Aspen Institute just released their most recent report on how nonprofits are impacted by the 2006 Appropriations.

On Wednesday, the House passed a resolution, sponsored by Rep. David Dreier (R-CA) revoking the floor and gymnasium privileges of former members who are lobbyists. Surprisingly, the vote was markedly controversial. At a closed-door meeting earlier in the day, members balked at the resolution, saying they felt blindsided by the proposal that many considered unnecessary. The backlash forced Republican leaders to do some last-minute arm-twisting and persuading. The House voted, 379-50, in favor of the resolution (H Res 648), which also bars from the gym those members’ spouses who are lobbyists.

Today the House held their long-awaited vote on the budget reconciliation bill. The vote, we knew, was going to be close. The final count was 216-214. Two Republican members did not vote. All Democratic House members voted no, except for Earl Blumenauer who was out of town.

The HHS Inspector General recently reported that many states don't know if abused and neglected children in foster care are being seen by caseworkers. Now, another story about the failure of federally funded child welfare services: Another child's death rattles NY agency NEW YORK (AP) -- The latest child to die in a series of abuse cases that has rattled the city's child welfare agency was slammed into walls and beaten by his mother's boyfriend while she did nothing to stop him, police said.