Lawmaker News

The unparalleled encroachment of the federal government in the private sector and the lives of individual Americans that began during the Bush Administration and continues in the Obama Administration (see, for example, the Troubled Assets Protection Program, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the rapid growth of the federal workforce, and the health care and financial overhauls) has led to concerns of an oncoming tsunami of opacity, waste, fraud, and abuse.  This trend must be met by vigorous Congressional oversight of the massive federal bureaucracy.

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina recently procured a lobbyist to aid them in their fight for federal recognition in this Congressional session. Jersey City just hired a firm to block a Texas company from running a natural gas pipeline through Jersey City. Other municipalities, businesses, and non-profits are considering hiring a lobbyist before November. Hiring lobbyists to pursue an agenda is normally business as usual in Washington, but what makes these hiring decisions different is the timing – there is only about a month left for any serious legislative push before the election heats up in full force. Perhaps they are anticipating a lot of action during a proposed lame duck session? The oddity of a lobbying hire at this late stage of the game puts into question either the logic of the buyer (the client) or the logic of the seller (the lobbyist)?

Over 1.3 million Americans have served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan, facing the constant dangers of combat.  When they leave the armed services, they return to a country mired in an economic slowdown.  Finding employment is an essential step for veterans returning to civilian life.

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I welcome back all of my colleagues from all corners of the country.  I’m sure every senator enjoyed spending time with constituents as much as I did.  And I’m sure we’re all eager to get back to the business of legislating.

Craigslist should be commended for censoring its adult services section, which is frequently abused by sex traffickers and other criminals.

Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske, along with five previous drug czars (including former 'high roller' William Bennett), recently penned an op/ed in the Los Angeles Times condemning California’s Proposition 19 , The Regulate, Control & Tax Cannabis Initiative of 2010. It is no surprise that America's present and former drug czars oppose the passage of Prop. 19. After all, the drug czar is required by law "to oppose any attempt to legalize the use of a substance that is listed in schedule I of section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act." In other words, it would actually be illegal for President Obama's drug czar, Gil Kerlikowske, to voice an opinion that didn't publicly condemn the measure. Read more...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mark Begich issued the following statement today in reaction to the tragic Monday night airplane crash near Dillingham which killed former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens and others:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released a statement on the passing of Senator Ted Stevens:

"Irene and I are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our dear friend, and my brother, Ted Stevens.  His wife, Catherine, and his entire family are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Tuesday on the passing of former Senate President Pro Tempore Ted Stevens of Alaska:

ANCHORAGE, AK – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski today made the following statement after learning of the tragic death of Sen. Ted Stevens and others in a plane crash near Dillingham:

“Last night, Alaska lost a hero and I lost a dear friend. The thought of losing Ted Stevens, a man who was known to business and community leaders, Native chiefs and everyday Alaskans as ‘Uncle Ted,’ is too difficult to fathom. His entire life was dedicated to public service—from his days as a pilot in World War II to his four decades of service in the United States Senate. He truly was the greatest of the ‘Greatest Generation.’