the poll against
Bush on the daily kos link. :-)

Thanks, Michael. Times 3.

Sure thing... and I just set up (and added) the live chat for Kombiz, who we shipped off to NH for the debate.

Reminder: Gov. Dean is supposed to be on Hardball coming up soon.

Over now. That was quick.

Why was Tweety bringing up that thoroughly discredited "Motel 6 in the Lincoln bedroom" B.S.? Why doesn't he talk about Ken Lay running his ENRON Ponzi scheme out of the Lincoln bedroom instead?

Or Guckert/Gannon running a male bordello out of it?

Tweety stinks. Give David Shuster that hour of my life.

GOv. Dean did great, considering what an empty suit gas bag he had to deal with.

Posted by DPD on September 26, 2007 at 03:00 PMLeiberman/Kyl 76-22

Posted by PamB on September 26, 2007 at 03:09 PMCensure MoveOn

I gotta say, sadly, with this news, I am ready to quit the Democratic Party. I'll going to mull it over a day or two, but frankly, I don't have any faith that the Democrats represent my values anymore. I simply can fathom how the two above referenced events could have occurred, largely supported by the Democrats we elected to end the war in Iraq.

BBL, maybe.

anybody watch the intereview with Bill Clinton on 360 where he BLASTED the Repugs for their Faux outrage on MoveOn ad, yet he said these were the same politicians who ran the Max Cleland dirty ad, and were the supporters of the Swift Boat ones sat and voted against MoveOn?? Hypocritical dirty pigs. Nothing but a smoke screen so they would not have to talk about the Failure called Iraqi Occupation !

don't know about the rest of the country, but we are having record heat. I roasted all day again.
Usually by Oct 1st, I have my front door screen out and the storm put in. I have pulled up my annuals and put in my fall decorations.

Neither thing have I been able to do.

thank goodness that Global warming is not real. Don't know what I would do if it were !!
:)

back a little later for the debate.

ps, {{Mary}}}

I don't know what to tell you about your disillusionment about this party.

There IS no defense of these Democrats. I wrote my Representative and blasted him. also pelosi.

Does it do any good? who knows.

I shall wait for DSCC and DCCC to make their next call to me though, to ask for money! THEN I shall tell them in no uncertain terms why they will not get another penney until they straighten out these idiot congressmen.

SCREWED AGAIN!

BEND OVER!

bush and cheney are screwing us again at the gas pump. How much more are we going to take from these criminals before they are removed from office?

Enriched by high oil prices, Chevron Corp. will spend up to $15 billion buying back its own stock -- a commitment that pleased shareholders and rankled critics clamoring for bigger investments in projects that might help lower energy costs.

Chevron already has returned some of its past windfall to shareholders by pouring $15 billion into previous stock repurchases during the past 3 1/2 years while distributing $13.8 billion in common stock dividends

Exxon Mobil Corp., the world's largest publicly traded oil company, has returned $88.5 billion to its shareholders through stock buybacks and dividends since the end of 2003.

Like the rest of Big Oil's recent record profits, this stock buyback is being financed by consumers who are gouged at the pump and who are at the mercy of Big Oil's manipulation of oil and gas prices," Stupak said.

Chevron Approves $15B Buyback Program

Posted by tylinCA on September 26, 2007 at 07:30 PM

Maybe you missed my other post, but that Move On vote was attached (By a Pug) to a "must pass" funding Bill that will keep the Cabinet Departments funded until the middle of November. The Pugs purposely short funded ALL of the Government functions and grabbed all the pork they could, so in order to keep the U.S. functioning the "emergency funding supplement" had to pass, and the tab goes to the Dems. It's just another example of Pugs spending other peoples' money.

Pugs SUCK!

October 1, 2007 can't come soon enough.

WHY ARE ‘ALL DEMOCRATIC VOTES’ IN THE 2008 PRIMARY ELECTION IMPORTANT NO MATTER WHOM WINS THE 2008 NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE NOMINATION?

It is important for the Democratic National Committee and the soon to be elected Democratic Presidential Candidate to know whom you have voted for and why. Your choice of any Democratic Presidential Candidate in the U.S. Primary Election will inform party leaders and the media of your choice and encourage an understanding as to why the public voted for each specific candidate when analyzing the American Publics vote.

After the Primary Election, how the major issues of each candidate affected primary results will be publicly discussed and this is a way for the public to let whomever the Democratic National Candidate will be to know how you stand on important issues to you.

So remember, unlike in the Republican Bush Administration, the American Minority and Majority voice both matters in showing the world what the true beauty of American Democracy is all about in Election 2008.

Thank you. I hope you will enjoy tonight's debate!

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Two provisions of the USA Patriot Act are unconstitutional because they allow search warrants to be issued without a showing of probable cause, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken ruled that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, as amended by the Patriot Act, "now permits the executive branch of government to conduct surveillance and searches of American citizens without satisfying the probable cause requirements of the Fourth Amendment."

The federal government apologized and settled part of the lawsuit for $2 million after admitting a fingerprint was misread. But as part of the settlement, Mayfield retained the right to challenge parts of the Patriot Act, which greatly expanded the authority of law enforcers to investigate suspected acts of terrorism.

Mayfield claimed that secret searches of his house and office under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act violated the Fourth Amendment's guarantee against unreasonable search and seizure. Aiken agreed with Mayfield, repeatedly criticizing the government.

By asking her to dismiss Mayfield's lawsuit, the judge said, the U.S. attorney general's office was "asking this court to, in essence, amend the Bill of Rights, by giving it an interpretation that would deprive it of any real meaning. This court declines to do so."

Justice Department spokesman Peter Carr (probably an effin liberty college graduate) said the agency was reviewing the decision, and he declined to comment further

Before his arrest, the FBI put Mayfield under 24-hour surveillance, listened to his phone calls and surreptitiously searched his home and law office.

The Mayfield case has been an embarrassment for the federal government. Last year, the Justice Department's internal watchdog faulted the FBI for sloppy work in mistakenly linking Mayfield to the Madrid bombings. That report said federal prosecutors and FBI agents had made inaccurate and ambiguous statements to a federal judge to get arrest and criminal search warrants against Mayfield.

2 Patriot Act Provisions Ruled Unlawful

NEW YORK (AP) -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov exchanged sharp words Wednesday as the Bush administration tried to cement support for new U.N. sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programs.

((((SCREW BUSH AND RICE. WHERE THE HELL IS CHENEY, ABOARD THE FLAGSHIP IN THE GULF?))))
((((I don't trust cheney as far as I can piss in a strong headwind.))))

The lunch came as Rice and her top aides moved to capitalize on international frustration with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for declaring on Tuesday that the nuclear issue is "closed" and vowed to defy any U.N. Security Council move for more sanctions.

Lavrov told The Associated Press that he had strong words with Rice about whether the time was right for new sanctions when the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, has struck an agreement with Iran about its past activities.
Earlier, Burns, the under secretary of state for political affairs, had rebuked Ahmadinejad for his comments to the General Assembly.

"I am sorry to tell President Ahmadinejad that the case is not closed," he said ahead of a meeting with senior diplomats from the five permanent Security Council members and Germany to craft elements of a new sanctions resolution.

As Burns spoke, Rice was assuring Iran's wary neighbors in the Persian Gulf of U.S. backing to improve their defenses against a "hegemonistic Iran" through proposed multibillion-dollar arms sales, a senior State Department official told reporters.

The Bush administration is in discussions with the Saudis and its other allies in the Gulf to prepare arms sales packages worth about $20 billion despite concern from some in Congress that they could destabilize the region and hurt Israeli security interests.

((((How about using the $20 Billion for the health of our kids. Let the saudis buy their own arms)))).

The senior State Department official said that details of the proposed sales were not discussed on Wednesday but that Rice told the Gulf ministers they could count on solid U.S. support.

Among ideas being considered for the new sanctions resolution against Iran are widening existing financial sanctions on Iranian entities and possible diplomatic measures, officials said.

(((how about the Texas oil companies sending equipment to Iran. The asshole didn't mention that.)))))

The Bush administration is considering wide-ranging sanctions against the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds force, which is accused of supporting insurgents in Iraq, by naming it an international terrorist group.

The Senate on Wednesday voted 76-22 in favor of a resolution urging the State Department to designate the corps as a terrorist organization.

US, Russia Spar Over Iran Sanctions

NEW YORK (AP) -- Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly said Wednesday his critics took remarks he made about a famed Harlem restaurant out of context and "fabricated a racial controversy where none exists."

He criticized the liberal group Media Matters for America as "smear merchants" for publicizing statements he made on his radio show last week.

O'Reilly told The Associated Press that Media Matters had "cherry-picked" remarks out of a broader conversation about racial attitudes. He had told listeners that his grandmother - and many other white Americans - feared blacks because they didn't know any and were swayed by violent images in black culture.

"If you listened to the full hour, it was a criticism of racism on the part of white Americans who are ignorant of the fact that there is no difference between white and black anymore," he told the AP. "Circumstances may be different in their lives but we're all Americans. Anyone who would be offended by that conversation would have to be looking to be offended."

Karl Frisch, spokesman for Media Matters, said it is typical for O'Reilly to criticize his group for merely reporting what he says.

Bill O'Reilly Says He's Being Smeared - hahahahahahahahahahahaahah

Good Evening,

I think congress need to say "NO" to pentagon and no to bush. If the president do not want accountabiltiy than they should say no to the funding. These pranksters need to be stopped. Their jollies are costing too many lives.

Posted by Johnedwrd on September 26, 2007 at 09:38 PM

Michelle Malkin is doing the same "why are they picking on me because I'm so Effing wrong all the time" schtick.

Michelle Wets The Bed

Those smug pricks really hate it when they have to realize that THEY ARE ALWAYS WRONG, and we Dirty Effin' Hippie "Bloggers" are ALWAYS RIGHT.

Oh, sure, some doughy assed putz will complain about a typo while having several in that SAME post that he just sent, or some other sphincter will have nothing to say other than make comments about diapers and asses, etc., but let's face it, Bill-O having a public meltdown on the nightly TV show because he is probably going to lose his radio gig, on top of losing his newspaper column in the major markets has a way of grating on his few functioning synapses.

Malkin is just a clown.

The Cuban Foreign Minister surely has chimp pegged. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA-HAH.

Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque called the President of the United States
George W. Bush's policies egotistic and irresponsible.

Speaking today from the rostrum of the UN General Assembly, in the general debate, his criticism concerning the American administration
hit the nail on the head.

"Bush became president as a result of fraud and deceit", said Perez Roque. - If it were not so, yesterday we listened to President Gore, who spoke about global warming.

The Cuban minister described the statements made by the American President a "disgraceful and shameful spectacle". "Wretchedness and cynicism characterized his statements," Itar-Tass quoted the Minister.

The head of the Cuban Foreign Ministry called Bush's statement a shameful spectacle

We are the laughing stock of the world. It sounds like they are blaming bush himself for our deplorable ocndition and not the American people.
Even they recognize that bush stole the 2000 election.

Roque's comment about Gore was that he would have been president if bush hadn't stolen the election.

The continuing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, starting October 1, the beginning of 2008 fiscal year will require cost $ 190 billion

Today Gates asked the Senate Appropriations Committee for the money.

The White House earlier this year asked the Congress for only $147.5 billion. The extra $50 billon will pay for 10 thousand new armoured vehicles for Iraq to replace the currently used off "Hamwi, which, as it turns out, may not provide protection against mines and improvised explosive devices. In addition, the amount is needed for the emergency purchase of ammunition, troop movements, allowances for participating in the fighting, and treating increasing numbers of wounded.

"Gates said that he knows that Congress will have a problem with the request and it will lead to a disagreements between Congress and the president and the American people.

In 2004, the military action in Iraq and Afghanistan cost American taxpayers of $94 billion. In 2005 $108 billion. Expenses rose to $122 billion в 2006

Before the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, the White House had predicted that the operation in the country will cost a total of $50-60 billion.

If Congress allocates another $190 billion in 2008, the cost of the war in Iraq will exceed $600 billion, reported Itar-Tass.

War in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2008 would require $ 190 billion

What part of NO does President Asshole not understand. NO - NYET - NEIN - ONONONONONONONOONONONONONONONONONONONONONONNO.

GO TO HELL BUSH AND CHENEY!

END YOUR ILLEGAL WAR NOW!

When is this national nightmare going to end?

It was brought to the American people by repuke moron liars and cheats for personal gain. They will be laughing all the way to the bank in Paraguay in bush's case and Dubai in cheney's case.

Even the many corporations that screwed American will plead ignorance. "We didn't know we were screwing Americans." "We are just poor CEO's out to make an honest buck."

Blackwater will plead like the Nazi's did after WWII. "We were just following orders. It's Hitler's fault."

Russia's Izvestia reported a rumor that is going around Russia which is that the U.S. is going to install missiles and radar in Georgia. This is not the state but and the independent country of Georgia that is currently accusing Russia of recently firing missiles into their country.

U.S. spokesliars said there is no truth to the rumor. Yeah, if you believe that then I have a bridge to sell you.

bush is giving saudi arabia $20 billion, why not give Georgia another $20 billion. It's not bush's money. Rice is apparently running around the world trying to buy respect.

such a dumb mutha:

An Extra 'S' on the Report Card
Hailing a Singular Achievement, President Gets Pluralistic

By Peter Baker
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, September 27, 2007; Page A10

NEW YORK, Sept. 26 -- As a candidate, George W. Bush once asked, "Is our children learning?"

Now he has an answer.

President Bush embraces fourth- and fifth-graders from a school in the Bronx after talking about his No Child Left Behind education law. He credited the legislation with improving test scores and urged Congress to renew it.
President Bush embraces fourth- and fifth-graders from a school in the Bronx after talking about his No Child Left Behind education law. He credited the legislation with improving test scores and urged Congress to renew it.



"Childrens do learn," he said Wednesday.

gregg, bb is back, on the Debate thread!!

Tylin please don't fall for this i'm leaving the party talk that's what the corporatists want they want to see us divided and go after one another and the repubs will laugh at us.

This is the DLC and Blue Dog dems who are responsible for this whole mess we must find real progressive dems who will stand up against these dlc'ers and blue dogs and take this party back.

Don't give up Tylin defeatism and leaving is not the answer but fighting back and retaking the party is and we will be deadly serious on this.

Kucinich is a true progressive and that's who i'm voting for.

In the large electioneering arena Hillary Clinton needs to be asked if she's for 'separation of church and state' ! If she waffles on her answer, maybe that will tell us she's a stealth candidate of the fundamentalist right....

I wanted to believe that the Clintons were oldstyle evangelicals -- sort of like the abolitionists of the 1800s. But now that I've read the Mother Jones article (Oct. 2007 issue) "Hillary's Prayer" (page 40), I have to include her political-religious 'position' along with the Clintonian WTO-NAFTA position, and the Clintonian refusal to enter the Kyoto agreement to save the environment, and the Clintonian failure to preserve the diversity of media via the Telecommunications Act, and now the Clintonian to-hell-with-healthcare-for-the-people Handout for the Insurance Companies Health Plan that Hillary has just trotted out. I'd lump them all together and they make a big, ugly lump, indeed.

As a member of the "Fellowship", one must accept that Hillary shares the stated "long-term goal" of the secretive group: "A leadership led by God-leaders of all levels of society who direct projects as they are led by the spirit."

Wow -- isn't that what we have now with George W. Bush who claims he's a God-chosen president (like a Divine Right King)?

(And if she doesn't accept the Fellowship's goal, isn't she then a hypocritical hanger-on?)

This Fellowship mumbo-jumbo is the the stuff of megalomaniacal religious radical freaks! And Hillary SHARES their bizarre reality enough to sit in prayer with them and dedicate herself to "spiritual war"! Why does she leave the nation out here (or at least Mother Jones) speculating whether she is a.) "triangulating" or b.) "living her faith"? She's running for President, and so has given up all options at being COY; if she doesn't clearly state her intent -- for example, like Rick Santorum stated his intent openly (screwy as it was) -- then Hillary Clinton will earn the label Stealth Candidate and deserves the scorn of liberals who are devoted to separation of church and state AND psychological authenticity in their leaders!

I'm all for Freedom of Religion, or equally, Freedom from Religion. Let's simplify it and call it FREEDOM OF BELIEF. It is really clear that the direction G.W. Bush has taken this country with his incredible funding of faith-based initiatives (the Clintons ecouraged the faith-based initiative) and that is in the direction religious favoritism towards the religious right, radicals and Dominionists! Bush has laid the groundwork for INTOLERANCE of religions and belief systems that differ from his base of fundamentalist radicals/American Taliban types!

Hillary favors giving religious groups access to schools and teaching scripture to children in our schools. That is not separation of church and state. Equally disturbing, which religious dogma will dominate if this is allowed?

How is Hillary any different from Bush if she is so uptight that she won't support anti-human trafficking laws if they lack language that condemns prostitution? Her conservative morality and icky-poo attitude about this one point allowed her to turn her back on the worldwide suffering of children and women caused by human trafickking! Is she going to be equally uptight and blind to human suffering regarding other important issues because of her "morality"?

Hillary has a lot of explaining to do before she can be considered a safe candidate to represent the Democratic Party.

And if she doesn't come clean, then we must speculate that the Democratic Party has been just as compromised by anti-democracy forces (religious and corporatist) as the Republican Party has been compromised by anti-democracy forces (religious and corporatist).

Hillary's lack of leadership in ending the K Street stanglehold on Washington and the insurance industry's stranglehold on our healthcare and the Iraq Occupation's dominance over our economy are alarming by themselves. When combined with these new revelations about the fact that she points her religious beliefs toward accomplishing government goals, I get the shivers.

FU wee winkie. ESAD. GFYS.

Pelosi is kickin' ass and takin' names.

DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY
Implementing 9/11 Commission's Recommendations - H.R. 1
This legislation provides for the implementation of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations. The bill’s provisions include major improvements in aviation security, border security, and infrastructure security; providing first responders the equipment and training they need; beefing up efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction; and significantly expanding diplomatic, economic, educational, and other strategies designed to counter Islamic terrorism.
Status: Passed January 9, 2007
Final House-Senate version passed by the House on July 27, 2007
Signed into law by the President on August 3, 2007
Learn more>>

Concurrent Resolution on the President's Escalation Plan - H.RES.63
This resolution disapproves of the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq. It further resolves that Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq.
Status: Passed February 16, 2007
Learn more>>

Foreign Investment and National Security Act - H.R. 556
This bill strengthens national security by reforming the interagency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) process by which the Federal Government reviews foreign investments in the United States for their national security implications.
Status: Passed February 28, 2007
Final House-Senate version passed by the House on July 11, 2007
Signed into law by the President on July 26, 2007
Learn more>>

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health and Iraq Accountability Act
Had it not been vetoed by the President, this bill would have supported our troops and veterans, held the Bush Administration and Iraqi government accountable, and brought our soldiers home by August 2008 or sooner. It would have expanded funding for veterans’ health care and hospitals and refocused military efforts on Afghanistan and fighting terrorism.
Status: Passed March 23, 2007
Vetoed by the President May 1, 2007
Learn more>>

Rail and Mass Transit Security Act - H.R. 1401
This legislation is designed to close the security gaps facing rail and mass transit and includes provisions on issues such as training, grants, security planning, research and development, and shipments of sensitive materials.
Status: Passed March 26, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Wounded Warrior Assistance Act - H.R. 1538
This bill responds to the problems brought to light at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other military health care facilities. It includes provisions to improve the access to quality medical care for wounded service members who are outpatients at military health care facilities, begin the process of restoring the integrity and efficiency of the disability evaluation system, and improve the transition of wounded service members from the Armed Forces to the VA system.
Status: Passed March 28, 2007
Learn more>>

FY 2008 Homeland Security Authorization - H.R. 1684
This legislation authorizes $39.8 billion in funding for the Department of Homeland Security in fiscal year 2008. Because the President has been submitting budgets that underfunded key homeland security priorities over the last few years, this bill is authorizing $2.1 billion more than the President requested.
Status: Passed May 9, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Revised Version of the FY 2007 Supplemental Funding Bill - H.R. 2206
This bill is a revised version of the FY 2007 Supplemental, which fails to include the tough provisions holding the Iraqi government accountable and providing a responsible timetable for the redeployment of U.S. troops contained in the earlier version. However, in this bill, the President was forced to abandon his threat to veto any bill containing accountability – agreeing to 18 benchmarks and a potential cut-off of reconstruction aid if progress is not made toward meeting them. The measure also includes a minimum wage increase, children’s health care, and other important domestic priorities.
Status: Passed May 10, 2007
Signed into the law by the President on May 25, 2007
Learn more>>

FY 2008 Intelligence Authorization Bill - H.R. 2082
This legislation will make new investments in intelligence personnel and enhance oversight of how intelligence is carried out. It authorizes intelligence funding for all U.S. intelligence agencies, including our military intelligence organizations.
Status: Passed May 11, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>

FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill - H.R. 1585
This legislation will provide the necessary resources and authorities to quickly and efficiently reverse declining trends in training and equipment readiness, and will also provide our service members doing their duty overseas in multiple wars with the best gear and force protection possible. Under the bill, our troops will get better health care, better pay, and the benefits they have earned.
Status: Passed May 17, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Veterans Bills
These 6 bills support our veterans and honor their sacrifices, providing them with expanded health care and the benefits they deserve.

The Veterans Outreach and Improvement Act of 2007, H.R. 67, would improve outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. It allows the VA to partner with state and local governments to reach out to veterans and their families in ensuring they receive the benefits for which they are eligible and assist them in completing their benefits claims.

The Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007, H.R. 612, extends the period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf or future hostilities from two years to five years after discharge or release.

The Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007, H.R. 2199, ensures that our veterans are properly screened for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI, the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan) and, if diagnosed, receive the appropriate treatment.

The Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act, H.R. 2239, expands eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits for severely injured service members undergoing long-term care and recovery. It makes it easier for injured veterans with service-connected disabilities by allowing the Veterans’ Administration’s vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E) benefits to be received before discharge.

The Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act, H.R. 1470, requires the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical center.

H.R. 1660 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Southern Colorado region.

Status: Passed May 23, 2007
Learn more>>

The Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act - H.R. 2446
This legislation will fund development, economic and security assistance programs, and establishment of a coordinator to tackle the growing threat of narcotics in Afghanistan. The bill renews a 2002 Afghanistan authorization and provides additional support for programs as diverse as assistance to women and girls, energy development and counter-narcotics. This bill represents the United States’ commitment to achieving long-term stability and security in Afghanistan.
Status: Passed June 6, 2007
Learn more>>

Homeland Security Appropriations - H.R. 2638
This legislation funds 3,000 additional Border Patrol agents, provides first responders with the equipment and training they need, and provides tougher aviation and port security.
Status: Passed June 15, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

International Nuclear Fuel for Peace Nonproliferation Act - H.R. 885
This legislation supports the creation of an international nuclear fuel bank so that any country seeking to develop peaceful nuclear power-producing capability will not have to enrich uranium. This bank will make sure that any state that keeps its nuclear nonproliferation commitments can get the fuel it needs without establishing its own fuel production facilities.
Status: Passed June 18, 2007
Learn more>>

State-Foreign Operations Appropriations - H.R. 2764
This legislation supports our allies in the campaign against terrorism, including providing more than $1 billion in aid to Afghanistan; and promotes global stability by strengthening development assistance and addressing humanitarian crises such as the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and Darfur.
Status: Passed June 22, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Collective Bargaining for Public Safety Personnel - H.R. 980
This legislation would provide firefighters and police officers with basic workplace collective bargaining rights. In the post-9/11 era of protecting America from terrorism, in which we are asking our police officers, firefighters, and other public safety officers to take on even more responsibilities than they had before, the least we can do is ensure that they have basic rights to seek better wages and benefits.
Status: Passed July 17, 2007
Learn more>>

Banning Permanent U.S. Bases in Iraq - H.R. 2929
This legislation states that it is the policy of the United States not to establish any military installation or base for the purpose of providing a permanent stationing of United States Armed Forces in Iraq. It also states that it is the policy of the United States not to exercise U.S. control of the oil resources of Iraq. The measure bars the use of any funds provided by any law from being used to carry out any policy that contradicts these statements of policy.
Status: Passed July 25, 2007
Learn more>>

Iran Sanctions Enabling - H.R. 2347
This legislation empowers Americans to apply economic pressure on the Iranian regime by establishing a federal list of entities that invest in Iran and allowing for divestment. As Iran continues to threaten regional stability and international security by pursuing a nuclear program, rattling sabers at its neighbors – especially Israel – and supporting terrorist groups funded by its energy sector, this bill will enable investors and state and local governments to ensure they are not invested in companies that support Iran’s oil and gas industry.
Status: Passed July 31, 2007
Learn more>>

Ensuring Military Readiness Through Stability and Predictability Deployment Policy Act - H.R. 3159
This bill would require active duty forces to be guaranteed that their time at home match the length of their deployment. National Guard and reservists would be home for three times the length of the deployments. The bill would allow the President to waive these requirements to meet the national security needs of the country, and allow Service Chiefs of Staff to allow for the voluntary mobilization of members. These requirements would apply to those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Status: Passed August 2, 2007
Learn more>>

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Revision and Extension Act (TRIREA) - H.R. 2761
This bill reauthorizes the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) for 15 years – through 2022. TRIA provides a federal backstop to the insurance industry by providing compensation for a portion of insured losses resulting from acts certified by the government as acts of terrorism.
Status: Passed September 19, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

GROWING OUR ECONOMY

Raising the Minimum Wage - H.R. 2
This bill increases the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over two years. Increasing the minimum wage to $7.25 per hour brings a pay raise for up to 13 million Americans.
Status: Passed January 10, 2007
The President signed into law on May 25 as part of the revised 2007 supplemental funding bill, H.R. 2206
Learn more>>

Employee Free Choice Act - H.R. 800
The Employee Free Choice Act will restore workers’ rights by removing obstacles that prevent workers from choosing whether or not they want to form or join a union.
Status: Passed March 1, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act – H.R. 362
This legislation ensures that our teachers are equipped to adequately prepare the workforce of tomorrow in science, math, and technology. It invests in new teachers through professional development, summer training institutes, graduate education assistance, and scholarships.
Status: Passed April 24, 2007
Learn more>>

Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act – H.R. 363
This act encourages scientists by providing grants in the early stages of their careers, supporting recruiting and training young scientists and engineers.
Status: Passed April 24, 2007
Learn more>>

Small Business Lending Improvement Act – H.R. 1332
This legislation provides small businesses with the access to capital they need to start and expand their businesses.
Status: Passed April 25, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>

National Science Foundation Authorization Act – H.R. 1867
This legislation puts us on a path to doubling funding for the National Science Foundation’s research over the next 10 years, and encourages young scientists and researchers.
Status: Passed May 2, 2007
Learn more>>

Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act – H.R. 1868
This legislation is the first full reauthorization of the National Institutes of Standards and Technology since 1991, authorizing $2.5 billion for fiscal year 2008-2010.
Status: Passed May 3, 2007
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Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act - H.R. 1873
This legislation will put small businesses on a level playing field with big corporations by increasing their access to federal contracts. It will require the Small Business Administration to reach out to small businesses regarding opportunities for earning government contracts, and mandate stricter oversight of government agencies to ensure they are making progress in awarding contracts to small businesses.
Status: Passed May 10, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
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America COMPETES Act: The Innovation Agenda – H.R. 2272
This bill is made up of five Innovation Agenda bills that have been passed by the House. They were combined into one bill to prepare to go to conference with the Senate, which passed an omnibus innovation and competitiveness bill (S. 761) on April 25.

On August 2nd, the House passed the final House-Senate agreeement on H.R. 2272. This legislation is the culmination of a year and a half-long, bipartisan effort to pass an Innovation Agenda that boldly responds to the global economic challenges identified in the 2005 National Academies report, Rising above the Gathering Storm. It ensures American students, teachers, businesses, and workers are prepared to continue leading the world in innovation, research, and technology well into the future.

H.R. 2272 combined the following five bills:

The 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act, H.R. 362

The Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, H.R. 363

The National Science Foundation Authorization Act, H.R. 1867

The Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act, H.R. 1868

The Amending High-Performance Computing Act, H.R. 1068

Status: Passed the House May 21, 2007
Final House-Senate agreement passed the House August 2, 2007
Signed into law by the President on August 9, 2007
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The No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels (NOPEC) Act - H.R. 2264
This legislation enables the Department of Justice to take legal action against foreign nations for participating in oil cartels that drive up oil prices globally and in the United States. It does so by exempting OPEC and other nations from the provisions of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act when acting in a commercial capacity; by making clear that the so-called “Act of State” doctrine does not prevent courts from ruling on antitrust charges brought against foreign governments; and by authorizing the Department of Justice to bring lawsuits in U.S. courts against cartel members.
Status: Passed May 23, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
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The Energy Price Gouging Act – H.R. 1252
This legislation will reduce the burden of rising gas prices on American families, providing immediate relief to consumers by giving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the authority to investigate and punish those who artificially inflate the price of energy. It ensures the federal government has the tools it needs to adequately respond to energy emergencies and prohibit price gouging – with a priority on refineries and big oil companies.
Status: Passed May 24, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Small Business Bills
During the week of June 18th, the House passed a package of bills that strengthen the Small Business Administration and help grow America’s businesses and economy. These bills also assist veterans and women, and encourage Native American entrepreneurs. They are:

The SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007, H.R. 2359

The Veterans’ Programs Act of 2007, H.R. 2366

The Women’s Business Programs Act of 2007, H.R. 2397

The Native American Small Business Development Act of 2007, H.R. 2284
Status: Passed the week of June 18, 2007
Learn more>>

Patent Reform Act of 2007 - H.R. 1908
The most significant patent legislation in 50 years, this bill will strengthen the patent system and improve patent quality by deterring abusive practices and by creating a more effective system for considering challenges to the validity of patents.
Status: Passed September 7, 2007
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CARING FOR OUR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Promoting Life-Saving Stem Cell Research - H.R. 3/S.5
This research bill increases the number of lines of stem cells that are eligible to be used in federally-funded research. The bill authorizes Health and Human Services (HHS) to support research involving embryonic stem cells meeting certain criteria, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from an embryo. The bill only authorizes the use of stem cell lines generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics.
Status: Passed January 11, 2007
Final version passed by the House on June 7, 2007
The President vetoed this bill on June 20, 2007
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Requiring Medicare to Negotiate Lower Prescription Drug Prices - H.R. 4
This bill repeals the current provision that prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from negotiating with drug companies for lower prices for those enrolled in Medicare prescription drug plans and instead requires the Secretary to conduct such negotiations.
Status: Passed January 12, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Cutting Interest Rates on Student Loans - H.R. 5
This bill makes college more accessible and affordable by cutting the interest rates on subsidized student loans in half – from the current 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent. This significantly cuts the student debt burden of about 5 million students.
Status: Passed January 17, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>

Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act, H.R. 365
This legislation will protect innocent families against the after-effects of methamphetamine production in their neighborhoods by funding meth lab recovery and remediation.
Status: Passed February 7, 2007
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Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act - H.R. 1227
This legislation addresses the housing needs of the survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and is the first of several bills that the House will consider to deal with the unmet needs of the people of the Gulf Coast.
Status: Passed March 21, 2007
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Genetic Nondiscrimination Act – H.R. 493
This legislation will protect personal genetic information from discriminatory use by health insurers and employers.
Status: Passed April 25, 2007
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Improving Head Start Act – H.R. 1429
This legislation will help more children arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed by improving program quality and expanding access to more children.
Status: Passed May 2, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>

Hate Crimes Prevention Act – H.R. 1592
This legislation will provide new resources to help state and local law enforcement agencies prevent and prosecute hate crimes, and closes gaps in current federal hate crimes law.
Status: Passed May 3, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

COPS Improvement Act of 2007 - H.R. 1700
This legislation will provide much needed support to local law enforcement agencies for their community oriented policing (COPS) efforts. This legislation is especially important as local law enforcement agencies struggle with funding gaps to keep officers on the streets.
Status: Passed May 15, 2007
Learn more>>

Child Labor Protection Act of 2007 - H.R. 2637
This legislation would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act by increasing penalties for those who violate child labor provisions. The Fair Labor Standards Act, enacted in 1938, prohibits businesses from employing minors in “oppressive child labor." If businesses violate these laws, they can be fined by the Department of Labor.
Status: Passed June 12, 2007
Learn more>>

National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Improvement Act - H.R. 2640
This legislation enforces the provisions of the 1968 Gun Control Act, and is designed to make the NICS work better by ensuring it has the appropriate records. It requires the transmittal of federal and state records to NICS, and authorizes grants to states over the next three years.
Status: Passed June 13, 2007
Learn more>>

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act - H.R. 2669
This legislation provides the single largest increase in college aid since the GI bill in 1944. The Democratic-led Congress is committed to growing and strengthening America’s middle class, and will ensure that college is affordable for every qualified student who wants to attend. This legislation both expands educational opportunities for our nation’s young people, and is an investment in our workforce that will continue our economic leadership in the world.
Status: Passed July 11, 2007
On September 7, the House passed the final House-Senate agreement, and on September 18 this bill was sent to the President.
Learn more>>

Section 8 Voucher Reform Act - H.R. 1851
The legislation will change Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Section 8 public housing programs - expanding rental assistance opportunities, improving program efficiency, and encouraging family self-sufficiency. The bill expands the number of families receiving vouchers by 20,000 a year for each of the next five years and ensures the program works effectively for the nation’s low income working families with children, elderly and disabled.
Status: Passed July 12, 2007
Learn more>>

The Rural Housing and Economic Development Act of 2007 - H.R. 1982
This bill would improve the quality of life by providing resources to address substandard housing in rural America. It authorizes $30 million for the Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) program for fiscal year 2008, and $40 million for Fiscal Years 2009 through 2013. This program increases and improves capacity building at the state and local level for rural housing and economic development and supports innovative housing and economic development activities in these areas.
Status: Passed July 16, 2007
Learn more >>

Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act - H.R. 2419
This legislation begins to reform farm policy while investing in energy independence, supporting conservation, strengthening nutrition assistance, and recognizing the importance of specialty crops.
Status: Passed July 27, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Children’s Health and Medicare Protection Act (CHAMP) - H.R. 3162
This bill provides health care to 11 million children, reverses the Republican drive to privatize Medicare, and strengthens our Medicare system. The legislation is paid for by a 45 cent tobacco tax increase, which would save billions in health costs and mean that fewer young people and adults take up smoking.
Status: Passed August 1, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Reauthorization Act of 2007 - H.R. 2786
This legislation reauthorizes the Native American Housing Assistance Self Determination Act of 1996 for five years and amends the law to address housing needs of Native Americans. The bill clarifies rules and regulations and makes it easier for tribes to attain affordable housing.
Status: Passed September 6, 2007
Learn more>>

The Expanding Homeownership Act of 2007 - H.R. 1852
This bill will revitalize the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which was established to provide a reliable source of affordable mortgage loans for first-time homebuyers. The bill will enable the FHA to serve more subprime borrowers at affordable rates and terms, to attract borrowers that have turned to predatory loans in recent years, and to offer refinancing to homeowners struggling to meet their mortgage payments in the midst of the current turbulent mortgage markets.
Status: Passed September 18, 2007
Learn more>>

The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act - H.R. 2881
This legislation would modernize the nation's aging air traffic control system, dedicating an increase in the aviation fuel taxes to pay for these improvements. It would modernize airports to reduce flight delays, and protect consumers by reducing over-scheduling and improving the system to address complaints.
Status: Passed September 20, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

Repealing Big Oil Subsidies/Investing in Renewable Fuels - H.R. 6
This bill invests in clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency by repealing billions in subsidies given to big oil companies that are raking in record profits.
Status: Passed January 18, 2007
Learn more>>

Reauthorizing Sewer Overflow Control Grants - H.R. 569
This bill authorizes $1.5 billion in grants to local communities over the next five years to construct treatment works to deal with sewer overflows that often occur after heavy rainfalls. This bill is crucial because sewer overflows represent a major public health hazard.
Status: Passed March 7, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>

Reauthorizing Pilot Program for Increasing Useable Water Supply - H.R. 700
This bill authorizes $125 million to fund projects that increase usable water supply by encouraging innovation in water reclamation, reuse and conservation.
Status: Passed March 8, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>

Reauthorizing Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund - H.R. 720
The Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund is a vital program for state and local governments that addresses critical water infrastructure needs. This bill authorizes a total of $14 billion for the fund over the next four years, ensures clean water and fosters economic development in local communities by helping pay for building and improving wastewater treatment facilities.
Status: Passed March 9, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Advanced Fuels Infrastructure R&D Act - H.R. 547
This legislation will help make alternative biofuels more quickly and affordably, and assists retailers in the transition to clean diesel fuels.
Status: Passed February 17, 2007
Learn more>>

Water Resources Development Act of 2007 - H.R. 1495
This legislation authorizes several projects and studies for the United States Army Corps of Engineers to carry out its major missions of flood control to protect our lives and livelihoods, viable navigation corridors for the movement of goods and services, and ecosystem restoration projects to improve the health of our nation’s environment.
Status: Passed April 19, 2007
Learn more>>

Interior-Environment Appropriations - H.R. 2643
This legislation fully funds the Clean Water Fund that the President proposed cutting by 37 percent, makes improving our national parks, national wildlife refuges, and national forests a key priority, and boosts basic research on climate change by 53 percent.
Status: Passed June 27, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act - H.R. 3221
This legislation will move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, develop innovative new technologies, reduce carbon emissions, create green jobs, protect consumers, increase clean renewable energy production, and modernize our energy infrastructure.
Status: Passed August 4, 2007
Learn more>>

RESTORING ACCOUNTABILITY

Honest Leadership - H.Res. 6
To clean up Washington and sever unethical ties between lawmakers and lobbyists, House Democrats started by banning travel and gifts from lobbyists, requiring full transparency to end the abuse of special interest earmarks, banning travel on corporate jets, shutting down the K Street project, reinstating the strict rules of pay-as-you-go budgeting, and ending the abusive processes that have destroyed democracy in the House of Representatives. These measures are the first steps to ensure that this Congress upholds the highest ethical standards.
Status: Passed January 5, 2007
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Pension Forfeiture Act - H.R. 476
This legislation requires that Members convicted of certain federal offenses forfeit their congressional pension rights.
Status: Passed January 23, 2007

The Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007 - H.R. 1309
This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in a dozen substantive provisions to provide for more timely disclosure of government documents, including restoring the presumption of disclosure to FOIA, helping FOIA requesters obtain timely responses, improving transparency in agency compliance with FOIA, providing an alternative to litigation, and providing accountability for FOIA decisions.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>

Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2007 - H.R. 1255
Under the Presidential Records Act, presidential records are supposed to be released to historians and the public 12 years after the end of a presidential administration. In 2001, President George W. Bush issued an executive order which gave current and former presidents and vice presidents broad authority to withhold presidential records or delay their release indefinitely. The Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2007 nullifies the Bush executive order and establishes procedures to ensure the timely release of presidential records.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2007 - H.R. 1254
This bill requires the disclosure of donors to Presidential libraries. Presidential libraries are built using private funds raised by an organization or foundation working on behalf of the president. Under current law, donations for the presidential library can be unlimited in size and are not required to be disclosed. The bill would require that all organizations established for the purpose of raising funds for presidential libraries or their related facilities report on a quarterly basis all contributions of $200 or more.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007
Learn more>>

Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2007 - H.R. 985
This bill strengthens protections for federal whistleblowers to prevent retaliation against those who report wrongdoing, waste, fraud, or abuse to authorities.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Accountability in Contracting Act - H.R. 1362
This bill changes federal acquisition law to require agencies to limit the use of abuse-prone contracts, to increase transparency and accountability in federal contracting, and to protect the integrity of the acquisition workforce.
Status: Passed March 15, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>

Interim Appointment of U.S. Attorneys – H.R. 580
This legislation will help better ensure the independence of U.S. Attorneys – by repealing a provision in a 2006 statute that grants the Attorney General the authority to make indefinite interim appointments of U.S. Attorneys, who can then serve indefinitely without Senate confirmation.
Status: Passed March 26, 2007
Learn more>>

Taxpayer Protection Act - H.R. 1677
This legislation increases IRS outreach to provide taxpayers with stronger protections from identity theft and tax fraud. The bill simplifies tax filing requirements, strengthens outreach so people know they are entitled to tax refunds or payments under the Earned Income Tax Credit, and it increases taxpayer protections from “predatory” providers.
Status: Passed April 17, 2007
Learn more>>

RECOVER Act – H.R. 1361
This legislation overhauls the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Assistance Program. In response to SBA’s disastrous performance after the 2005 Gulf State hurricanes, this bill provides numerous provisions to improve and strengthen the SBA disaster assistance program.
Status: Passed April 18, 2007
The President opposes in its current form
Learn more>>

D.C. Voting Rights Act – H.R. 1905
This legislation will secure voting rights in the House for the District of Columbia, permanently expanding the U.S. House of Representatives from 435 to 437 seats. This provides a vote to the District of Columbia and a new, at-large seat through the 112th Congress to the state next entitled to increase its congressional representation (which, according to the Census, is Utah).
Status: Passed April 19, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act – H.R. 1257
This bill requires that public companies ensure that shareholders have an annual nonbinding vote on their company’s executive compensation plans. It also requires a nonbinding advisory vote if the company awards a new golden parachute package while simultaneously negotiating the purchase or sale of the company.
Status: Passed April 20, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>

Student Loan Sunshine Act - H.R. 890
In light of mounting evidence of unethical practices in the student loan industry, this legislation cleans up the relationships between student lenders and colleges.
Status: Passed May 9, 2007
Learn more>>

Honest Leadership and Open Government Act – H.R. 2316/S.1
This legislation ends the tight-knit relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers. This is a tough bill that ends the culture of corruption, and restores accountability in Washington, ending the tight-knit relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers and taking another major step toward making the 110th Congress the most open, honest Congress in history. Status: Passed May 24, 2007
Final version passed the House on July 31, 2007
Signed into law by the President on September 15, 2007
Learn more>>

The Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act – S. 214
This bill reinstates the Senate’s role in the U.S. Attorney confirmation process. It is designed to help better ensure the independence of U.S. Attorneys – by repealing a provision in a 2006 statute that grants the Attorney General the authority to make indefinite interim appointments of U.S. Attorneys, who can then serve indefinitely without Senate confirmation.
Status: Passed May 22, 2007
Signed into law by the President on June 16, 2007
Learn more>>

The Federal Housing Finance Reform Act – H.R. 1427
This legislation will overhaul the regulatory oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks, and create a new, independent regulator with broad powers analogous to current banking regulators. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored enterprises, meaning they are both created and chartered by Congress in addition to being private, profit-seeking businesses. It also creates a non-taxpayer financed affordable housing fund, which will dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars for the construction, maintenance and preservation of affordable housing, with the first year of the fund to be dedicated to the hurricane stricken areas of the Gulf Coast, and billions of dollars over the next five years for affordable housing nationwide.
Status: Passed May 22, 2007
Learn more>>

The Lobbying Transparency Act – H.R. 2317
This bill requiring lobbyists who “bundle,” or collect campaign checks for Members of Congress, to meet strict reporting and disclosure guidelines.
Status: Passed May 24, 2007
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Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act - H.R. 1281
This bill will prohibit and punish deceptive practices that aim to keep voters away from the polls on Election Day. This bill protects every American citizen’s right to vote by making voter deception, for the first time, a crime.
Status: Passed June 25, 2007
Learn more>

The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 - H.R. 2900
This legislation reauthorizes the prescription drug user fee for five years and increases the fee in order to allow the FDA to approve life-saving drugs more quickly. The bill makes the most sweeping safety and regulatory changes to the agency in years, adding new surveillance and safety requirements for drugs after they have been approved and marketed.
Status: Passed July 11, 2007
Learn more>>

FDIC Enforcement Enhancement Act - H.R. 2547
To protect consumers nationwide, this legislation will impose penalties on companies that falsely claim to be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This bill protects the integrity and the reputation of the FDIC as well as the millions of consumers that place their trust in the financial regulatory institutions.
Status: Passed July 16, 2007
Learn more>>

Passport Backlog Reduction Act of 2007 - S. 966
The new passport requirements have triggered an enormous passport backlog, with about 3 million pending passport applications that have yet to be processed. This delay has forced Americans to cancel business, leisure trips, and trips for study abroad. This legislation helps eliminate the backlog that is plaguing American travelers. It waives salary restrictions and allows the Department of State to bring back former employees to assist in passport-related duties.
Status: Passed July 16, 2007
Signed into the law by the President on July 30, 2007
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Campaign Expenditure Transparency Act - H.R. 2630
This legislation raises the bar on the ethical standards of Members of Congress by ending the practice of allowing federal office holders and candidates to employ spouses in their campaign. It would also require the disclosure of all other immediate family members who are employed by a candidate’s campaign. In addition, this bill would ban the egregious practice involving the spouse of an elected official earning commissions for fundraising activity. In those situations, the candidate or elected official personally pockets a percentage of all campaign funds raised by their spouse.
Status: Passed July 23, 2007
Learn more>>

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act - H.R. 2831
This legislation rectifies the recent Supreme Court decision that makes it harder for workers to pursue pay discrimination claims. The bill simply restores the longstanding interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – that each paycheck that results from a discriminatory decision is itself a discriminatory act that resets the clock on the 180-day period within which a worker must file.
Status: Passed July 31, 2007
The President has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

Honest Leadership, Open Government Act - S. 1
This is tough legislation designed to end the culture of corruption and restore accountability in Washington. The bill ends the tight-knit relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers and takes another major step toward making the 110th Congress the most open, honest Congress in history. This legislation will bring unprecedented transparency to lobbyists’ activities and is another major step to change the way business is done in Washington.
Status: Passed July 31, 2007
Signed into the law by the President on September 15, 2007
Learn more>>

Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act - H.R. 180
In continuing efforts to address the genocide and humanitarian crisis in Darfur, the House passed legislation that will require the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a list of companies whose business activities in Sudan directly support the genocidal practices of the regime in Khartoum.
Status: Passed July 31, 2007
Learn more>>

http://speaker.gov/legislation/
http://speaker.gov/legislation/
http://speaker.gov/legislation/

http://speaker.gov/legislation/
http://speaker.gov/legislation/

http://speaker.gov/legislation/

now this should be a great movie:

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Robert Redford is attached to direct "Against All Enemies," an adaptation of Richard A. Clarke's best-selling memoir about the Bush administration's handling of the al-Qaeda threat before and after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Clarke, a former U.S. terrorism czar, offered the ultimate insider's account into the nation's security apparatus, featuring a cast of power brokers including President Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Clarke.

The book was published in March 2004 by Free Press and hit No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller list, fueling intense criticism over the administration's security failures and its decision to go to war with Iraq.

MSNBC does another hack job on Democrats.

Scarbouroug is lying like a rug saying "the anti-war party can not promise to get the troops out by 2010." ALL Democratic candidates have plans to get the troops out in a reasonable amount of time. The just differ on the details.

Democrats should take MSNBC to court and the FCC for spread misinformation on public stations. Once again, MSNBC crosses the line.

Morning big,

Thanks for posting the information on the bills before Congress. Isn't it disgusting the number of bills that chimp opposes? When one considers that he didn't veto a single bill under the 109th congress his threatened vetoes really piss me off.

Morning gregg,

It's 45 here again this morning. We are having really pleasant days.

There is a NEW OPEN THREAD.