In all seriesness, what is the next big thing for Pelosi and Reid?

[BuyingThyme]

So much is now off the table that I truly don't know what's next.

Do you?

[MannyGoldstein]

1. Brave! Very Brave!

Bravely bold Sir Robin rode forth from Camelot.
He was not afraid to die, O brave Sir Robin!
He was not at all afraid to be killed in nasty ways,
Brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Robin!
He was not in the least bit scared to be mashed into a pulp,
Or to have his eyes gouged out, and his elbows broken;
To have his kneecaps split, and his body burned away;
And his limbs all hacked and mangled, brave Sir Robin!

His head smashed in and his heart cut out
And his liver removed and his bowels unplugged
And his nostrils raped and his bottom burned off
And his pen--

Brave Sir Robin ran away.
Bravely ran away, away!
When danger reared its ugly head,
He bravely turned his tail and fled.
Yes, brave Sir Robin turned about
And gallantly he chickened out.
Bravely taking to his feet
He beat a very brave retreat,
Bravest of the brave, Sir Robin!

He is packing it in and packing it up
And sneaking away and buggering up
And chickening out and pissing off home,
Yes, bravely he is throwing in the sponge...

[Tyler Durden]

11. Porn?

Doesn't seem to be anything else happening.

It's like the cheesy music and zero plot line have already begun: all were' waiting for is the clothes to come off and watch them fuck each other instead of us.

[Clovis Sangrail]

2. demanding equal access to felate the president on wednesdays?

[Tom Joad]

3. Support for Iraqi oil (theft) law is ON their table. It's one of the benchmarks for

"democracy" in Iraq.
ain't the leadership of the democratic party just swell... they dare to stand up the for little guys who run Exxon/Mobil
:sarcasm:

[Tom Joad]

4. regarding the table... remember the story of Jesus and the tables of the

moneychangers?
It's time for us to overturn the tables of this corrupt and cowardly leadership.
Fuck their table. We are going to set our own table.

[BuyingThyme]

5. I'm with you, Tom.

I don't know why so many Dems got behind these two. They were totally useless until right before the election. (Well, they were still useless then, but they were at least singing our song.)

[tom_paine]

10. The Declaration of Independence

n/t

[HCE SuiGeneris]

6. Impotent and restrained...

we have a vacuum of leadership. Time to elect leaders that have cajones. Mr. Kucinich is about the only ray of light in this darkness.

[leftofthedial]

7. Congressional coronation of king george

the addition of unka dick cheney to Mt. Rushmore

[Decruiter]

8. An extended, long vacation? I'll take vacations for $1000, Alex. n/t

[TomClash]

9. The Defense Appropriation Bill

Stop the War - Round 2.

[Atman]

12. A bold initiative to preserve Bush's tax cuts by merging with the GOP.

I mean, WTF, huh? We'd scarcely notice the difference?

.

[leftchick]

13. tax cuts for the rich!

now that is something they will no doubt get behind. It is so republy.

[Olney Blue]

14. I'm feeling disillusioned about the whole lot of them right now.

[Vidar]

15. Bush's footstools.

[CrispyQ]

16. I am losing hope.

:cry:

[Echotrail]

17. They could fight to restore Habeas Corpus!

They, and only they, can clear a path and bring it before their respective bodies and have it restored.

The Restoration Act made it out of Senate Judiaciary last week (only took five months for that).

What say, Pelosi and Reid????

[bearfan454]

18. How about if they stop being fucking pussies and stand up against bush ?

Gee that would be so out of character for them, huh ? It make me want to fucking puke sometimes the way they let fuckface slide on shit all the time.
It just keeps making me think maybe they are all in it together. They go along with the pukes on way too many things.

[On the Road]

19. First, the Hearings Should Continue

on a variety of fronts. The worst thing that can happen is to Reid to conclude that without 60 or 67 seats, all efforts are useless. There are closed hearings on the NSA wiretapping that should provide very clear cut evidence of wrongdoing.

Second, they need to pursue action through the legal system, not just through Congress. This is typically how laws are enforced.

There are a wide variety of options to choose from and a variety of legal strategies. It does not have to be done by Congress per se. Look what the Republicans did the Paula Jones case.

Outside of that, Congress should consider doing what Bill Clinton did after losing congress in 1994: pursuing small, constructive, popular, doable pieces of legislation.

Bush can veto any law he wants. What I would like to see him do is veto twenty good small measures in a row.

[SoCalDem]

20. Pelosi's re-election campaign & Reid's campaign to stay senate leader

That would be my guess :)

[progressoid]

21. National Toenail Fungus Awareness Day?

[Crabby Appleton]

22. what do you mean "next" ? nt

[BuyingThyme]

24. Every week or so, Pelosi and Reid turn a slam-dunk issue

into a big loser for the Dems.

What's the next loser? Comprehensive abortion compromise? Comprehensive Social Security privatization compromise?

[bigtree]

23. are you really a Democrat?

Pelosi's Table

# Pelosi: China Olympic Merchandise Labor Abuses Must End (06/11/2007)
http://speaker.house.gov/newsroom/pressreleases?id=0209

# Pelosi: ‘U.S.-Mexico Relationship is Among the Most Critical’ (06/11/2007)
http://speaker.house.gov/newsroom/pressreleases?id=0208

# Congress to Send President Stem Cell Bill that Offers Hope to Millions (06/07/2007)
http://speaker.house.gov/newsroom/pressreleases?id=0207

# Pelosi Statement on Legislation Addressing Energy Independence and Global Warming (06/05/2007)
http://speaker.house.gov/newsroom/pressreleases?id=0206


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
The Administration opposes in its current form

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

National Security FIRST 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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>>


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
The Administration opposes in its current form
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
The Administration opposes in its current form
Learn more>>

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
Learn more>>

Ominbus Innovation & Competitiveness bill – H.R. 2272
This bill is made up of five Innovation Agenda bills that have been passed by the House over the last several weeks. 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.

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 May 21, 2007
Learn more>>

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
Learn more>>

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>>


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 has threatened to veto
Learn more>>

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
Learn more>>

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
Learn more>>

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
Learn more>>

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>>


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>>


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
Learn more>>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Honest Leadership and Open Government Act – H.R. 2316
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

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

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

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


Reid's Table

06/11/07 Reid: Attorney General Gonzalez Must Resign
http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=276467

06/11/07 Reid: Democrats' Energy Plan Will Strengthen National Security, Economy
http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=275803&

06/11/07 Reid: Democrats Continue To Pursue Critical Immigration, Energy Reforms
http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=276050&

06/08/07 Reid: Senate Will Revisit Immigration When Republicans Show Greater Commitment To Solutions Than Obstructionism
http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=275770&

06/08/07 Reid Paves The Way For Nevada's Role As A Leader In Energy Independence
http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=275738&

06/07/07 Reid: On Immigration Bill, Republicans Continue Obstructionism
http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=275701&

06/04/07 Reid: In June, Democrats Will Continue To Fight To Change Course In Iraq
http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=275444&

06/07/07 Congress To Send President Stem Cell Bill That Offers Hope To Millions
http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=275677

06/06/07 Reid: Democrats Committed To Strengthening Our Manufacturing Sector
http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=275620


The Iraq Accountability Project: This Week's Senate Oversight on Iraq

The American people demanded a change of course in Iraq, and the 110th Congress intends to press President Bush to provide it. As President Bush and Senate Republicans continue to support a failed stay-the- course policy in Iraq, Senate Democrats are determined to hold the President accountable.
http://democrats.senate.gov/journal/entry.cfm?id=276044&

After a Ten Year Battle, Democrats Raise the Minimum Wage for American Workers

Last year, Americans voted to take the country in a much-needed new direction by electing Democrats to lead Congress. Democrats promised to seek better pay for working Americans, starting by raising the federal minimum wage to $7.25/hour. In May, after a decade-long battle, Congress, under Democratic leadership, accomplished that important goal. While the Senate passed H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 earlier in the year, the wage was finally increased as part of P.L. 110-28, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 (2007 Emergency Supplemental).
http://democrats.senate.gov/journal/entry.cfm?id=275467&


Senate Democrats' New Direction: Fulfilling Our Commitment to Veterans

The Democratic Policy Committee (DPC) has released a fact sheet entitled: "Senate Democrats' New Direction: Fulfilling Our Commitment to Veterans". This report has been released in conjunction with the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee's video, entitled "Keeping The Promise: Senate Democrats Honor Our Commitment to America's Veterans".
http://democrats.senate.gov/journal/entry.cfm?id=275134&

http://democrats.senate.gov/journal/entry.cfm?id=275134&

[BuyingThyme]

25. Yes, I'm a Democrat. What are you?

Answer: A follower.

[bigtree]

26. a follower, a leader, an activist, someone who can reason beyond the bullshit

that's spread around here about our Democrats.

Your post is bullshit, and I just proved it. Deal with that.

[BuyingThyme]

27. You refuse to lead and you can't reason. That's why you spam.

Had you offered anything other than somebody else's political nonsense, you might have a leg to stand on. Do you understand how this works? You have to learn to think for yourself. Support Democratic values, not Democratic shepherds.

[bigtree]

28. you lied then when you said you 'seriously' wanted to know what was on the table

YOU spammed with yet another empty post bashing Democrats. I just responded.

You want us to accept something you've invented in your head. I gave you a slice of their agenda. It's far from the nothing you pretend. It make a lie out of the premise of your post. Deal with that. Your's is nothing but another simpering, whimpering, pathetic lie about our Democratic leaders. I helped elect them. I advocated for the agenda they've presented and advanced, before and after they achieved the majority. I've supported them in their efforts to advance that agenda through legislation.

You, on the other hand, are content throwing little puff balls at them and stamping your feet. Pathetic.

[BuyingThyme]

30. Okay, since you've asked for it, I will make you look even more ridiculous.

Here's the truth about what you've posted: It's mostly stuff that has already passed. It's not on the table.

Now, had you actually read it, you might have known that. But you are too lazy to do something like that, right?

And now you accuse me of lying because I read it and you did not.

What does this make you, besides ridiculous?

[bigtree]

32. did you even read? I offered even more than what you asked for

some of the legislation was rejected or defeated, but that doesn't mean it's "off the table" It's still pending with this Congress. Some will be re-introduced, some will be revised and forwarded again.

It doesn't take all that much to discern that from what I provided. You're lost in your lie. Deal with that.


Futher, you're so damn clever that you forgot that the House legislation will have to be reconciled with Senate action.

What's on YOUR table?

[BuyingThyme]

34. So, now you're saying that you DON'T know what's on the table.

Don't you understand that you have proven my OP to an extreme exactitude?

Thank you!

The next time you try to lead, don't let somebody else do it for you.

P.S. Please explain that "lie" again for the Peanut Gallery. You're fun.

[bigtree]

35. Idiotic. Hous legislation has to be reconciled with Senate action

further, Ive listed pending House legislation concerning veterans; I've listed pending priorities in Energy, Immigration, Mass Transit, Homeland Security, Intelligence, Defense, Worker's Rights, Manufacturing, Oil Pricing, Stem Cell Research . . . more.

ALL PENDING. All undertaken, but not yet resolved. ON THE TABLE.

You really can't see beyond your own bullshit post.

[BuyingThyme]

37. You listed all kinds of stuff on "Pelosi's Table" yet none of it is on

Pelosi's table. Now, no matter how you try, you will still look ridiculous. Even if you go back and delete all the stuff you never bothered to read.

[bigtree]

40. Now who looks ridiculous? You would deny the air you breath to criticize the party

enough of the lies.

I provided their agenda. You are too lost in your own fantasy to recognize it.

Give it one more snide, idiotic try and be done with it. I did my best here.

[BuyingThyme]

43. Pelosi and Reid are not "the party."

I think you are again making my point. You are a follower, not a leader.

[bigtree]

49. I'm a Democrat, and you are certainly in no position to judge me.

more fantasy

[BuyingThyme]

50. I just tell the truth about you. It's not a secret that

almost everything you've posted in this thread is nonsense.

And you deleted the post in which you admitted that you don't know what's next for Pelosi and Reid.

So now you're left to pretend that you don't agree with my OP. And you pretend that I'm the liar.

Pathetic.

[bigtree]

53. Yours Is Just Another No-Substance, Whimpering, Whining, Democrat-Bashing Post

good luck with it

[BuyingThyme]

54. I think it was a hugh success. I even got you to agree with my OP.

Too bad you were so embarrassed that you had to go back and change the post in which you agreed. It was the one thing you had going. A tiny glimmer of honesty, shot to hell.

:(

[bigtree]

55. I don't agree with your idiotic OP. You are operating in your own fantasy world

the post you say I 'changed' began it's edit with further. But you go on and pretend that I agree with you. It fits in nicely with all of your sophistry about our Democratic leadership.

[BuyingThyme]

57. Not true. In that post you said you have no idea what's next

for Pelosi and Reid. Sorry, but I won't pretend with you.

So, by the way, what's the next big thing for Pelosi and Reid?

[bigtree]

59. I've SHOWN you what is next and you have chosen to ignore it

. . . Energy, Immigration, Mass Transit, Homeland Security, Intelligence, Defense, Worker's Rights, Manufacturing, Oil Pricing, Stem Cell Research . . . more.

ALL PENDING. All undertaken, but not yet resolved. ON THE TABLE.

Nothing from them so vapid and myopic as your portrayal.

[BuyingThyme]

60. So, that's the next big thing? A list of nothingness?

Maybe you're having trouble understanding what's going on here. I'm asking for the next big issue Pelosi and Reid are going to take on. All the big stuff seems to have fallen off the table (impeachment, war, law), so it's unclear what's going to happen next.

I'm glad I had this opportunity to explain.

P.S. We're still waiting on that "lie," so just add "vapid and myopic" to the list. Or are you just projecting again?

[bigtree]

62. They can, and will, do more than one (big) thing at once . . . next

you can easily discern that from the agenda they've set out.

But, of course, your post was designed to elicit criticism of the leadership, not any enlightenment as you pretend.

[BuyingThyme]

64. No, actually I asked what the next big issue is going to be.

I guess I have to explain again: You see, Congress tends to concentrate on one big issue at a time (impeachment, war, law). You can get a good feeling for this stuff by reading newspapers or listening to the radio.

I'm glad I'm getting to explain all of this.

[bigtree]

65. I know. You said you were series

silly me. :eyes:

[BuyingThyme]

36. Hey, no fair changing your post after you've been busted!

That's not honest.

[bigtree]

38. the lie is in your own post. Democrats have a broad agenda and are moving it forward

you appear have a narrow one which involves tearing them down with not-so-clever posts like this one.

[BuyingThyme]

39. There's nothing clever about my post.

Sorry to put you in such a spot, but I don't feel responsible for what you've done to yourself here. Pointing out your blatant errors is simple.

[bigtree]

41. you got that right. Nothing clever about a transparent lie.

[BuyingThyme]

45. Okay, you've accused me of lying over and over.

How 'bout you explain yourself. Is it just that I have proven you to be wrong, so you have to project it at me?

It's only going to get worse, you know. You can't keep changing your posts after the fact. Well, you can, but I don't think it will serve you.

[Individualist]

29. Support for an invasion of Iran, most likely

At the very least, they'll do nothing to oppose an invasion.

[bigtree]

31. so says notsodumbhillbilly

Pelosi: Bush Lacks Power to Invade Iran

By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent

Thursday, February 15, 2007

(02-15) 21:57 PST WASHINGTON, (AP) --

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that President Bush lacks the authority to invade Iran without specific approval from Congress . . .

Pelosi, D-Calif., noted that Bush consistently said he supports a diplomatic resolution to differences with Iran "and I take him at his word."

At the same time, she said, "I do believe that Congress should assert itself, though, and make it very clear that there is no previous authority for the president, any president, to go into Iran."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/02/15/national/w135220S20.DTL&type=politics


On March 13, the same day House Appropriations Chairman David R. Obey, D-Wis., said he had removed the Iran provision from the draft war spending measure, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., quietly promised Appropriations Committee Democrats that she would soon bring the measure up as a stand-alone bill, said James P. Moran, D-Va., who attended the meeting in Pelosi’s suite.
http://www.cq.com/display.do?dockey=/cqonline/prod/data/docs/html/news/110/news110-000002470378.html@allnews&metapub=CQ-NEWS&searchIndex=0&seqNum=1


Reid Stands Between Bush and Iran

January 19, 2007

Senator Harry Reid, the majority leader, drew a battle line with President Bush on Iran today during a joint appearance with Representative Nancy Pelosi, the Democrats’ leader in the House. As part of the Democrats’ runup to Mr. Bush’s address to the nation on Tuesday night, Mr. Reid reminded the commander in chief that his power does have limits when it comes to military engagement.

“Much has been made about President Bush’s recent saber rattling toward Iran,” Mr. Reid said. “This morning, I’d like to be clear: The president does not have the authority to launch military action in Iran without first seeking Congressional authorization—a the current use of force resolution for Iraq does not give him such authorization.”

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/01/19/reid-stands-between-bush-and-iran/

[Individualist]

46. Empty rhetoric.

Words are meaningless when not followed up with actions.

[bigtree]

48. Well, they're right Bush doesn't have the authority

and they're prepared to stand in the way of any attempt by him to exceed that authority. Now, if you mean they should get on with trying to pass legislation reminding him of that, I suppose they should. But, it's not assured at all that republicans (and some Democrats) won't just shoot that down. That's not going to be the leadership's fault though. They are as fore square against it as they can possibly be.

The 'empty rhetoric' is in the suggestion that they don't care or don't intend to do anything about it. That's just not true.

[Individualist]

51. "they're prepared to stand in the way of any attempt by him to exceed that authority"

Time will tell. I think I'll bookmark this thread for future reference.

[Beelzebud]

33. They have a lot of powder to keep dry.

[KingFlorez]

42. Here we go again

To some people here, the minute every single thing doesn't go exactly the way they wanted, they're ready to bash Reid and Pelosi. Around here lately, there is more bashing of them than Bush.

[BuyingThyme]

47. That's because Pelosi and Reid are expected to answer to us.

Bush became a lost cause a long, long time ago.

[Me.]

44. 68% Of Publicans Don't Believe In Evolution

Scary but that's who these people are and we need to face it. They don't think like we do and are firmly stuck in the 19th century.

[TwilightGardener]

52. Good point. There's no reasoning with these folks on matters of

high ethical/moral importance (war, the Constitution, rule of law, etc.) if they don't even believe in basic science. Scary indeed.

[glitch]

58. Not 19th, 13th., pre-Magna Carta. Otherwise agreed. nt

[leftchick]

56. Awarding new Rendition contracts

adding on to GITMO.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

61. Their replacement.

:shrug:

[BuyingThyme]

63. Thank you.

Woolsey and Lee please.