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Friday, Jun 27, 2008
Revitalized FEC To Confront Big Agenda, But Action On McCain Question Unlikely
After months of dormancy, the FEC is set to tackle several high-profile electoral issues, but quick, decisive action on politically charged questions — such as whether Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., illegally withdrew from the public financing system — is unlikely, experts say.
Some In GOP Lament Lack Of Focus On Health Care As A Campaign Issue
As a coterie of first-term Republican senators wraps up an eight-week push to spotlight GOP proposals on healthcare in this election year, their effort has been largely drowned out by Republicans hoping to make energy a wedge issue against Democrats.
Senate Falls A Vote Short Of Moving On Medicare Pay Patch
Senate Democrats Thursday came one vote shy of limiting debate on Medicare legislation that would have averted a Medicare physician pay cut set to take effect Tuesday.
House Dems Go 2 For 4 On Energy Agenda Before Recess
House Democrats Thursday wrapped up their pre-Independence Day energy week with mixed results, while both parties came away with plenty of election-year fodder.
Byrd Plans To Schedule Interior Markup After House Flap
Senate Appropriations Chairman Robert Byrd said that after the Independence Day recess he will set a date for the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to consider its bill — legislation that could be a vehicle for Republican energy-related amendments.
Senate Moves Toward Passage Of War Supplemental Package
The Senate Thursday was moving toward approval of a war supplemental spending package, including nearly $162 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, increased education benefits for veterans and an additional 13 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits.
Reid Says Senate Will Vote On FISA Measure After Recess
Unable to clear procedural hurdles, the Senate will hold off voting on legislation revising the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act until after the Independence Day recess, Senate Majority Leader Reid said late Thursday.
Schmidt Hammers Wulsin Over AIDS Research For Heimlich
Malariotherapy is a controversial theory that uses malaria to treat and cure AIDS patients and is championed by Henry Heimlich, he of the technique used to dislodge food from a choking victim.
LOOKING IN
A Warm, Familiar Feeling
“While international recognition of global warming was swift, actions have faltered.” — James Hansen, director of NASA’s Goddard Institute, in testimony to the House Global Warming Committee on June 23, 2008.
HILL BRIEFS
Nominees Petraeus, Odierno Clear Senate Armed Services
The Senate Armed Services Committee voted Thursday to recommend Senate confirmation of Army Gen. David Petraeus to be the commander of U.S. Central Command and Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno to become commander of Multi-National Force-Iraq.
Conference Of Mayors Urges Passage Of Colombia FTA
The U.S. Conference of Mayors, in Miami this week for their annual meeting, approved a resolution in support of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, which remains mired in an election-year impasse.
House Approps Opposes Media Cross-Ownership
Provisions barring the FCC from implementing a controversial relaxation of its media ownership rules won approval this week from the House Appropriations Committee, despite protests from newspaper and broadcast outlets.
Senate Passes FAA Extension, Sends It To Bush For Signature
The Senate by unanimous consent Thursday approved a three-month FAA extension without a plan intended to send more money to federal highway coffers.
Two Federal Judges Confirmed; Four Nominees Moved To Floor
The Senate confirmed two federal judges Thursday, while the Senate Judiciary Committee approved four other judicial nominations.
POLITICAL ROUNDUP
Poll: Coleman Leads Franken By Double Digits
Freshman Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., holds a 51-41 percent advantage over his Democratic rival, entertainer and author Al Franken, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. Coleman’s seat is viewed by Democrats as a top pick-up opportunity this year. The survey of 1,572 likely voters was conducted June 17 through Tuesday and has a 2.5-point error margin.
National Dems Played A Big Role In Merkley’s Primary Bid
Senate Democratic leaders went to greater lengths than was previously known to make sure their preferred candidate to face Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore. — state House Speaker Jeff Merkley — won the May 20 primary, Oregonian reported.
Calongne Decides Against Another Bid In Louisiana
Republican Laurinda Calongne said Thursday she would not make another bid for the seat Rep. Don Cazayoux, D-La., won in this year’s special election, the Associated Press reported.
Mark Udall Holds Lead Over Schaffer, Poll Says
Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo., has a 48-38 percent lead over former GOP Rep. Bob Schaffer, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. The two are vying for the seat GOP Sen. Wayne Allard will vacate. The poll of 1,351 likely voters was conducted June 17 through Tuesday and has a 2.7-point error margin.
CORRECTION
Correction
Contrary to a story in Wednesday’s CongressDailyAM, a letter to congressional leaders from Govs. Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Michael Rounds of South Dakota did not endorse any specific proposal to add general revenue to the Highway Trust Fund, nor did it request any specific amount.
6/27/2008 AM Contents
- Revitalized FEC To Confront Big Agenda, But Action On McCain Question Unlikely
- Some In GOP Lament Lack Of Focus On Health Care As A Campaign Issue
- Senate Falls A Vote Short Of Moving On Medicare Pay Patch
- House Dems Go 2 For 4 On Energy Agenda Before Recess
- Byrd Plans To Schedule Interior Markup After House Flap
- Senate Moves Toward Passage Of War Supplemental Package
- Reid Says Senate Will Vote On FISA Measure After Recess
- Schmidt Hammers Wulsin Over AIDS Research For Heimlich
PEOPLE
LOOKING IN
HILL BRIEFS
- Nominees Petraeus, Odierno Clear Senate Armed Services
- Conference Of Mayors Urges Passage Of Colombia FTA
- House Approps Opposes Media Cross-Ownership
- Senate Passes FAA Extension, Sends It To Bush For Signature
- Two Federal Judges Confirmed; Four Nominees Moved To Floor
POLITICAL ROUNDUP
- Poll: Coleman Leads Franken By Double Digits
- National Dems Played A Big Role In Merkley’s Primary Bid
- Calongne Decides Against Another Bid In Louisiana
- Mark Udall Holds Lead Over Schaffer, Poll Says
