Message to the Democratic Leadership: Never Leave Your Wounded on the Battlefield

[babylonsister]

http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/editorials/142

Message to the Democratic Leadership: Never Leave Your Wounded on the Battlefield
Submitted by BuzzFlash on Tue, 06/19/2007 - 7:08am. Editorials


snip//

Polls out this week show that the Democratic Congress is down so low in the dumps that they are basically in the pig slough with Bush. The Dems in power can’t seem to understand that their role is to lead the American people, not to become immobilized by the fictional alternative universe manufactured in Rove’s laboratory of perfidy.

What happens in such a situation is that the Dem leadership regularly leaves our nation’s wounded heroes (on the homefront) on the political battlefield as the Dems in Congress retreat in fear from the right wing volleys. That means people like Valerie Plame, Joe Wilson, Richard Clarke, the top retired Pentagon generals critical of the war, ex-intelligence officers, Iraq Veterans against the war, and so many, many others are left high and dry to fend for themselves.

And the Congressional Dems have pretty much given up on bringing our heroes in Iraq home so that they don’t continue to get killed for a lies, vanity, egotism and profiteering.

It is, indeed, a serious sign of weakness when you leave your wounded heroes behind. That sort of behavior doesn’t go over well with the American public – and it shouldn’t.

The Dem leadership should be protecting the flanks of those who stand up for the truth against a fusillade of lies (and that includes the Democratic rank and file in Congress backing the occasional moments of courage shown by Reid and Pelosi).

Mark our words, the Dems will go down to defeat in 2008 if they keep abandoning warriors for the Constitution and justice to stand alone as target practice for the right wing character assassination squad.

more...

A BUZZFLASH EDITORIAL

[Freddie Stubbs]

1. Has Congress EVER had high approval ratings?

People tend to think that Congress is terrible, but love their Representative. A more useful measure would be the approval rating of some of the more vulnerable members of Congress.

[Captain Hilts]

3. Not that I can remembe. Everyone likes their own. The problem is everyone else's. nt

[NeedleCast]

12. But we'll re-elect

95% of them again in 2008. Many of them will run unopposed.

Tragic.

[bigtree]

13. tragic that we have a majority? It takes more than just one faction or the other to get there.

And NOTHING gets done without a majority.

I'll be more than thankful to see these folks elected again if we can maintain the numbers needed to prevail in the majority.

[jgraz]

21. "NOTHING gets done without a majority."

As near as I can tell, "NOTHING" is exactly what's getting done with a majority.

[Morgana LaFey]

33. Yes, if briefly.

I think they were roughly in the 80s during the early days of the Contract with (on) America, a PR gimmick.

But they're not usually as low as they are now, which are basically about as low as Bush's are. They started out after the election MUCH higher. People are seriously disappointed in the fact that they haven't stepped up to the plate to stop Bush, stop the war, stop the corruption, hold people accountable. You know: GOVERN.

[struggle4progress]

34. This congress has a 40% rating earlier in the year. It's dropped a lot recently.

[MannyGoldstein]

2. Triangulation Uber Alles!

We have become the party of "we suck less".

[bigtree]

4. Congress is at the same point in the polls that they've always been

the polls that are significant are the ones which show the overwhelming numbers who say they intend to vote for a Democrat in the next election. Using the other number to bash our majority is a stretch.

[bigtree]

7. oh, yeah. it's a load of horseshit that Democrats have 'given up on bringing our heroes in Iraq home

why do people get away with posting horseshit like this on this board?

answer: weak, frustrated newbies to the political process eat it up like ice cream.

[babylonsister]

9. You are certainly entitled to your opinion but just because your

optimism for the Dem party is all-consuming, it isn't with me. So stop throwing insults, would ya?
YOU are no smarter than anyone else, despite what you might think.
I was DISAPPOINTED with the way the Dems voted to fund the war without any timelines to get out; if you don't like that, too bad.

[bigtree]

11. I'm throwing them back. I find this article highly insulting, counterproductive

and full of shit.

edit: And, if you haven't noticed, the Democrat bashing goes on unabated here. Those in defense of our party are regularly ridiculed and treated worse than republicans. I think it's a damn shame and I'm more than a little frustrated by it. I used find this board a haven for support and a place where i could comfortably offer support for our party. Not anymore. It's an uphill battle to just represent what our party is actually doing. And then this kind of shit pops up. Every day, all day.

It's horseshit and I'm more than sick of it.

[babylonsister]

14. If the criticism has been earned, I don't have a problem with it.

That's like saying don't criticize a candidate because he/she's a Dem; That is horseshit.

And in this case, with their war vote, the criticism is deserving. IMO. So sorry if you think we should all blindly follow the Dems because they are Dems. I don't even think it's supposed to work that way.

[bigtree]

15. It's a damnable lie that Congressional democrats have abandoned the troops

or abandoned the effort for timetables just because they followed through on their promise that they would not hold troops' funding hostage to the effort. Those timetables still stand, with a MAJORITY of Democrats still ready and willing to vote for them in upcoming legislation.

It's a crock that the vote for the one LIMITED funding bill is an abandonment of their intention to end the occupation. repeating that lie over and over only serves to draw attention and responsibility away from Bush and his republican enablers, who are the ONLY ones keeping our troops bogged down in Iraq.

You don't have to be some cheerleader or apologist to recognize that.

[jgraz]

22. Riiiight -- They've haven't said BOO about Iraq since they caved

Where are your signing ceremonies and press conferences now, Madam Speaker? What happened to that "even tougher bill" Mr. Majority Leader?

[bigtree]

24. another lie. But jgraz, I really don't expect you to look for that opposition

you're too satisfied in finding ways to tear at them.


Reid vows fresh round of Iraq votes

Associated Press - June 13, 2007 5:34 PM ET

WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says the Senate will face another round of votes on the Iraq war before the July Fourth recess. He says it's part of a strategy intended to show that Democrats are not giving up on efforts to bring troops home.

While the measures are unlikely to pass, the announcement comes as party leaders are under fire by many liberal supporters for passing legislation that funds the war through September.

Reid told reporters after a closed-door meeting with Senate Democrats today, quoting now, "We're going to hold the president's feet to the fire.

Under Reid's plan, the Senate will cast separate votes on whether to cut off funding for combat next year, order troop withdrawals within four months, impose stricter standards on the length of combat tours and rescind congressional authorization for the Iraqi invasion.

http://www.ksby.com/Global/story.asp?S=6654690

[jgraz]

27. Woohoo -- thanks for your support

"the announcement comes as party leaders are under fire by many liberal supporters for passing legislation that funds the war through September"

Of course if you'd had your way, we'd still be kissing their asses. But hey, keep up your "support" of the party -- it's accomplishing soooo much.

Edit: left out a

[bigtree]

30. parroting the media to spread your smear . . . brilliant

[jgraz]

31. I prefer to think of it more as throwing your own example back in your face

But feel free to spin up your own characterization. You're getting quite good at it.

[dogday]

16. I agree with you on this.... The problem is they are not

passing any legislation that is really making any difference....

I do appreciate them holding hearings and trying to get to the bottom of things.

They need to make a bold stance and statement none the less so the people can see it...

I feel I can criticize because I voted for them, they work for me...

[babylonsister]

17. Thanks! nt

[bigtree]

18. The house has passed plenty. It still needs to be defended until it completes the process

and I don't see what the purpose is in blaming our party for the delay in enacting the bills passed when the opposition is coming from the republicans.

here's a sample of what's been passed so far (I can't believe anyone would come here and try and sell the lie that we haven't passed anything significant) :

Implementing 9/11 Commission's Recommendations - H.R. 1
This legislation provides for the implementation of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations. The bill’s provisions include major improvements in aviation security, border security, and infrastructure security; providing first responders the equipment and training they need; beefing up efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction; and significantly expanding diplomatic, economic, educational, and other strategies designed to counter Islamic terrorism.
Status: Passed January 9, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

Concurrent Resolution on the President's Escalation Plan - H.RES.63
This resolution disapproves of the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq. It further resolves that Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq.
Status: Passed February 16, 2007

National Security FIRST Act - H.R. 556
This bill strengthens national security by reforming the interagency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) process by which the Federal Government reviews foreign investments in the United States for their national security implications.
Status: Passed February 28, 2007

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Health and Iraq Accountability Act
Had it not been vetoed by the President, this bill would have supported our troops and veterans, held the Bush Administration and Iraqi government accountable, and brought our soldiers home by August 2008 or sooner. It would have expanded funding for veterans’ health care and hospitals and refocused military efforts on Afghanistan and fighting terrorism.
Status: Passed March 23, 2007
Vetoed by the President May 1, 2007

Rail and Mass Transit Security Act - H.R. 1401
This legislation is designed to close the security gaps facing rail and mass transit and includes provisions on issues such as training, grants, security planning, research and development, and shipments of sensitive materials.
Status: Passed March 26, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

Wounded Warrior Assistance Act - H.R. 1538
This bill responds to the problems brought to light at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other military health care facilities. It includes provisions to improve the access to quality medical care for wounded service members who are outpatients at military health care facilities, begin the process of restoring the integrity and efficiency of the disability evaluation system, and improve the transition of wounded service members from the Armed Forces to the VA system.
Status: Passed March 28, 2007

FY 2008 Homeland Security Authorization - H.R. 1684
This legislation authorizes $39.8 billion in funding for the Department of Homeland Security in fiscal year 2008. Because the President has been submitting budgets that underfunded key homeland security priorities over the last few years, this bill is authorizing $2.1 billion more than the President requested.
Status: Passed May 9, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

Revised Version of the FY 2007 Supplemental Funding Bill - H.R. 2206
This bill is a revised version of the FY 2007 Supplemental, which fails to include the tough provisions holding the Iraqi government accountable and providing a responsible timetable for the redeployment of U.S. troops contained in the earlier version. However, in this bill, the President was forced to abandon his threat to veto any bill containing accountability – agreeing to 18 benchmarks and a potential cut-off of reconstruction aid if progress is not made toward meeting them. The measure also includes a minimum wage increase, children’s health care, and other important domestic priorities.
Status: Passed May 10, 2007
Signed into the law by the President on May 25, 2007

FY 2008 Intelligence Authorization Bill - H.R. 2082
This legislation will make new investments in intelligence personnel and enhance oversight of how intelligence is carried out. It authorizes intelligence funding for all U.S. intelligence agencies, including our military intelligence organizations.
Status: Passed May 11, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill - H.R. 1585
This legislation will provide the necessary resources and authorities to quickly and efficiently reverse declining trends in training and equipment readiness, and will also provide our service members doing their duty overseas in multiple wars with the best gear and force protection possible. Under the bill, our troops will get better health care, better pay, and the benefits they have earned.
Status: Passed May 17, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

Veterans Bills
These 6 bills support our veterans and honor their sacrifices, providing them with expanded health care and the benefits they deserve.

* The Veterans Outreach and Improvement Act of 2007, H.R. 67, would improve outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. It allows the VA to partner with state and local governments to reach out to veterans and their families in ensuring they receive the benefits for which they are eligible and assist them in completing their benefits claims.

* The Returning Servicemember VA Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007, H.R. 612, extends the period of eligibility for health care for combat service in the Persian Gulf or future hostilities from two years to five years after discharge or release.

* The Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007, H.R. 2199, ensures that our veterans are properly screened for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI, the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan) and, if diagnosed, receive the appropriate treatment.

* The Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act, H.R. 2239, expands eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits for severely injured service members undergoing long-term care and recovery. It makes it easier for injured veterans with service-connected disabilities by allowing the Veterans’ Administration’s vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E) benefits to be received before discharge.

* The Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act, H.R. 1470, requires the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical center.

* H.R. 1660 would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Southern Colorado region.

Status: Passed May 23, 2007

The Afghanistan Freedom and Security Support Act - H.R. 2446
This legislation will fund development, economic and security assistance programs, and establishment of a coordinator to tackle the growing threat of narcotics in Afghanistan. The bill renews a 2002 Afghanistan authorization and provides additional support for programs as diverse as assistance to women and girls, energy development and counter-narcotics. This bill represents the United States’ commitment to achieving long-term stability and security in Afghanistan.
Status: Passed June 6, 2007

Growing our Economy

Raising the Minimum Wage - H.R. 2
This bill increases the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over two years. Increasing the minimum wage to $7.25 per hour brings a pay raise for up to 13 million Americans.
Status: Passed January 10, 2007
The President signed into law on May 25 as part of the revised 2007 supplemental funding bill, H.R. 2206

Employee Free Choice Act - H.R. 800
The Employee Free Choice Act will restore workers’ rights by removing obstacles that prevent workers from choosing whether or not they want to form or join a union.
Status: Passed March 1, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act – H.R. 362
This legislation ensures that our teachers are equipped to adequately prepare the workforce of tomorrow in science, math, and technology. It invests in new teachers through professional development, summer training institutes, graduate education assistance, and scholarships.
Status: Passed April 24, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act – H.R. 363
This act encourages scientists by providing grants in the early stages of their careers, supporting recruiting and training young scientists and engineers.
Status: Passed April 24, 2007

Small Business Lending Improvement Act – H.R. 1332
This legislation provides small businesses with the access to capital they need to start and expand their businesses.
Status: Passed April 25, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

National Science Foundation Authorization Act – H.R. 1867
This legislation puts us on a path to doubling funding for the National Science Foundation’s research over the next 10 years, and encourages young scientists and researchers.
Status: Passed May 2, 2007

Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act – H.R. 1868
This legislation is the first full reauthorization of the National Institutes of Standards and Technology since 1991, authorizing $2.5 billion for fiscal year 2008-2010.
Status: Passed May 3, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act - H.R. 1873
This legislation will put small businesses on a level playing field with big corporations by increasing their access to federal contracts. It will require the Small Business Administration to reach out to small businesses regarding opportunities for earning government contracts, and mandate stricter oversight of government agencies to ensure they are making progress in awarding contracts to small businesses.
Status: Passed May 10, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

Ominbus Innovation & Competitiveness bill – H.R. 2272
This bill is made up of five Innovation Agenda bills that have been passed by the House over the last several weeks. They were combined into one bill to prepare to go to conference with the Senate, which passed an omnibus innovation and competitiveness bill (S. 761) on April 25.

H.R. 2272 combined the following five bills:

The 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act, H.R. 362

The Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act, H.R. 363

The National Science Foundation Authorization Act, H.R. 1867

The Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act, H.R. 1868

The Amending High-Performance Computing Act, H.R. 1068

Status: Passed May 21, 2007

The No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels (NOPEC) Act - H.R. 2264
This legislation enables the Department of Justice to take legal action against foreign nations for participating in oil cartels that drive up oil prices globally and in the United States. It does so by exempting OPEC and other nations from the provisions of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act when acting in a commercial capacity; by making clear that the so-called “Act of State” doctrine does not prevent courts from ruling on antitrust charges brought against foreign governments; and by authorizing the Department of Justice to bring lawsuits in U.S. courts against cartel members.
Status: Passed May 23, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

The Energy Price Gouging Act – H.R. 1252
This legislation will reduce the burden of rising gas prices on American families, providing immediate relief to consumers by giving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the authority to investigate and punish those who artificially inflate the price of energy. It ensures the federal government has the tools it needs to adequately respond to energy emergencies and prohibit price gouging – with a priority on refineries and big oil companies.
Status: Passed May 24, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

Caring for our Children and Families

Promoting Life-Saving Stem Cell Research - H.R. 3/S.5
This research bill increases the number of lines of stem cells that are eligible to be used in federally-funded research. The bill authorizes Health and Human Services (HHS) to support research involving embryonic stem cells meeting certain criteria, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from an embryo. The bill only authorizes the use of stem cell lines generated from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by fertility clinics.
Status: Passed January 11, 2007
Final version passed by the House on June 7, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

Requiring Medicare to Negotiate Lower Prescription Drug Prices - H.R. 4
This bill repeals the current provision that prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from negotiating with drug companies for lower prices for those enrolled in Medicare prescription drug plans and instead requires the Secretary to conduct such negotiations.
Status: Passed January 12, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

Cutting Interest Rates on Student Loans - H.R. 5
This bill makes college more accessible and affordable by cutting the interest rates on subsidized student loans in half – from the current 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent. This significantly cuts the student debt burden of about 5 million students.
Status: Passed January 17, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act, H.R. 365
This legislation will protect innocent families against the after-effects of methamphetamine production in their neighborhoods by funding meth lab recovery and remediation.
Status: Passed February 7, 2007

Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act - H.R. 1227
This legislation addresses the housing needs of the survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and is the first of several bills that the House will consider to deal with the unmet needs of the people of the Gulf Coast.
Status: Passed March 21, 2007

Genetic Nondiscrimination Act – H.R. 493
This legislation will protect personal genetic information from discriminatory use by health insurers and employers.
Status: Passed April 25, 2007

Improving Head Start Act – H.R. 1429
This legislation will help more children arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed by improving program quality and expanding access to more children.
Status: Passed May 2, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

Hate Crimes Prevention Act – H.R. 1592
This legislation will provide new resources to help state and local law enforcement agencies prevent and prosecute hate crimes, and closes gaps in current federal hate crimes law.
Status: Passed May 3, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

COPS Improvement Act of 2007 - H.R. 1700
This legislation will provide much needed support to local law enforcement agencies for their community oriented policing (COPS) efforts. This legislation is especially important as local law enforcement agencies struggle with funding gaps to keep officers on the streets.
Status: Passed May 15, 2007

Protecting our Planet

Repealing Big Oil Subsidies/Investing in Renewable Fuels - H.R. 6
This bill invests in clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency by repealing billions in subsidies given to big oil companies that are raking in record profits.
Status: Passed January 18, 2007

Reauthorizing Sewer Overflow Control Grants - H.R. 569
This bill authorizes $1.5 billion in grants to local communities over the next five years to construct treatment works to deal with sewer overflows that often occur after heavy rainfalls. This bill is crucial because sewer overflows represent a major public health hazard.
Status: Passed March 7, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

Reauthorizing Pilot Program for Increasing Useable Water Supply - H.R. 700
This bill authorizes $125 million to fund projects that increase usable water supply by encouraging innovation in water reclamation, reuse and conservation.
Status: Passed March 8, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

Reauthorizing Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund - H.R. 720
The Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund is a vital program for state and local governments that addresses critical water infrastructure needs. This bill authorizes a total of $14 billion for the fund over the next four years, ensures clean water and fosters economic development in local communities by helping pay for building and improving wastewater treatment facilities.
Status: Passed March 9, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

Advanced Fuels Infrastructure R&D Act - H.R. 547
This legislation will help make alternative biofuels more quickly and affordably, and assists retailers in the transition to clean diesel fuels.
Status: Passed February 17, 2007

Water Resources Development Act of 2007 - H.R. 1495
This legislation authorizes several projects and studies for the United States Army Corps of Engineers to carry out its major missions of flood control to protect our lives and livelihoods, viable navigation corridors for the movement of goods and services, and ecosystem restoration projects to improve the health of our nation’s environment.
Status: Passed April 19, 2007

Restoring Accountability

Honest Leadership - H.Res. 6
To clean up Washington and sever unethical ties between lawmakers and lobbyists, House Democrats started by banning travel and gifts from lobbyists, requiring full transparency to end the abuse of special interest earmarks, banning travel on corporate jets, shutting down the K Street project, reinstating the strict rules of pay-as-you-go budgeting, and ending the abusive processes that have destroyed democracy in the House of Representatives. These measures are the first steps to ensure that this Congress upholds the highest ethical standards.
Status: Passed January 5, 2007

Pension Forfeiture Act - H.R. 476
This legislation requires that Members convicted of certain federal offenses forfeit their congressional pension rights.
Status: Passed January 23, 2007

The Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007 - H.R. 1309
This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in a dozen substantive provisions to provide for more timely disclosure of government documents, including restoring the presumption of disclosure to FOIA, helping FOIA requesters obtain timely responses, improving transparency in agency compliance with FOIA, providing an alternative to litigation, and providing accountability for FOIA decisions.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2007 - H.R. 1255
Under the Presidential Records Act, presidential records are supposed to be released to historians and the public 12 years after the end of a presidential administration. In 2001, President George W. Bush issued an executive order which gave current and former presidents and vice presidents broad authority to withhold presidential records or delay their release indefinitely. The Presidential Records Act Amendments of 2007 nullifies the Bush executive order and establishes procedures to ensure the timely release of presidential records.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

Presidential Library Donation Reform Act of 2007 - H.R. 1254
This bill requires the disclosure of donors to Presidential libraries. Presidential libraries are built using private funds raised by an organization or foundation working on behalf of the president. Under current law, donations for the presidential library can be unlimited in size and are not required to be disclosed. The bill would require that all organizations established for the purpose of raising funds for presidential libraries or their related facilities report on a quarterly basis all contributions of $200 or more.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007

Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2007 - H.R. 985
This bill strengthens protections for federal whistleblowers to prevent retaliation against those who report wrongdoing, waste, fraud, or abuse to authorities.
Status: Passed March 14, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

Accountability in Contracting Act - H.R. 1362
This bill changes federal acquisition law to require agencies to limit the use of abuse-prone contracts, to increase transparency and accountability in federal contracting, and to protect the integrity of the acquisition workforce.
Status: Passed March 15, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

Interim Appointment of U.S. Attorneys – H.R. 580
This legislation will help better ensure the independence of U.S. Attorneys – by repealing a provision in a 2006 statute that grants the Attorney General the authority to make indefinite interim appointments of U.S. Attorneys, who can then serve indefinitely without Senate confirmation.
Status: Passed March 26, 2007

Taxpayer Protection Act - H.R. 1677
This legislation increases IRS outreach to provide taxpayers with stronger protections from identity theft and tax fraud. The bill simplifies tax filing requirements, strengthens outreach so people know they are entitled to tax refunds or payments under the Earned Income Tax Credit, and it increases taxpayer protections from “predatory” providers.
Status: Passed April 17, 2007

RECOVER Act – H.R. 1361
This legislation overhauls the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Assistance Program. In response to SBA’s disastrous performance after the 2005 Gulf State hurricanes, this bill provides numerous provisions to improve and strengthen the SBA disaster assistance program.
Status: Passed April 18, 2007
The President opposes in its current form

Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act – H.R. 1257
This bill requires that public companies ensure that shareholders have an annual nonbinding vote on their company’s executive compensation plans. It also requires a nonbinding advisory vote if the company awards a new golden parachute package while simultaneously negotiating the purchase or sale of the company.
Status: Passed April 20, 2007
The Administration opposes in its current form

D.C. Voting Rights Act – H.R. 1905
This legislation will secure voting rights in the House for the District of Columbia, permanently expanding the U.S. House of Representatives from 435 to 437 seats. This provides a vote to the District of Columbia and a new, at-large seat through the 112th Congress to the state next entitled to increase its congressional representation (which, according to the Census, is Utah).
Status: Passed April 19, 2007
The President has threatened to veto

Student Loan Sunshine Act - H.R. 890
In light of mounting evidence of unethical practices in the student loan industry, this legislation cleans up the relationships between student lenders and colleges.
Status: Passed May 9, 2007

Honest Leadership and Open Government Act – H.R. 2316
This legislation ends the tight-knit relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers. This is a tough bill that ends the culture of corruption, and restores accountability in Washington, ending the tight-knit relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers and taking another major step toward making the 110th Congress the most open, honest Congress in history.
Status: Passed May 24, 2007

The Lobbying Transparency Act – H.R. 2317
This bill requiring lobbyists who “bundle,” or collect campaign checks for Members of Congress, to meet strict reporting and disclosure guidelines.
Status: Passed May 24, 2007

The Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act – S. 214
This bill reinstates the Senate’s role in the U.S. Attorney confirmation process. It is designed to help better ensure the independence of U.S. Attorneys – by repealing a provision in a 2006 statute that grants the Attorney General the authority to make indefinite interim appointments of U.S. Attorneys, who can then serve indefinitely without Senate confirmation.
Status: Passed May 22, 2007

The Federal Housing Finance Reform Act – H.R. 1427
This legislation will overhaul the regulatory oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks, and create a new, independent regulator with broad powers analogous to current banking regulators. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored enterprises, meaning they are both created and chartered by Congress in addition to being private, profit-seeking businesses. It also creates a non-taxpayer financed affordable housing fund, which will dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars for the construction, maintenance and preservation of affordable housing, with the first year of the fund to be dedicated to the hurricane stricken areas of the Gulf Coast, and billions of dollars over the next five years for affordable housing nationwide.
Status: Passed May 22, 2007


and, this is just the House action. This is a difficult process which can't be shortcut. Our Democrats are doing the hard work of legislating. It would be nice if their efforts were highlighted here instead of posturing like they've done nothing at all. That's the sort of attitude I'd expect from the opposition.

[dogday]

20. My Son served in Iraq and most likely will have to return

Where is the all important legislation that me and 70% of Americans want?

Most of these bills have to do with reversing what the right did when it had the power...

I still reserve the right to criticize those who I voted for....

I said substantial and they still need to make a stand and stance on this war....

[bigtree]

23. you know the answer. Democrats have tried repeatedly to advance that legislation

Reid said last week that they will try again this month. If you want to know why it hasn't advanced, look to the republican obstructionists. Legislators who are working to oppose Bush in his occupation deserve credit for that opposition. They certainly don't deserve to be saddled with blame for the republicans' obstruction to that active opposition.

Criticism is fine, but you know it's gone way beyond that. I don't have to spell that out for anyone.

And, I really don't understand your criticism of the legislation they passed and are trying to advance. Americans also voted for these as well.

[dogday]

25. Hey I am still here and the Democrats are still my party of choice

There are Democrats who support the war and that is what I don't like.... Why in the world would they support this war with 70% of the country against it... Sounds like they are not doing the business of the people.... I appreciate all of the Democrats who have stood against this war and keep trying....

The legislation they have passed are good bills, they just don't tackle the two biggest issues facing this country today... Iraq and Health Care.....

[rucky]

5. This article articluates my disappointment with the Dems.

they're not acting like leaders.

[blm]

6. This is EXACTLY what they've been doing to any Dem sticking their neck out

on all the serious issues for the last 7 years. This was ESPECIALLY true during the 2004 campaign where all the top Dem names stayed OFF the daily news shows and provided cover for Bush by supporting him on issues of terrorism and Iraq that the nominee was attacking him on.

Why? Because I believe the Dem POWERSTRUCTURE wants all the voices seriously opposing Bush to be marginalized and ineffective so the Dem PARTY feels the need to move further right just to gain SOME sense of relevance politically.

The powerstructure in DC does not WANT a Dem party that follows a Gore, Kerry, Dean, Conyers, and others who've stood against Bush, so they belittle and tear them down from within. Some powerful Dems actively supported the WH on the Plame outing by knowing the WH was involved all along and staying silent with what they knew while the Wilsons were painted as liars.

Why? Because we are being manipulated as a party into RELYING on one name as the party 'savior' and they don't want that perception challenged.

It's the BFEE's planet and now that they control most news media they get to control who will decide the path the Democrats take. My bet is that the only path allowed for Dems will be one of capitulation to those who rule in secrecy and privilege.

[bigtree]

10. If they have enough members in their coalition they are able to dictate the agenda

that's the bottom line. If they had enough votes in whatever coalition they claim to be a part of, they would be able to shut out the folks they regularly trash in their rhetoric.

I believe our Democratic legislators should continue to work together where they can, and those who feel their ideas and proposals aren't getting the attention they deserve should keep pressing for recognition and try and elect more members who think like they do next time around.

But I don't think there's any coalition which has any significant amount of members with votes to offer which is somehow being locked out of influence. If they have the votes to bring to the table, their ideas and proposals will prevail. It's that simple.

[emanymton]

8. 'Stay On Message'

.
Do not try to out GOP the GOP. Of course the GOP slander and hate machine is in over drive. They will do anything to distract from the truth.

The leadership of the Democratic Party are doing the correct things. Do not worry about the hysterical whiners of the right. Time is on the side of the leadership of the Democratic Party in Congress.

Continue pressing the real issues and ignore the characters. Use the many instances of GOP malfeasance and criminal activities as starting points of efforts to clean up the government of USA.

The people see the efforts to clean up the GOP created messes. Stand and deliver and the Democratic Party will carry the future! Wilt and it is over.

The shows have just begun. Do not lose heart. Trust the people to support the Democratic Party's efforts to do the thing right.
.

[leftchick]

19. "Can Democrats End the Iraq War?"

why yes they could if they wanted to and the american public knows it....


Can Democrats End the Iraq War?
Media flunk constitutional question on war funding

6/1/07

Summing up the media's conventional wisdom about the congressional vote to approve funding for the Iraq War with no timeline for withdrawal, the Los Angeles Times wrote on May 25: "Unable to overcome the president's veto of their plan to set a timeline for withdrawing U.S. troops, Democrats have been left to focus on what to do next."

That, in a nutshell, is what was wrong with the coverage of the war funding debate. In fact, if the Democrat-controlled Congress wanted to force the Bush administration to accept a bill with a withdrawal timeline, it didn't have to pass the bill over Bush's veto—it just had to make clear that no Iraq War spending bill without a timeline would be forthcoming. Given that the Constitution requires Congress to approve all spending, Bush needs Congress's approval to continue the war—Congress does not need Bush's approval to end the war.

Democrats may not have wanted to pay the supposed political costs of such a strategy, but news coverage should have made clear that this was a choice, not something forced on them by the lack of a veto-proof majority.

Unfortunately, some leading pundits instead gave deeply misleading, unhelpful summaries of how the American constitutional system works. Here's New York Times columnist David Brooks on CNN's Reliable Sources (5/27/07):

http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=3110

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

28. Ssshhhh! It wrecks the "we don't have the votes" excuse.

[leftchick]

29. no kidding

sort of trashes that theory. It is interesting how the media backs the dems though isn't it? War is good business for them I guess.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

26. ",...the fictional alternative universe manufactured in Rove’s laboratory of perfidy."

I agree. Haven't they seen enough of the RW bullying BS to become resilient against it?

[KoKo]

32. It's an excellent editorial. The whistleblowers never got cover from prominent

Democrats. The Repugs protect their own...even their criminals.

[mmonk]

36. Exactly the point.

[GeorgeGist]

35. Better message ...

FIND A WILLING, ABLE AND WORTHY LEADER.

[Senator]

37. We can add "Gore voters" and "Kerry voters" to that list

You know, the one's that carried "the consent of the governed" in the last 2 stolen elections.

The DC Dems failure to even voice objection (save Sen. Boxer in '04) left the American People -- and their Constitutional sovereignty -- broken and bleeding on the battlefield.

Their current failure to impeach is just stepping over the body (politic).

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