U.S. Congress

Covering Up for Foley?

by Sheldon Rampton — October 5, 2006 - 7:33pm

A screenshot from Foley's now-defunct campaign website

Republicans in the U.S. Congress continue to grapple with the controversy surrounding the resignation in disgrace of Rep. Mark Foley. Former Foley chief of staff Kirk Fordham, who subsequently became chief of staff to Rep.

Main Source: 
New York Times, October 5, 2006

Rep. Mark Foley: Who knew what and when?

by Conor Kenny — October 2, 2006 - 5:45pm
  • Topics: U.S. Congress, Democracy, U.S. Government

    • The scandal surrounding former Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) has evolved from one of a disturbing congressman to a possible institutional cover-up.

    Last Friday, Foley resigned abruptly after it was reported that he sent emails and sexually suggestive instant messages to teenage congressional pages. While no member has admitted to having previous knowledge of the messages, it now appears certain that several GOP leaders of the House were aware of Foley’s emails to a sixteen-year-old page as early as the fall of 2005.

    Senate passes detainee bill

    by Conor Kenny — September 29, 2006 - 10:45am
  • Topics: U.S. Congress, Democracy, U.S. Government

    • The War on Terror detainee bill passed the Senate last night and is now headed for the president's desk and a likely court challenge. The bill passed by the Senate reflects the House's proposal to provide both the president and government interrogators broader authority with regard to the detention, interrogation and trials of suspected terrorists. The bill passed by a 65-34 vote, and was supported by each GOP senator with the exception of Sen.

    The end of habeas corpus and the official sanction of less than "grave breaches" of the Geneva Convention

    by Conor Kenny — September 28, 2006 - 12:55pm
  • Topics: U.S. Congress, Democracy, U.S. Government

    • New legislation on the treatment of terror suspects is now halfway to President Bush's desk.

    Habeas corpus amendment defeated

    by Conor Kenny — September 28, 2006 - 3:46am
  • Topics: U.S. Congress, Democracy, U.S. Government

    • A few hours ago, the Senate defeated an amendment which would have allowed suspected terrorists to challenge their detentions in federal court (habeas corpus protection). The amendment, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), lost by a 48-51 vote.

    We've got your 2006 challengers right here

    by Conor Kenny — September 25, 2006 - 4:56pm
  • Topics: U.S. Congress, Democracy, U.S. Government

    • Well, right here, to be specific. Congresspedia is now tracking the congressional primaries in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the

    If We Stop Using Highly Toxic Chemicals, the Terrorists Will Have Won

    by Diane Farsetta — September 21, 2006 - 12:11pm

    "An analysis by the Department of Homeland Security found 272 chemical plants nationwide at which an attack or accident could affect at least 50,000 people and an additional 3,400 plants at which more than 1,000 people were at risk," reports the New York Times.

    Main Source: 
    New York Times, September 21, 2006

    Update: Exposing Earmarks

    by Conor Kenny — September 20, 2006 - 6:10am
  • Topics: U.S. Congress, U.S. Government

    • It looks like it's close to endgame for earmark reform this Congressional session. Earmarks, the specific allocations of money to certain programs or organizations by Congress, has been a hot topic in Washington this year ever since the resignation of Rep.

    Net Neutrality Poll Far From Neutral Itself

    by Diane Farsetta — September 19, 2006 - 9:58am

    "Pollsters hired by Verizon Communications Inc. presented a study today that suggests consumers overwhelmingly reject 'net neutrality' ... but they support Alaska Sen.

    Main Source: 
    Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire blog, September 18, 2006

    Congress in 30 Seconds: When you think about your congressperson, what comes to mind?

    by Conor Kenny — September 18, 2006 - 5:42am
  • Topics: U.S. Congress, U.S. Government

    • Not content to wait patiently for the daily schedules of members of Congress to be released, the folks at the Sunlight Network have upped the ante on their Punch Clock Campaign.

    Syndicate content