www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/TimChapman/2006/01/26/183818.html
Tom Coburn to the United States Senate they knew that they were sending a man to Washington who would not dance the DC two-step. But Beltway types have underestimated the determination of this man not to go along to get along. Coburn has notified his colleagues that he intends to challenge every earmark--or pork project--on the floor of the US Senate. Coburn, who has been a champion in the fight against wasteful federal spending, believes that the congressional earmarking process is the genesis of the current Abramoff-related lobbying scandals. Coburn's threat will dramatically slow the appropriations process because he will demand many more votes and more debate than normal on all spending bills. The added debate will allow senators to learn the merits (or lack thereof) of each earmark and affirm or reject. According to one GOP Senate aide, many of the old-bull appropriators are not taking the threat seriously and are confident in their ability to apply pressure tactics and parliamentary maneuvers in order to ensure business as usual on spending bills.
Coburn isn't bluffing, they will understand why some outside observers have affectionately dubbed the Oklahoman "Senator Train Wreck." Reid's Hypocrisy Democrats on Capitol Hill think they have the Republicans right where they want them. With congressional approval ratings at dismal lows and the Abramoff lobbying scandal still percolating, Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) could not be smugger. So confident in fact is Reid, that he recently told Democrats that now was not the time to unveil a real legislative agenda. Rather, Democrats should hammer home one theme: Republican corruption. In Reid's estimation, this will be his ticket to the office of majority leader. But some Republicans on Capitol Hill are quietly chuckling. They know that Reid is perhaps the worst messenger for this theme.
expose in which it was revealed that Reid introduced legislation directly benefiting his lobbyist sons and sons-in-law. While many members of Congress have relatives who lobby, the article pointed out that Reid "is in a class by himself." The article continues, "One of his sons and his son-in-law lobby in Washington for companies, trade groups and municipalities seeking Reid's help in the Senate. A second son has lobbied in Nevada for some of those same interests, and a third has represented a couple of them as a litigator.
And this is the man Democrats want to lead them in ethical reform efforts? Asbestos Reform Bad for GOP When the Senate gets back to normal business the first week of February, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has scheduled debate on an asbestos reform bill. The bill would create a private company funded trust fund from which to help compensate asbestos victims with their medical liabilities. As a bonus, the bill would stop the trial lawyers from driving a stake into the heart of the economy with frivolous asbestos lawsuits. While many conservatives agree with the general need for legislation addressing the issue, there is grumbling about the timing and substance of this bill. Because the bill does not set proper medical criteria standards for who can receive funds, it is, according to many experts, more likely than not that in a matter of years the fund will run dry. If and when that fund runs dry, guess who is likely to be on the hook for continued compensation? The bill creates a $140 billion trust fund (paid by companies) that would pay out to victims of the harmful substance. Many lobbyists have lobbied long and hard for this bill and as such Democrats will seek to exploit this fact. Over the weekend Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) launched the opening salvo by asking, "Why do you think that asbestos reform is the No. While the goal of asbestos reform is legitimate, the political timing is terrible and the substance of the current legislation is inadequate. Many conservatives, wary of potential increased government spending wish Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) would pull the bill and rework it. Doing so would also avoid giving Democrats a talking point.
Call Congress: Support Alito's Confirmation" President Bush has nominated Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. Call your Senator and voice your support for his confirmation.
jpg House Republicans must reclaim bold vision by Congressman John Boehner (Jan 24, 2006) Does the GOP have the will to regain the energy of the Contract with America years by embracing real reform, and by reclaiming the vision responsible for our success?
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