2006 State of the Union

Feb 1, 2006 by Guest Blogger

Last night President Bush delivered his annual State of the Union Address. Check back here later in the day for an analysis on the comments Bush made regarding taxes, the budget, and the economy last night.

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State of the Union's Unmet Needs

Jan 31, 2006 by Guest Blogger

Our country must also remain on the offensive against terrorism here at home. The enemy has not lost the desire or capability to attack us.

But let's not be prepared for the worst.

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Is Reg Reform Back on the Agenda?

Jan 31, 2006 by Guest Blogger

Congress Daily (subscription-only) reports today that Bush's State of the Union address will include "competitiveness" as one of its themes: White House aides declined to define the "competitiveness" component of the speech. But it appears the term may serve as kind of a catchall for various Bush initiatives that in his view help bolster the economy. These could include items as varied as increasing foreign trade and keeping tax rates low by making permanent tax cuts passed earlier in his administration.

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Bernake Confirmed as Chairman of the Federal Reserve

Jan 31, 2006 by Guest Blogger

The Senate confirmed Ben Bernake today as Chairman of the Federal Reserve. He replaces Alan Greenspan, who has stepped down after more than 18 years guiding the nation’s monetary policy. Bernake was confirmed by voice vote.

Washington Post: Federal Reserve Raises Interest Rate; Bernake Confirmed as Next Chairman

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"Where's the Budget Outrage?"

Jan 31, 2006 by Guest Blogger

Where's the Budget Outrage?" is a question asked by columnist E.J. Dionne, Jr. in an op-ed in today's Washington Post. In it he discusses the "cut-the-poor, help-the-big-interests federal budget," and the vote on the budget reconciliation bill that is taking place in the House tomorrow. This op-ed is a good read, especially as we prepare to hear President Bush outline his agenda on budget, tax, and health care issues in tonight's State of the Union.

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For Wed: Dreier Bill Restricting Former Member Access to Floor, Gym

Jan 31, 2006 by Guest Blogger

The House on Wednesday will vote on a measure that would revoke the floor and gymnasium privileges of former members who are registered lobbyists. The resolution (H Res 648), approved in the Rules Committee by voice vote Tuesday, would also bar from the gym the lobbyist-spouses of current and former members. House Rules Chairman David Dreier, R-Calif., called the measure “a first step toward our package of reforms” aimed at overhauling the way lobbyists and members do business. Dreier is expected to introduce a sweeping lobbying overhaul bill as

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Treasury Guidelines Comment Period Over Feb. 1

Jan 31, 2006 by Guest Blogger

On February 1, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s public comment period on the revised set of voluntary anti-terrorism financing guidelines ends.  title="http://www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/key-issues/protecting/charities-intro.shtml" href="http://www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/key-issues/protecting/charities-intro.shtml">Click here to submit comments directly to the Treasury Department On December 5, 2005, the Treasury Department issued a revised set of voluntary anti-terrorism financing guidelines to assist charitable

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Shelby Says Expect a Vote on GSE Bill Later In the Session

Jan 31, 2006 by Guest Blogger

From CQ: On legislation overhauling regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the mortgage finance giants, Shelby voiced optimism that the bill (S 190) that his panel approved on a party-line vote last July would receive a Senate floor vote this year. “Later in the session we will be in a position to pass the bill,” Shelby said.

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Wednesday's Vote on Budget Reconciliation Bill Will be Close

Jan 31, 2006 by Guest Blogger

As the House gears up for tomorrow’s vote on cutting $40 billion in entitlement spending from the budget, the House leadership is less and less confident they will have enough votes to ram these cuts through. Following in the footsteps of Rep. Simmons (R-CT), who recently changed his position on the bill, a number of moderate GOP Representatives are considering voting against the bill as well. These include Reps. Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA), John Sweeney (R-NY), and Chris Shays (R-CT).

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Graham Weakened Safeguards, Gutting Gov't Capacity to Protect Public

Robert Shull, Regulatory Policy Director
Long before he came to Washington, Graham was well known as an industry-funded researcher who was actively involved in producing elaborate theories to justify weakening the government's ability to protect the public. Defenders of his nomination argued that Graham would buck that trend and place the public interest over corporate special interests in his new role. Five years later, we now know just how wrong they were.

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