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October 10, 2008 9:58:35 PM CDT



Congress track this thread

Started by D Lim; Last updated Feb 28, 08 4:17 PM CST by D Lim | View history

Congress

"Congress consists of one-third, more or less, scoundrels; two-thirds, more or less, idiots; and three-thirds, more or less, poltroons." -H.L. Mencken

Stories

Stories 101 - 120 of 325

  • May 2008
    • How the Left Wing Brought Me Down

      How the Left Wing Brought Me Down

      (Newser) - Controversial civil-rights lawyer Hans von Spakovsky, who last week withdrew from consideration for appointment to the Federal Election Commission, pens a post-mortem of his own candidacy in the Wall Street Journa l. Asserting that “character assassination … has become the norm” for conservatives in confirmation battles, von Spakovsky says calling out Justice left-wingers was a key part of his downfall. More »

    • How Bad Is It, Doc?

      How Bad Is It, Doc?

      (Newser) - While doctors know that Sen. Ted Kennedy has the most common form of brain cancer, the positioning, type and size of the tumor will determine the degree of danger and side effects from surgery, CNN reports. Kennedy’s glioma is in the left parietal lobe, which is involved in speaking and understanding speech as well as motor control for the body's right side. More »

    • Kennedy Has Malignant Brain Tumor

      Kennedy Has Malignant Brain Tumor

      (Newser) - Sen. Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, CNN reports. The 76-year-old senator has a glioma, the most common brain cancer in adults. Kennedy will spend at least 2 more days at the Boston hospital where he's been undergoing extensive tests since suffering two seizures Saturday at his Cape Cod home. More »

    • After Scandal, NYC Rep Won't Run Again

      After Scandal, NYC Rep Won't Run Again

      (Newser) - Vito Fossella, the Republican congressman whose drunk-driving bust earlier this month led to the discovery that he had a lover and child on the side, has decided not to run for reelection, the AP reports. He said today the decision was based on the need to "concentrate on healing the wounds that I have caused to my wife and family."  More »

    • Kennedy Diagnosis Still in Works

      Kennedy Diagnosis Still in Works

      (Newser) - Sen. Ted Kennedy remains in a Boston hospital today, four days after a seizure whose cause remains undiagnosed, the Herald reports. Results of medical tests done on the 76-year-old Democrat are expected today; Kennedy is likely to stay at Massachusetts General for a few more days before returning to his Cape Cod home, a family spokeswoman said. More »

    • House Rejects $162.5B Bill to Fund Wars

      House Rejects $162.5B Bill to Fund Wars

      (Newser) - The House today shot down a $162.5 billion bill to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan into next year after a surprise tactic by angry Republicans, the Washington Post reports. The bill failed by a vote of 148-141 after 132 members of the GOP abstained. By doing so, they formed an unusual coalition with a group of anti-war Democrats. The vote doesn't mean the wars won't be funded, however—the bill will be revived in the Senate next week. More »

    • Mortgage Deal Close in Senate

      Mortgage Deal Close in Senate

      (Newser) - A Senate committee is close to agreeing on expansion of a government insurance program for refinanced mortgages, the Wall Street Journal reports. Though ridden with partisan conflict as recently as a week ago, staff for Democrat Chris Dodd and Republican Richard Shelby said today the sides were nearing a compromise, and a vote to move the measure along could come in the next few hours. More »

    • House Passes Farm Bill With Veto-Proof Margin

      House Passes Farm Bill With Veto-Proof Margin

      (Newser) - The House today passed a $300 billion farm bill by a lopsided vote of 318-106, more than enough to override a threatened veto from President Bush, the New York Times reports. The measure now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to pass with even stronger support. Bush has complained that the bill gives too much money to rich farmers, but he apparently will be unable to prevent it from becoming law. More »

    • Congress Votes to Stop Stockpiling Oil

      Congress Votes to Stop Stockpiling Oil

      (Newser) - The House and Senate voted today for a pause in deposits to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to stem rising prices, the Los Angeles Times reports. The White House expressed skepticism about the measure, but the Senate backed it 97-1 and the House passed a similar bill 385-25. It is expected to be sent to Bush within days. More »

    • Reid Not Passing Reins to Clinton

      Reid Not Passing Reins to Clinton

      (Newser) - Harry Reid brushed aside yesterday suggestions Hillary Clinton, fresh from a primary defeat to Barack Obama, might ascend to the top Senate job. “Keep in mind,” he told the Huffington Post, “a senator coming back who’s run for president is not a very unique one. Sen. John Kerry ran, he’s back. Chris Dodd ran, he’s back. Joe Biden ran, he’s back.” More »

    • Rep. Frank Emerges as Political Peacemaker

      Rep. Frank Emerges as Political Peacemaker

      (Newser) - Barney Frank has taken on a central role in Congress: that of an inter-party deal-maker. While he doesn’t hesitate to voice his strong opinions—often with a healthy dose of wit—Republicans and Democrats respect the man administration officials have called “scary smart,” the New York Times reports. The Democratic Massachusetts congressman—chair of an influential financial panel—“doesn’t waste anybody’s time, your time or his,” says Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. More »

    • As Dems Hog Spotlight, GOP Is Under Siege

      As Dems Hog Spotlight, GOP Is Under Siege

      (Newser) - While Democrats sparkle in the media glare, the Republican Party is quietly crumbling off-stage, Politico reports. President Bush’s numbers are lower than Richard Nixon’s before he resigned, and the GOP is losing House seats that it has held for 20 or 30 years. “The anti-Republican mood is fairly big, and it has been overwhelming,” said Michigan's GOP chairman. More »

    • Pols and Voters Are Reviving Political Center

      Pols and Voters Are Reviving Political Center

      (Newser) - With Barack Obama and John McCain continuing to roll out bipartisan rhetoric, this election may soon see the return of the political center, the Wall Street Journal reports. More voters are also registering as independents, and Internet donations from ordinary citizens make pols less beholden to special interests on the right or left. More »

    • House OKs Mortgage Rescue Plan, Despite Veto Threat

      House OKs Mortgage Rescue Plan, Despite Veto Threat

      (Newser) - The House today shrugged off a veto threat from President Bush and passed a wide-ranging rescue plan for US homeowners, Reuters reports. The centerpiece of the legislation would allow people to trade in risky, fast-rising mortgages for more stable government loans. The $300 billion measure would help an estimated 500,000 homeowners at risk of foreclosure. More »

    • NY Rep: I Fathered Love Child

      NY Rep: I Fathered Love Child

      (Newser) - A New York City congressman already in deep trouble admitted today he has a 3-year-old daughter outside his marriage, Radar reports. Vito Fossella, the Big Apple’s only Republican rep, was pulled over for DUI last week and rumors had since swirled that the former Air Force lieutenant colonel he called after his arrest was the mother of his child. More »

    • Campaigning Superdelegates Look Toward November