The Waxman Cometh

[CorpGovActivist]

http://oversight.house.gov/investigations.asp?Issue=Iraq+Reconstruction

http://oversight.house.gov/

http://oversight.house.gov/hearings.asp

: )

- Dave

[kineneb]

1. goody

and glad to see you here again

[CorpGovActivist]

2. Slowly But Surely...

... I'm on the mend.

All I want for my birthday is to hear the sound of Waxman's opening gavel.

- Dave

[Mandate My Ass]

5. Sorry to hear you were sick

Happy birthday and I hope you get your wish. I'll gldly take it as a belated birthday gift myself. :-)

[CorpGovActivist]

12. One to Grow on...

... maybe Waxman will give W "one to grow on" when he gives him a spanking (by the Constitution's birthday).

- Dave

[midnight]

58. Hi Dave. When is your Birthday?

So happy to see one of your posts.

[CorpGovActivist]

71. Sooner Than I'd Like

; )

Identity theft/mix-ups does/do happen, ya know: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1269476/000126947606000004/0001269476-06-000004-index.htm

:rofl:

- Dave

[LouisianaLiberal]

3. Thanks.

Good info.

[CorpGovActivist]

6. A Nice Facelift

The websites of certain key committees look like the cobwebs have been dusted off, and are open for The People's business again.

I heard of one news organization that took screen shots of the "before" and "after" of some committee websites, to do a story on how Congress has been transformed by the mid-terms.

; )

- Dave

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

7. Congressional Cleaning of the House.

Sounds great! Nice to see you posting again.

WootWoot Waxman!!!!

[babylonsister]

Yay! And thanks, Dave. Nice to see you posting again;

heal fast!

[CorpGovActivist]

14. Nice to Be...

... up and about.

- Dave

[Independent_Liberal]

4. Cool! Thanks CGA!

BTW, I emailed Waxman recently and asked for hearings on the Sibel Edmonds FBI whistleblower case.

[CorpGovActivist]

9. I'll Have to Read up on That...

... thanks for the tip.

- Dave

[hootinholler]

19. *IF* we can get an actual investigation into that...

It will uncover the mother-lode of leads into all manner of subversion, sedition and treason. I fear her story is too hot to handle for any committee.

-Hoot

[cascadiance]

39. Good for you! I got a call back from his office yesterday on US Attorney "purge"...

I alerted him to the problem here in San Diego where the prosecutor that nailed Duke Cunningham is being asked to step down for spurious reasons, and many other Attorneys are being fired across the country now too, with Dianne Feinstein expressing concern about this. Seems like the new Patriot Act allows Bushco to nominate replacements without Senate approval. Saturday Night Massacre all over again.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2685750&mesg_id=2685750

I got an email back later that day that my email with info, etc. is going to be reviewed by the Oversight committee after I mailed it to their office later, so hopefully that will become a line item on the list in the link above later!

Waxman is Da Man! I wish we had someone close to him as our congress person down here!

[mucifer]

8. This is great! Too bad New Orleans investigations are under Lieberman's

committee and he's protecting bush.

[CorpGovActivist]

10. Waxman's Concurrent Jurisdiction - Katrina

http://oversight.house.gov/story.asp?ID=1097

; )

- Dave

[babylonsister]

13. THAT is the best news I've heard all day. nt

[fooj]

42. Glad you are feeling better...

Just wanted to let you know that you MADE MY DAY!!! So RELIEVED to hear that Katrina is under Waxman's jurisdiction. Wonderful news for the people living on the Gulf Coast! Hell...great news all the way around for Americans! Yippee!!!!

[fooj]

59. Kucinich is a member, too!

Right on! This is DEFINITELY encouraging news!

[pacalo]

63. That's the only reason I'm not upset about Lieberman's lack of interest.

The committee hearings would have been a sham under Lieberman's chairmanship.

[CorpGovActivist]

73. Senator Levin Will Help Hold Lieberman's Feet to the Fire

Someone should let Chairman Lieberman know that he sends a lax signal not to have had his Committee website updated and ready to go during the transition period: http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=About.Membership

Unless horses were traded during the transition, it appears that (thankfully) Senator Levin will head up the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations: http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Subcommittees.Home&SubcommitteeID=11&Initials=PSI

Perhaps Congressman Waxman and Senator Levin can hold some joint hearings, doing a roadshow that includes CT?

- Dave

[pacalo]

82. Thanks, CGA!

If you have the time, check out how LBJ handled the devastating effects of Hurricane Betsy. He was in the affected area, offering his support, 5 hours after the hurricane passed through. He demanded that all red-tape be cut in the relief effort.

http://www.whitehousetapes.org/exhibits/betsy/

[CorpGovActivist]

85. He Also Chose to Forego Re-Election...

... when it was clear that his war policy had failed.

- Dave

[jwirr]

18. We should go around Lieberman - Investigate through the HUD

and the oversight that looked into the levees.

[Imagevision]

25. Lieberman's the last person we want investigating Katrina response!!

Is this what Pelosi means by over-sight??

[IndyOp]

26. CorpGovActivist says Lieberman is not only one on oversight for Katrina -

on Reply 10 on this thread.

:D

[pacalo]

64. I totally agree!

[Tuesday_Morning]

11. Thanks Dave!

I tried just now to subscribe to the Committee's email updates but the link isn't working properly. Neither is the email/comments page.

[CorpGovActivist]

15. Give 'Em Time...

... and/or contact the webmaster. Failing that, we could give a jingle to the committee staff office on Tuesday, after the holiday, to alert them.

- Dave

[KharmaTrain]

16. I Said Liebermann Was Irrelevant

Thanks for posting this. Henry's been documenting all the contractor abuses for a while...now the fun begins!

The saying is "The House Investigates...The Senate Convicts". All those bent out of shape about Liebermann need not worry, Henry & Bennie Thompson are the ones who will bring out a lot of the Katrina slime.

Cheers...

[CorpGovActivist]

20. Halliburton Whistleblowers...

... will be right there, with internal docs to help make the case.

; )

- Dave

[G_Leo_Criley]

27. yessssss!!!

Go Dave!

Exciting times ahead for sure.

:patriot:

Good to see you here again!

glc

[CorpGovActivist]

30. Hey GLC!

Yeah, exciting times ahead for sure - and shocking revelations for the American public.

- Dave

[G_Leo_Criley]

33. hey CGA!

After seeing the "zombified" Bush performance on Wednesday night, I can only imagine what more there is for Americans to hear.

A change is gonna come, thanks to you and other whistleblowers.

So glad to read that you're recovering and that you are HERE!!!

:toast:

glc

[CorpGovActivist]

36. "Zombified" Performance/The Hagel Brigade

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/31/AR2006123100931.html

I think Chuck Hagel is going to give cover to a lot of moderates and mavericks on the other side of the aisle.

Keep your eye on those two Senators from Maine, too.

- Dave

[G_Leo_Criley]

38. Hagel's remarks ...

were a breath of fresh air. What a contrast to McCain!

And yes, Collins and Snowe are both moderate Republicans. I believe we can count on them. New Englanders are pretty quirky about maintaining their independence. :-)

glc

[stillcool]

17. Holy shit! where have you been?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=2978636
you had a lot of people concerned...and with good reason I see. Great to see you!!

[Virginia Dare]

21. Yes, he's coming alright...

I know for a fact he's been preparing himself very well for this day, and I know for a fact, lots of people have been gladly helping him in that task. :)

[CorpGovActivist]

23. Majority Budget, Now, Too...

... meaning an upgrade to the investigatory staff and resources, not to mention much better office space in which to interview/videotape testimony of whistleblowers.

; )

- Dave

[Virginia Dare]

24. Yes, indeed, these resources will not be wasted with Waxman...

Things are about to get real interesting for the Bush Administration

:popcorn:

[hootinholler]

37. A staff I would love to be part of.

Now if I just had an inside track to an interview.

-Hoot

[DoYouEverWonder]

72. No more hearings

in the basement.

No more turning off the microphones.

Welcome back. :hi: Good to see you're alright.

[CorpGovActivist]

22. There Is Even - *GASP* - an "Investigations" Link...

http://oversight.house.gov/investigations.asp

Imagine! The Oversight Committee conducting investigations again.

- Dave

[G_Leo_Criley]

28. Heavens to Betsy ...

as a recently departed secy of defense might say.


Oversight? Investigations? Go get 'em Henry! :patriot:

glc

[bobbolink]

29. I think I love this man!

:loveya: Waxman!!

I'm so glad he's on "our side"! I sure wouldn't want to come up against him. :)

"Dance with me, Henry" !! :)

[CorpGovActivist]

32. Think He Draws Hearts on the White House "Valentines"?

A.K.A. "Congressional Subpoenas"?

; )

Henry's dance card may be full for a while, and Rove and Co. won't be leading.

- Dave

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

31. I told my 79 year old uncle (who hates the Shrub and his minions) just hear this one name... Waxman.

Henry had enough goods to go to GAO but without subpoena power didn't have teeth. Times have changed!!!!!

[bleever]

34. Good to see you here, CGA,

and to hear about progress on these fronts. A lot of us were concerned by your absence.

Take good care of yourself.

Peace.

[mmonk]

35. And where will this lead,

and will it be covered in any detail in the media, and what will it change, and will it slow someone down who doesn't care or abide by anything other than their own desires?

[Zhade]

40. I was wondering when someone would use that title.

GMTA. :)

[lovuian]

41. Oh Ya baby!!!

Go Wax man GO

[DemReadingDU]

43. Dave! Glad you are back on the mend

we've missed you!

and sooo waiting for Waxman and his investigations to begin

[CorpGovActivist]

48. Those Investigations Began...

... a while back, right under the noses of the GOP majority. They'll just be moving into a new, more public gear now.

Good to be back.

- Dave

[bobbolink]

44. Hey, Henry... "You light up my life.."

:)

This will be worth it to get Comcast, just to watch these hearings!

Go, Henry! :applause:

[cool user name]

45. He's been building a case for quite sometime now ...

:patriot:

[antigop]

46. CGA -- question for you on securities lending

I thought you were the one who mentioned securities lending on pension plans.
(My apologies if this wasn't you.)

If so, was there any significance to this DOL new release that finalized the amendment on exemptions?
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/pr103006.html

Do you know anything about this? Will this change potentially put pension plans at risk?

[CorpGovActivist]

50. Interesting Timing, Huh?

Right before the mid-terms.

Here's what ended up appearing in the Federal Register: http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=731708506074+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve

It would be interesting to see one or more oversight committees delve into who the "commenters" were; my guess is that some of the proponents of such ideas as Social Security privatization (a.k.a., "the usual suspects," a.k.a. "those firms that stand to reap a windfall from privatization") are among those who pushed Elaine Chao's DOL to make this 11th hour change, right under the wire before the mid-terms.

Securities lending is not, per se, a bad deal for pension plans. But too often the plan fiduciaries enter into these arrangements without understanding who the counterparties are, what conflicts of interest exist, and what some of the under-disclosed side effects and risks are (e.g., does the plan forfeit voting rights of shares that are loaned out, are the "approved" borrowers affiliated with the lending agent, etc.)

- Dave

[antigop]

51. Yes, I found the timing interesting

And I'm wondering about what impact these changes can have. The DOL release said:

>
The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration today announced adoption of a final class exemption expanding the opportunities for securities lending between employee benefit pension plans, banks and broker-dealers.

The exemption, which consolidates two existing class exemptions, provides conditions to safeguard the assets of plans involved in securities lending transactions. The updated requirements will permit pension plans to earn additional income by lending securities from their portfolios to a greater universe of permissible borrowers.
>>

I'm wondering about the new players that are now in the "universe of permissible borrowers". Who were the previous "permissible borrowers" and why were the new players added?

Sounds fishy to me.

[CorpGovActivist]

53. American Bankers Association

From the Federal Register:
***********************************
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 23, 2003, the Department proposed
a notice in the Federal Register of a proposed class exemption to amend
PTEs 81-6 and 82-63 by incorporating PTEs 81-6 and 82-63 into a new
class exemption and expanding the existing relief from the restrictions
of sections 406(a)(1)(A) through (D) and 406(b)(1) of ERISA and the
taxes imposed by section 4975(a) and (b) of the Code by reason of
section 4975(c)(1)(A) through (E) of the Code to additional parties
under modified conditions.\1\ The notice also proposed the revocation
of PTEs 81-6 and 82-63. The proposal was published in response to two
exemption applications. One application was submitted by the American
Bankers Association (ABA) (D-08295), and the second application was
submitted by the Robert Morris Associates, now known as the Risk
Management Association (RMA) (D-10365). The applications were filed
pursuant to section 408(a) of ERISA and section 4975(c)(2) of the Code
and in accordance with the procedures set forth in 29 CFR 2570, subpart
B (55 FR 32836, August 10, 1990).
***********************************

Hey, aren't they the same outfit that touted ATMs as money savers for the American public? Click here if you agree to pay $2.00 to access your own pension fund.

; )

- Dave

[antigop]

54. OK, thanks n/t

[Shakespeare]

47. I am SO proud he's my congress critter!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[CorpGovActivist]

52. Waxman's Effect on the Larger CA Delegation & CA '08

I think that Waxman may end up having a significant effect on some of the tighter CA House races in '08, as major CA media markets give more and more coverage to his efforts.

Wonder which of the would-be Democratic nominees has the best rapport with Waxman?

; )

- Dave

[EFerrari]

49. YES!

:woohoo:

[133724]

55. Wax on... Wax off...Wax on...Wax off

[Laurab]

56. Wow - Waxman is going to be one busy guy

and I bet he'll enjoy every minute of it.

Dave, it's great to see you back & I hope you're feeling MUCH better!

[Karenina]

57. Henry is such a dreamboat!!!

:swoon:

[Swamp Rat]

60. I hope the Waxman Cometh to New Orleans

We desperately need help... and justice.

[PerfectSage]

61. Hi Dave

Glad your okay & back. ;)

This blew me away when I read this article last week. How? can KBR's operating margin's be so low with all those juicy contracts? Either too many KBR employee's were on the gravy train or something fishy?????????

lol


<snip>Even though KBR provided nearly 50% of Halliburton's revenue, as you can see below, it added little to the bottom line, with meager 4% operating margins in 2005, and net margins of 2%. Those numbers lagged significantly behind Halliburton's, dragging the combined results down.<snip>

http://www.fool.com/news/2006/12/21/halliburton-and-kbr-call-it-quits.aspx?logvisit=y&source=eednaslnk0000001&symbol=HAL&symbol=&symbol=&symbol=&symbol=&symbol=&symbol=&symbol=&symbol=&symbol=&selected=hal&selecteddisplaysymbol=HAL&coname=Halliburton%20Company&logopath=&market=NYSE&pageName=Company%20News

[CorpGovActivist]

74. Get Your Hands on the Rate Table...

... for KBR Konsultants, and it'll make sense.

; )

- Dave

[Kaotac]

62. Halliburton contracts

So, I'm not American, so I don't know much about the powers of these guys.. But will they be able to renegotiate the contracts that Halliburton got, and open them up to other people? Or are they stuck with them?

[CorpGovActivist]

75. Remedies Available Include...

... "disgorgement" of ill-gotten gains, prison terms for criminal activity, and - in extreme cases - being barred for a period of time from competing on Federal Government bids.

For example, Halliburton/KBR has had to rebate some money in the past: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=halliburton+audit+dcaa

I know from personal experience that Halliburton/KBR bamboozled DCAA auditors when they showed up to conduct surprise audits/floorwalks.

- Dave

[nicknameless]

65. Waxman's going to be a VERY busy man

:thumbsup:


Great to see you back here!

[CorpGovActivist]

77. He Has a Superhuman Staff of Dedicated Folks...

... who have spent countless hours getting the documentation, testimony, and proof lined up.

- Dave

P.S. Many people in the "Solid South," pro-military areas of the country are going to be disgusted to learn what Halliburton/KBR did to shortchange the troops, to line the pockets of the Bush inner circle. Presented to the American public well, this could line up some border states in the Democratic column in '08.

[DemReadingDU]

80. That would be very nice!

Do you know when Waxman will have hearings on TV, C-Span?

[CorpGovActivist]

81. Check Waxman's Listings

http://oversight.house.gov/hearings.asp

It's just like the new season of TV ... with much better plot lines!

- Dave

[nicknameless]

93. I hope his hearing get plenty of air time.

The proof of bushco's corruption has been there for years ... but M$M hasn't been willing to broadcast it.

We need to take the media back from the corporate profiteers.

[DemReadingDU]

66. morning kick

[babsbunny]

67. Boy! Does he have alot of work to do!

Gives me hope......

[Patsy Stone]

68. Henry landed the role of a lifetime

complete with subpoena powers. Leave no stone unturned, Mr. Waxman.

[CorpGovActivist]

78. And No Bottle...

... unupturned?

Patsy!!!

- Dave

[Patsy Stone]

83. Always, Sweetie!

Nice to see back.

[CorpGovActivist]

86. Nice to Be...

... back, dahling.

; )

What has your beehive 'do standing on end in 07?

- Dave

[Patsy Stone]

88. Well, for one thing: apparently, I can't type very well.

There was supposed to be a "you" in that last sentence. :)

Also, I'm not down with the "surge" bullshizzle.

But, I have the day off, so I can't complain too much. I'm home and watching All My Children.

How goes the fight?

[CorpGovActivist]

89. We're Winning...

... new allies, and some new whistleblowers have come forward.

: )

- Dave

[Patsy Stone]

91. Excellent news!

I hope it continues to snowball on to complete victory.

[conscious evolution]

69. Hello CGA

Good to see you back!
Thanks for the links.

[CorpGovActivist]

79. Thanks!

Good to be back.

- Dave

[rosesaylavee]

70. AM kick

Thanks for posting - good to see you back! AND, happy birthday! :party:

[Joanne98]

76. Give em' Hell Henry!

[porphyrian]

84. And not a moment too soon. - n/t

[Blackhatjack]

87. CGA ! Great to see you posting again! I have a suggestion.....

There is going to be so much investigating going on, and so many important revelations coming out, what do you think about having a daily post at DU that details the most impt revelations that come out each day in a format that devotes a line or paragraph to each with a link to the orginal source.

Most busy people who want to stay informed will likely be overwhelmed by the information overload, and this would help them navigate to the most important information.

Also, I and others want to know what your schedule will be. Would be great if you could keep us informed in advance so that we do not miss you and your contributions when it is your turn.

Thanks, take care, gird up, the battle is joined ....

[CorpGovActivist]

90. Great Suggestions

Happy New Year, BHJ!

Drop me a line.

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

92. That would be a great idea!

[DemReadingDU]

94. morning kick

:hi:

[DemReadingDU]

95. Rep. Waxman Announces Membership of Oversight Committee

Representative Henry A. Waxman, Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, announced the appointment of the Democratic members of the committee for the 110th Congress.

"I am pleased that the Leadership has appointed such talented and experienced members to the committee," said Chairman Waxman. "Our committee has the responsibility to conduct oversight and provide accountability, and I am confident this new team of members will investigate important issues fairly and effectively."


read more (and also includes rules & responsibilities)...
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/17355