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April 30, 2009
April 30: In the News
Congress
- Rep. Paul Ryan (R) says in an interview that most members of his party think former Senator Norm Coleman lost the Senate Race.
- Rep. Eric Cantor (R) a leading opponent to the President's stimulus plan, voting against it, is now touting projects and jobs the legislation will bring to his district and region.
Party of No Supporters
- Only 20% of Americans now identify as Republicans.
- Think the above numbers are off? The Washington Post has their own poll in which only 21% of Americans think of themselves as Republicans.
Marriage Equality
- The Maine Senate has passed a bill granting marriage equality by a vote of 20-15. The Senate vote was expected to be close and appears as though it will pass the Maine House of Representatives with even more support.
- Maine's action follows their neighbor New Hampshire who yesterday passed their own marriage equality bill in the state Senate. That bill is similarly on its way to the state House where it also is expected to pass.
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 29, 2009
President Obama live at 8pm Eastern
Tonight the President will deliver his third presidential news conference at 8pm eastern. The video will stream live once the conference starts;
Congressional Updates: Budget passes, Scott Murphy sworn in
- The House and Senate both passed a final budget. While each earlier passed their own budget's supporting the President's programs, today's votes finish the process by passing the same bill. Gov. Kaine released a statement applauding the passage;
“Facing the worst economic crisis in decades, President Obama took the oath of office 100 days ago with a bold agenda to turn our economy around, get Americans back to work and lay a solid foundation for future economic growth and prosperity. And he has done just that. The budget passed today by Congress affirms and supports that vision and addresses the President’s fundamental priorities: halving the deficit over the next four years, providing quality, affordable health care to Americans, improving education investing in the clean energy revolution while reducing our dependence on foreign oil."
- Earlier today our newest member of the House of Representatives Scott Murphy (NY-20) was sworn into office;
House passes Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Today the House of Representatives passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. The bill now awaits a vote in the Senate, which could happen this week. The NAACP has a good review on what this bill covers;
Currently, the federal government is allowed to intervene in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes only if they occur on federal property or if the victim was participating in one of six very specific activities, such as voting. The “Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act” (H.R. 1913, introduced by Congressman John Conyers, MI) would expand existing hate crime prevention laws and allow the federal government to assist the local authorities in the investigation and prosecution of crimes motivated by hate, regardless of where or what the victim was doing at the time the crime occurred. It would also expand the definition of a hate crime to include those motivated by the victim’s disability, gender or sexual orientation and it would provide money to states to develop hate crime prevention programs.
Last night the White House released this press release on the importance of Congress passing this legislation;
This week, the House of Representatives is expected to consider H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. I urge members on both sides of the aisle to act on this important civil rights issue by passing this legislation to protect all of our citizens from violent acts of intolerance – legislation that will enhance civil rights protections, while also protecting our freedom of speech and association. I also urge the Senate to work with my Administration to finalize this bill and to take swift action.
And earlier today Gov. Kaine released this statement;
“The House of Representatives took an important step today to close gaps in federal hate crimes law and ensure further protections for all American citizens who fall victim to violent crimes of intolerance. The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act allocates crucial federal resources to assist states and local law enforcement in their efforts to prevent and prosecute hate crimes, while also maintaining individuals’ rights to freedom of speech and association. More than 300 organizations representing law enforcement, civic, civil rights and religious groups have voiced their strong support for this long-overdue legislation. I congratulate the House of Representatives, and I urge the Senate to take swift action on this important civil rights issue so that the President may sign the bill into law.”
Highlights from the President's town hall in Missouri
The White House Blog has a nice retrospective look at the event.
President Obama live at 8pm
Tonight the President will deliver his third presidential news conference at 8pm eastern. This video will stream live once the conference starts;
In the News
Stimulus Funds
- Delware announces stimulus funding projects; "Delaware officials say $19.5 million in federal stimulus funds will go toward updating local water infrastructure and help create jobs. The state informed the federal government in an application the money would go toward projects in Wilmington, Greenwood, Smyrna, Millsboro, Seaford and Bridgeville."
- Alaska small businesses benefiting from stimulus funds;
The head of Renewable Energy Systems says he's seen a big boost in business since a tax credit in the legislation passed, and he voted for the McCain-Palin ticket.
"I am a Republican, but we do have a new president and we have to support that president," Marvin Kuentzel said. "And the verdict's not out whether the stimulus package will work, but for now it's directly impacted my business and with that I'm going to make the best of it."
- The South Carolina state senate voted 30-13 to approve their budget which would use federal stimulus money. This vote is essentially a challenge to Gov. Sanford (R) who has strongly opposed accepting federal money in order to further his political ambition.
Senator Arlen Specter
- Via sfagte.com; "Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell said Specter's move posed "a threat to the country" by giving the Democrats too much power."
- Via Washington Post's Post Partisan;
"Moderates like Specter have been run out of what, as November's election showed, has become a niche regional party in thrall to its far right wing."
"Meanwhile, the GOP hasn't coalesced around any ideas that weren't born in the Reagan years." - Via the AP; "With Sen. Arlen Specter's switch to the Democrats, the Republican Party is increasingly at risk of being viewed as a mostly Southern and conservative party, an identity that might take years to overcome."
State Parties
- Wyoming has a new Democratic Party Chair; "Newly elected Wyoming Democratic Party Chairwoman Leslie Petersen says she wants to better promote the image of the state Democratic Party."
Secretary Sebelius and Ambassador Hill
The Senate has been busy with confirmation hearings and votes on President Obama's nominees. Two important nominees have been confirmed by the Senate. Yesterday they confirmed Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This confirmation now completes the President's cabinet;
Sebelius, a former insurance commissioner, will lead Obama's push to enact by the end of this year an overhaul of the $2.5 trillion U.S. healthcare industry, one of the main political goals of his administration.
Also last week the Senate approved the President's nominee for Ambassador to Iraq, Christopher Hill;
The Senate on Tuesday easily confirmed the nomination of Christopher Hill as the next U.S. ambassador to Iraq, brushing aside strong opposition from 2008 GOP presidential nominee John McCain.
Senators voted 73-23 to confirm Hill, a day after approval of a key process vote, by a similar margin, had made it clear that Hill had widespread support in the Senate. Nevertheless, Republicans Sam Brownback of Kansas and McCain had blocked the chamber from short-cutting the process.
Sen. Kerry was a strong advocate for Ambassador Hill throughout the process;
“He is one of the best diplomats we have in our country,” Kerry said of Hill. “Despite the significant security improvements, Iraq remains in a precarious state, and we need our ambassador on the ground immediately.”
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 28, 2009
Welcoming Sen. Specter to the Democratic Party
Earlier today Senator Arlen Specter left the Republican Party and he is now a Democrat.
A Republican for 43 years, Senator Specter has chosen to leave a party that he says has moved far to the right and join Senate Democrats as they work with President Obama to turn our country and our economy around.
Senator Specter courageously supported the President's economic recovery package -- setting politics aside to create solutions to America's problems.
President Obama tells Sen. Specter we are "thrilled to have you."
Read Gov. Kaine's statement welcoming Sen. Specter with open arms
President Obama presents the National Teacher of the Year award
The video feed has finished. We will try to get coverage of today's event.
Today President Obama presented the National Teacher of the Year Award to Tony Mullen from the ARCH School in Greenwich, Connecticut;
Mullen's sense of humor was one of many traits that students at Greenwich's alternative high school cited as an effective teaching tool Monday, after learning that the science and electives teacher would be named the "2009 National Teacher of the Year" by President Obama today at the White House. The award program, now in its 59th year, is sponsored by the non-profit Council of Chief State School Officers.
In choosing Mullen, council officials cited his extensive public-service career, both as a New York City police officer and narcotic agent for 20 years and then as a special-needs teacher for the past seven.
However, students and staff at ARCH, which serves teens with emotional and behavioral issues, pointed to a much more personal side to Mullen's work in the classroom.
WaPo: Sen. Specter switching parties
via Washington Post;
"I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary," said Specter in a statement. "I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election."
Morning Open Thread
Good Morning.
April 27, 2009
DNC Ad - Foundation for Change
64% of Minnesotans want Coleman to concede
Former Senator Norm Coleman (R) continues to lose support in the state and now almost two-thirds of Minnesotans think he should concede the race and let Minnesota have two Senators fighting for them. Via the Star Tribune;
A new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll has found that 64 percent of those responding believe Coleman, the Republican, should accept the recount trial court's April 13 verdict that Democrat Franken won the race by 312 votes.
Only 28 percent consider last week's appeal by Coleman to the Minnesota Supreme Court "appropriate."
April 25, 2009: Weekly Presidential Address
In this week's address the President talks about government being more responsible in spending and operations. This is part of what he calls "building a new foundation for the 21st century."
The real Monday morning open thread
Looks like the open thread got confused over the weekend. Happy Monday everyone!
April 26, 2009
Monday Morning Open Thread
Morning open thread
April 25, 2009
Weekend Open Thread
Hello Saturday.
April 24, 2009
DNC Chairman Tim Kaine's Statement On Scott Murphy's Victory in NY-20
DNC Chairman Tim Kaine praised Democrat Scott Murphy's victory over Republican Jim Tedisco in the special election for New York's 20th Congressional District, calling his win in a heavily Republican leaning district a demonstration of broad support for President Obama's leadership and the President's efforts to turn the economy around and create jobs.
"Scott Murphy's long-awaited victory is proof positive that Americans, even in this heavily Republican district, support the President and want him to succeed and the result is a repudiation of the failed policies of the past touted by Republicans," said Kaine. "Republicans decided to make this race a referendum on President Obama's leadership of the economy and his jobs and economic recovery plan - and given the result we are thankful that they did. Scott Murphy embraced President Obama's approach to the economy and his message of change while his opponent embraced the politics of division and the failed economic policies that got our country into the mess we find ourselves in today. While the Republican Party and its candidates appear to have learned nothing from recent elections and the nation's obvious desire for change, I commend the voters in New York 20 for supporting Scott and giving the President another strong ally for change as the Obama Administration moves forward with its plans to reform healthcare, invest in clean energy and improve education.”
Update: As Chris Hass points out on the Organizing For America blog that thousands of the President's supporters made phone calls and walked door to door in the closing weeks of the election. Shortly after Jim Tedisco conceded President Obama released the following statement.
I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Congressman-elect Scott Murphy for his victory in New York's 20th Congressional District. With this hard fought win, Scott has shown he is willing to fight the tough battles on behalf of the people in his district.
As a candidate, Scott courageously championed the economic plans we need to lift our nation and put it on a better path, and he will continue to do so in Congress. With his proven record of creating high paying jobs and standing up for Upstate New York, Scott will bring to the nation’s capitol the change New Yorkers need.
You can use the comments below to congratulate Scott Murphy, and wish him good luck as the newest member of Congress . . .
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 23, 2009
NY-20 special election updates
After more absentee ballots have been counted Scott Murphy's (D) lead has grown once again. He now holds a 401 vote lead per Dan Isaacs said;
"We're not even the loyal opposition at this point. Tedisco appears not able to pull out a victory in an overwhelmingly Republican district; to me that's the final indignancy."
Former Rep. Tom Reynolds;
Former GOP congressman Tom Reynolds, who recently headed the party's campaign committee, is the latest Republican voice skeptical that Jim Tedisco will be able to overcome a 273-vote deficit to Scott Murphy in the New York special election.Reynolds, who chaired the National Republican Congressional Committee from 2002-2006, told POLITICO that Democrats did a better job of turning out their vote despite being outnumbered by registered Republicans in the district.
Roll Call is now running with this story Source: Tedisco Abandons Hope of Winning in N.Y.
GOP: 100 Days of No
Today we released a new video marking nearly 100 days of the ‘Party of No.’ From our press release;
"While the President and Democrats in Congress have spent the first 100 days working to save or create 3.5 million jobs, provide working Americans the largest tax cut in history, extend unemployment benefits to those hit hardest by the recession, make health care more affordable, reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil and invest in our nation's schools, the Republicans have chosen the same partisan politics that voters roundly rejected last November."
Morning Open Thread
Morning open thread.
April 22, 2009
Earth Day Items
- DNC Chairman Kaine released a statement celebrating Earth Day
- Organizing For America is holding a live chat with Majora Carter at 1PM Eastern on green jobs. Check out Majora's website. The live chat is over but you can still read the questions and answers
- Van Jones, the Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for the White House has a video out for Earth Day;
- Sec. of the Interior Salazer has a video out today announcing 750 national parks projects, creating 30,000-40,000 new jobs starting this summer;
Earth Day Open Thread
Good morning! What are you doing for Earth Day?
Gaylord Anton Nelson (June 4, 1916 – July 3, 2005) was an American Democratic politician from Wisconsin. He was the principal founder of Earth Day. In 1970, he called for Congressional hearings on the safety of combined oral contraceptive pills, which were famously called "The Nelson Pill Hearings." As a result of the hearings, side-effect disclosure was required for the pill in patient inserts – the first such disclosure for a pharmaceutical drug.
April 21, 2009
Meet the new GOP
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
This afternoon, President Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. The national service bill dramatically increases the size of the AmeriCorps service program over the next eight years, expands ways for students to earn money for college, and creates opportunities for all Americans to serve in the communities. The President was joined by Senator Kennedy, President Bill Clinton, the Congressional leaders who supported the legislation, and countless others dedicated to passage of the bill at the SEED School, where service is a core part of the curriculum.
In his remarks, the President spoke of the importance of service and the opportunities this act will create, while announcing a major new call to service:
Keep reading "Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act "
New DNC web ad
Morning Open Thread
Good morning everyone.
April 20, 2009
April 18, 2009: Weekly Presidential Address
The President used this week's address to explain how his Administration is cutting costs and wasteful spending. Additionally he introduces two appointments to his Administration, Jeffrey Zients as Chief Performance Officer and Aneesh Chopra as Chief Technology Officer.
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 18, 2009
Weekend Open Thread
Hello Saturday!
April 17, 2009
NY-20: Friday Absentee ballot updates
Late last night news came out that Tedisco (R) has asked the courts to declare him the winner of the Congressional race. The only problem was at the time of the filing he was losing by 178 votes to Scott Murphy (D).
Despite Tedisco's efforts to crown himself the winner election officials continue to actually count ballots. The same problem persists for Tedisco. Scott Murphy's lead keeps growing.
Friday, 10AM
Scott Murphy (D): 79,722
Jim Tedisco (R): 79,458
Difference: 264
Sen. Gillibrand's vote has also officially been counted. And via a blogger on DailyKos this is one of the best wrap ups of where we are at;
7141 total ballots, 127 void (or "set-aside"), 1652 challenged, 2554 for Murphy and 2265 for Tedisco, 543 left to count (126 in Dutchess, and 417 in Warren). We are about 92% done phase one and then will have about 1790 challenged ballots to start examining to either void them or count them. We also have about 51 "set-aside" ballots left in one or more counties (other than Columbia) that could be counted today if all the people required to do it can get together and agree to do it.
Al Won
Download the flyer. Show your support and send in your photos.
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
As of last night these were the new results in NY-20:
Scott Murphy (D): 79,452
Jim Tedisco (R): 79,274
Difference: 178
April 16, 2009
Minnesotan's support Al Franken
Two new updates in the Minnesota Senate race directly from Minnesotan voters. First a new poll from Public Policy Polling shows that 63% of Minnesota voters think former Senator Norm Coleman should concede the race and let Al Franken be seated in the Senate.
Second, the DNC reached out to Minnesotans yesterday and offered them a flyer they could download and display in their community to show their support for Al Franken. The flyer echos what the majority of Minnesotans are saying "Concede Norm. Al Won." If you have hung up your flyer or seen them in your neighborhood send us a digital photo.
DNC Chairman Kaine on local Minneapolis news
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 15, 2009
NY-20: Absentee ballot updates
Yesterday was the extended deadline for overseas military ballots to be submitted in the ongoing race for Sen. Gillibrand's open Congressional Seat. Here is a collection of key updates and results thus far;
- Saratoga County has completed their count which has netted Republican candidate Tedisco 168 votes. Saratoga is Tedisco's base and he was expected to make major gains here
- Washington County has finally reported their full results which have netted Democratic candidate Scott Murphy 81 votes
- Columbia, Warren and Dutchess Counties have not completed their counts yet and Murphy carried all of these counties in the returns on election night
- And via the DCCC; "A Dutchess county judge ruled this afternoon that most of the 1,200 challenged absentee ballots were cast legally, and will need to be included in the count. Since Tedisco's campaign has objected to a majority of these ballots, Murphy is expected to further increase his lead as they are counted."
- One of those ballots Tedisco is challenging is from Sen. Gillibrand, no joke
So here is where we stand at the moment;
Murphy (D): 79,105
Tedisco (R): 79,019
update: (jonah): As of 11AM Murphy now leads by 167
update: (jonah): As of 4PM Murphy now leads by 178
The DNC calls on Norm Coleman to concede
Following the judges ruling Monday evening declaring Al Franken the winner of the Senate race the DNC is now running ads in Minneapolis and St. Paul calling on former Senator Norm Coleman to concede. Listen to our ad;
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 14, 2009
Chairman Kaine on Hardball
Today on Hardball, DNC Chairman Kaine called on Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty to certify Al Franken as the winner of the Senate race and said that Norm Coleman should concede. Kaine also said that the GOP is foot-dragging in order to prevent another vote in Senate for President Obama's agenda. Watch:
President Obama Economic Speech at Georgetown: "A New Foundation"
In Georgetown this morning, President Obama gave a major speech on the progress that has been made so far with the administration's efforts to address the economic crisis, as well as his underlying vision for a long-term recovery. This speech was, in the President's words, a chance to discuss "what we've done, why we've done it, and what we have left to do."
Keep reading "President Obama Economic Speech at Georgetown: "A New Foundation""
President Obama to Deliver Major Economic Speech at 11:30 AM EST
This morning, President Obama will be delivering a major speech on the economy, outlining how each step his administration has taken to confront the economic crisis fits within the broader vision of moving the economy from recession to recovery and ultimately to prosperity. The President's speech is scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM EST. We'll have more shortly.
update: Organizing For America has the stream (jonah)
update: The White House has audio (jonah)
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 13, 2009
MN-Sen: Franken declared the winner
The three judge panel presiding over the Minnesota Senate race hearing tonight declared Al Franken the winner of the race. via KSTP;
Over five months after the election, a three-judge panel has declared Democrat Al Franken the winner of the Minnesota U.S. Senate race.
The judges--Hennepin County's Denise Reilly, Pennington County's Kurt Marben and Stearns County's Elizabeth Hayden--issued their final ruling late Monday, stating "Franken received the highest number of lawfully cast ballots in the Nov. 4, 2008 general election."
They also determined that Franken is entitled to receive the certificate of election.
Once again another court ruling, following the election night totals, shows Al Franken as the recipients of the most votes in the Senate race. Former Senator Coleman's lawyer have indicated they will now appeal this decision to the Minnesota Supreme Court.
update: DNC Chairman Tim Kaine has released a statement on the court's declaration of Franken as the winner of the Senate race;
“Enough is enough,” said Kaine. “It is time for Norm Coleman to concede and for Al Franken to be sworn in as the next U.S. Senator from Minnesota. The voters of Minnesota months ago elected Al Franken to the Senate – and during every step in the legal process that judgment has been confirmed. Norm Coleman’s own legal challenge resulted in more votes for Al Franken and now a three judge panel has ruled Al Franken the winner. Former Senator Coleman’s insistence on continuing his quixotic quest for this seat at best shows that he is putting his own political ambition ahead of the people and worst that he is complicit in an effort by national Republicans to deny Al Franken this seat for as long as possible so there is one less Democratic vote for President Obama’s agenda for change.
April 11, 2009: Weekly Presidential Address
In his weekly address President Obama discusses both the global challenges and also the opportunity we face. He shares his remarks as many in the world were coming together to celebrate Passover and Easter.
Monday Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 11, 2009
Weekend Open Thread
Hello Saturday.
April 10, 2009
Morning Open Thread
Happy Friday!
April 9, 2009
President Obama hosting a Seder at the White House
The President will be hosting a small group of friends and staff for tonight's Seder, a first at the White House;
On Thursday, when he hosts a Seder at the White House, Obama will not only be fulfilling that hope shared during his campaign, he will also become the first sitting president to attend, let alone host, the Jewish ritual feast at the executive mansion.
“To break Matzo, so to speak, in the official White House dining room is historic,” said William Daroff, the director of the Washington office of United Jewish Community.
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 8, 2009
President Obama Establishes White House Office of Health Reform
With the ultimate goal of providing all Americans access to affordable and high-quality health care, President Obama today issued an executive order establishing the White House Office of Health Reform. The opening section of the order states:
Reforming the health care system is a key goal of my Administration. The health care system suffers from serious and pervasive problems; access to health care is constrained by high and rising costs; and the quality of care is not consistent and must be improved, in order to improve the health of our citizens and our economic security.
The new White House Office of Health Reform will:
... provide leadership to the executive branch in establishing policies, priorities, and objectives for the Federal Government's comprehensive effort to improve access to health care, the quality of such care, and the sustainability of the health care system.
Today's statement is an important signal that work on health care reform, one of the top prioriites of the Obama Administration, has begun.
Read the full text of the executive order establishing the White House Office of Health Reform . . .
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 7, 2009
MN-Sen: Franken extends lead over Coleman
This morning Minnesota opened and counted about 350 formerly rejected ballots in the on going Senate election case. Once again the results of the panel benefited Democrat Al Franken and he continued to extend his lead over former Senator Coleman (R). The Star Tribune explains the outcome;
Franken captured 198 of the ballots, while Coleman took 111. The ballots added 87 votes to Franken’s recount lead, enlarging his margin over Coleman to 312.
The result makes it even more likely that, barring an unforeseen circumstance, Franken will prevail in the election lawsuit that Coleman filed in January to contest the Democrat's 225-vote recount lead. The three-judge panel presiding over the case has not said when it will issue a final decision.
Vermont legislature overturns Governor veto of same sex marriage
Minutes ago the Vermont House overturned Governor Douglas' (R) veto of their marriage equality bill. The veto override passed by a final vote of 100-49. They were preceded by the Vermont Senate's vote early this morning to overturn the Governor's veto which passed 23-5.
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 6, 2009
President Obama's Tour of Europe
The President has been traveling throughout Europe for several days and meeting with numerous foreign leaders to discuss alliances and collaboration on global issues. The trip started at the G-20 Summit in London and moved onto a a series of discussions including a NATO meeting in Germany, a town hall discussion on US-European relations in France, an address on the elimination of nuclear weapons in the Czech Republic and an address to the Grand Assembly on "partnership with the Muslim world" while in Turkey. You can see and read portions of the President's remarks below;
G20 Summit Remarks
Press Conference with Prime Minister Brown
Town Hall in Strasbourg, France
NATO Meeting, Germany
Read the full remarks here.Prague, Czech Republic
Read the full remarks here.Turkish Grand Assembly
Read the remarks here.April 4, 2009: Weekly Presidential Address
President Obama prepared this weeks remarks while abroad for the G20 Summit and visits to several European countries. President Obama discusses the importance of our involvement with the global community to form alliances as well as addressing global challenges.
Morning Open Thread
Happy Monday everyone.
April 4, 2009
Weekend Open Thread
Hello weekend.
April 3, 2009
WSJ: Budget Vote a "Significant Victory"
From the Wall Street Journal:
The House and Senate Thursday approved their versions of a fiscal 2010 budget that included President Barack Obama's biggest priorities, giving the president a significant victory as he works to shift the government's direction from the Bush era.
Democrats made some changes in Mr. Obama's $3.6 trillion budget, but kept intact the core of Mr. Obama's plans for increased spending on health care, energy and education, setting up fierce fights on those issues later this year....The House and Senate now must craft a compromise. Along with the $787 billion stimulus enacted in February, the approval of the 2010 budget by both chambers is a substantial boost to the president's agenda.
From the New York Times:
Democrats said the two budgets, which will have to be reconciled after a two-week Congressional recess, cleared the way for health care, energy and education overhauls pushed by the new president. The Democrats said the budgets reversed what they portrayed as the failed economic approach of the Bush administration and Republican-led Congresses.
“This responsible budget will start cleaning up the mistakes of the past and make critical investments in our future,” Senator Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada and the majority leader, said.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said Democrats would like to find consensus with Republicans, but not at the expense of the infusion of federal money that the majority calls crucial in a time of economic distress.
“The American people want us to find our common ground where we can, but they did not send us here to split the difference,” Ms. Pelosi said. “They want real change, and we have come here to make a difference.”
POLITICO also noted that despite the fact that no Republican in either chamber voted for the budget:
...the 233-196 House vote surpassed the size of budget victories for either party over the last decade. And Democrats lost only two of their members on the 55-43 vote in the Senate.
Congress is now in recess until Monday, April 20th.
"An important step forward"
Early this morning the Senate followed the House of Representatives in successfully passing their own version of the fiscal year 2010 budget resolution. At the conclusion of the Senate vote, President Obama released the following statement:
"Tonight, the Senate has joined the House of Representatives in taking an important step toward rebuilding our struggling economy. This budget resolution embraces our most fundamental priorities: an energy plan that will end our dependence on foreign oil and spur a new clean energy economy; an education system that will ensure our children will be able to compete in the economy of the 21st century; and health care reform that finally confronts the back-breaking costs plaguing families, businesses and government alike."
House and Senate members will now move to conference committee, where they will work out differences between their two respective versions.
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
Supporters across the country are continuing to call their congressional members to express their support for the commitments to health reform, education and energy independence that President Obama outlined in his budget proposal. There is still time to contact your representatives and let them know where you stand:
April 2, 2009
House passes the President's budget
The House of Representatives has just passed the President's budget by a final vote of 233-196. The Republican Party of No voted unanimously against the budget.
update
The White House has released the following statement from the President;
"Tonight, the House of Representatives took another step toward rebuilding our struggling economy. This budget resolution embraces our most fundamental priorities: an energy plan that will end our dependence on foreign oil and spur a new clean energy economy; an education system that will ensure our children will be able to compete in the economy of the 21st century; and health care reform that finally confronts the back-breaking costs plaguing families, businesses and government alike. And by making hard choices and challenging the old ways of doing business, we will cut in half the budget deficit we inherited within four years. With this vote comes an obligation to pursue our efforts to go through the budget line-by-line, searching for additional savings. Like the families we serve, we must cut the things we don't need to invest in those we do."
We still need your help to get the Senate to pass the budget. Call your Senators and ask them to support health reform, education and energy independence that President Obama outlined in his budget proposal. There is still time to contact your Senators and let them know where you stand:
"Special Delivery"
Under the headline "Special Delivery," the National Journal has more on yesterday's event on Capitol Hill:
Organizing For America dispatched 200 volunteers today to Capitol Hill armed with citizen pledges supporting Pres. Obama's budget.
"Look at this, I got goosebumps when I saw it," said Caroline Joss, a Washington, DC, resident, when she wandered into OFA's makeshift dispatch center at Democratic National Committee headquarters. "It's evidence of how you keep volunteers mobilized and pushing an agenda."
Stacked neatly in small bundles and wrapped in rope bows, the pledges were organized by district and stacked on tables in the room usually reserved for party press conferences. At the front of the room on a flat screen television hovered the Obama campaign 'O' - the rising sun over the red and white horizon. Volunteers streamed in and out, picking up the computerized pledges, which featured citizen names, cities, states and zip codes, but not actual signatures.
... Volunteers were assigned House members, provided with addresses and sent on their way, and then, if their schedules allowed, they'd return for another shipment. The Senate pledges were boxed by state, awaiting the vetting required of all mail to members, said Mitch Stewart, OFA director.
One commonality among volunteers who turned out is that they were highly engaged in the campaign. Joss said she worked in Manassas during the general election to help turn the Commonwealth blue. Mayberry, a federal government worker who took the day off to participate, created a Web site for Obama.
... Ken Schulz, a PA field staffer for Obama during the campaign, noted that before this campaign, a newly elected president would say, "thank you, I'll take it from here." But Obama is proving with OFA that he wants more from his volunteers than just their votes, Shulz said.
"It's more about supporting the guy that I busted 120 hours a week for," said Schulz, who lives in Arlington and found out about today's event on My.BarackObama.com. "I didn't work that hard to see what he ultimately achieved fail."
The National Journal also noted that Rep. Anh Joseph Cao (R-LA) was the Republican whose district produced the most signatures. Rep. Cao is notably one of the few Republican representatives who has publicly said that he may vote in favor of the President's budget. In all, over 640,000 individual pledges will be delivered to congressional representatives over the course of the day.
In the meantime, supporters across the country are continuing to call their congressional members to express their support for the commitments to health reform, education and energy independence that President Obama outlined in his budget proposal. There is still time to contact your representatives and let them know where you stand:
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
April 1, 2009
Going All In
The Senate is scheduled to wrap up the first round of debate on the budget today, and the House is set to begin. Pictured above are the boxes of pledges in support of the President's budget, waiting to be taken across the street to their respective Senators (pledges for members of the House are in a second pile, spread throughout the room). In all, these pledges represent over 640,000 messages to members of Congress in support of real investments in health care, education and alternative energy.
We're down to the wire now, in what amounts to a big test not only for President Obama, but for the entire movement you helped build.
Organizing for America Deputy Director Jeremy Bird sent out this message this morning:
In the last month, people like you have worked to build support for the President's plan in your own communities and in Congress -- and we can't thank you enough -- but it's not too late to go all the way in our fight to make this budget a reality.
With a vote in Congress imminent, the President needs your help to engage Americans by letting them know that this is their last, best chance to play a role in this important fight.
Sign into our online tool and ask fellow supporters across the country to call their elected representatives before Thursday's vote.
With an easy-to-read script and a targeted list of people to call, our tool makes calling others simple -- in fact, supporters like you have helped make thousands of calls in the past few days, and they haven't let up yet.
In Fairmont, West Virginia, James has already made over 1,000 calls to fellow supporters. Here's what he has to say about his experience:
"The response has been good -- a majority of the calls have been very positive. And by making these calls, we're educating the general public about how important this budget is in solving the slumping economy."
Sammy from Kyle, Texas, had this to say about his calls to supporters:
"Many were eager to take down the numbers and said they would call. Many were quick to say they support the proposed budget priorities by the President and were happy to lend a voice of support."
It's crucial that people know what's at stake and what they can do to make a difference right now. By calling your fellow citizens, you can help ensure that the debate in Washington is shaped by the ordinary Americans it will affect the most.
Log on now and ask fellow supporters to contact their representatives.Thank you,
Jeremy
In the end this budget affects all of us, and the debate in Washington should include all of our voices.
Sí Se Puede: Remembering Cesar Chavez
President Obama, commemorating Cesar Chavez on what would have been his 82nd birthday yesterday:
Cesar Chavez's legacy as an educator, environmentalist, and as a civil rights leader who struggled for fair treatment and fair wages for America's workers is important for every American to remember.Having begun as a farmworker, Cesar Chavez eventually co-founded the United Farm Workers and struggled to provide hundreds of thousands of people with better working conditions and the chance to live a better life. The cause of fair treatment and fair wages for America’s workers lives on today through the work of countless others.
Chavez’s rallying cry, “Sí Se Puede” – “Yes We Can,” was more than a slogan, it was an expression of hope and a rejection of those who said farmworkers could not organize, and could not take on the growers. Through his courage, Cesar Chavez taught us that a single voice could change our country, and that together, we could make America a stronger, more just, and more prosperous nation.
Sí Se Puede. Yes We Can.
Morning Open Thread
Good morning.
