The Nuclear Compromise

Ken AshfordCongressLeave a Comment

I’ll let Josh Marshall set the stage and share his thoughts: The Washington Post and other news outlets tonight are reporting that Senate Democrats are hinting about a possible compromise on judges — specifically, that they might cut a deal that would allow two or more of the seven filibustered judges to go through. This in turn has caused splutters … Read More

A Link-o-riffic List

Ken AshfordCongressLeave a Comment

Top 10 Reasons Why Bolton Should Not Be Confirmed As U.S. Ambassador To the United Nations: 10. He hates the UN. He’s said that the U.S. should be the only country on the UNSC, that the UN building could be shaved of 10 stories without it making a difference, etc.  Check here for direct quotes. 9. He doesn’t believe in … Read More

Accountaability

Ken AshfordCongressLeave a Comment

Techpolitics has two interactive charts as to who voted for and against (1) the poor-and-middle-class-hurting, credit-card-company-kissing Bankruptcy Bill, and (2) the Paris-Hilton-Inheritance-Assurance Bill. And courtesy of Steve Soto, we have the Democrats who embarrassingly voted for both: Melissa Bean, IllinoisRobert Marion Berry, Arkansas (Member of the New Democrat Coalition)Sanford Bishop, Georgia (Member of the Blue Dog Coalition)Dan Boren, OklahomaLeonard Boswell, … Read More

Priorities

Ken AshfordCongressLeave a Comment

Well, the House Republicans have passed a bill — now on its way to the Senate — which eliminates the estate tax altogether. Now, some of you are relieved.  "Phew!  Less taxes," you think.  But I promise you something: you weren’t going to pay an estate tax when you die anyway.  The estate tax affects only the uber-wealthy.  It doesn’t … Read More

What Would Jesus Do?

Ken AshfordCongress, Godstuff, Health CareLeave a Comment

Beautifully put by Heriod at The American Street Dateline Jerusalem, 29 a.d. — The ongoing controversy surrounding whether or not Jesus of Nazareth has the right to voluntarily die on the cross, took a dramatic turn yesterday. Roman Senator, Billius Fristus Felinocidicus announced that in a late night, weekend session, the Senate had passed an imperial edict, signed by Emperor … Read More

Other 293 Million Americans Waiting For Congress To Pass Bills For Them

Ken AshfordCongressLeave a Comment

The success of Congress’s record-breakingly speedy passage of a bill specifically crafted for the parents and brother of persistently-vegetative Terry Shiavo induced a furor this morning as America’s other 293 million inhabitants eagerly awaited their own "personal legislation." "I can’t wait," said seven-year-old Terry Dooley, who has petitioned Congress to pass legislation ordering Schwinn to give him a new bike. … Read More

Mike Schiavo Quote Of The Day

Ken AshfordAssisited Suicide/Schiavo, Congress, RepublicansLeave a Comment

"Instead of worrying about my wife, who was granted her wishes by the state courts the past seven years, they should worry about the pedophiles killing young girls," [Michael] Schiavo said, referring to a local case. "Why doesn’t Congress worry about people not having health insurance? Or the budget? Let’s talk about all the children who don’t have homes." "To … Read More

The So-Called Nuclear Option

Ken AshfordCongressLeave a Comment

How to fight: Democratic Leader Harry Reid’s Letter to Bill Frist March 15, 2005 Dear Majority Leader Frist: During President Bush’s first four years in office, the Senate confirmed 204 judicial nominees and withheld its consent to only 10 nominations, a confirmation rate of over 95%. Last year the federal court vacancy rate reached its lowest level in 15 years. … Read More

The Bankruptcy Bill

Ken AshfordCongress, Corporate GreedLeave a Comment

Let’s start with a story ripped from today’s headlines: In Cleveland, for example, a municipal court judge tossed out a case that Discover Bank brought against one of its cardholders after closely examining the woman’s credit card bill. According to court papers, Ruth M. Owens, a 53-year-old disabled woman, paid the company $3,492 over six years on a $1,963 debt … Read More