Thank you for noting the importance of the Impoundment Control Act and how this president continues to push against it. The opening of this morning's Regular Order somehow reminded me of that tawdry scene during the Bush years (the Hospital Room Showdown) attempting to circumvent protocols enshrined in both law and customs. The sanctimonious posturing of the Christian Coalition gets on my nerves but the irreligious behavior of today's crowd underscores how that well-meaning outfit was just another tool in the service of power and money.
I like your idea of a book about geriatric politicians. That has real possibilities.
It starts with determining all the open offices from those leaving -- then everyone in order or seniority is given the option to move. That's why all the newly elected members are in a lottery for order to choose -- they're all equally junior in seniority. There's a LOT of moving parts!! Senior members can get annex office space doled out by the Speaker, and I think there may be some hideaways in the Capitol, but that's really more of a Senate side thing.
Jamie, do you get the sense there are any Biden appointments that would get confirmed with bipartisan support? - Or is the fear of a wrathful Trump a bridge too far for Republicans at this point?
I'm sure part of the 'office lottery' has offices that are larger/better locations/whatever...but is there any 'advantage' if you have an office near a Congressmen you view as influential or otherwise someone you want to befriend for political purposes? Meaning...do Congressmen tend to form tighter relationships with those they might see more often as they come in/out of their office?
(Kinda' like how you'd form often form more of a relationship with those who had a dorm room by you by virtue of proximity.)
I'm sure there are people who get offices in a certain area because there are friendly people there. My dad always talks about how he met staffers from nearby offices and networked that way.
Also,I remember when you would come on The0 Boortz radio program and tell us about the questionable spending ,one was shrimp on treadmills,that one just stuck lpl, I do like that these are coming out.
Maybe I have missed some links you have posted on here?
I always find your “inside baseball” information most interesting. Thanks! Regarding “Impoundment Control’, you make us think past the sale. Is there not more to the story? Why did our Founders allow the President have this power and it stood for nearly 200 years? What changed? Is it not true both houses of Congress in 1974 were controlled by democrats? Federal spending had been increasing a lot as a result of the Vietnam War, Johnson’s Great Society programs, and federal expansions in social service programs? And now look at our out-of-control spending.
It wasn't so much that the Founders gave the President that power. It was that the President barely ever used it. Not until Nixon started blocking spending in the billions did Congress stand up and pass a law to set up a procedural framework to ensure that the Power of the Purse did not slide to the Executive. That law has nothing to do with the growing debt. The budget was balanced for several years late in the Clinton Administration. One historic note - no President in my lifetime has ever vetoed a government funding bill because it spent too much.
Thank you for noting the importance of the Impoundment Control Act and how this president continues to push against it. The opening of this morning's Regular Order somehow reminded me of that tawdry scene during the Bush years (the Hospital Room Showdown) attempting to circumvent protocols enshrined in both law and customs. The sanctimonious posturing of the Christian Coalition gets on my nerves but the irreligious behavior of today's crowd underscores how that well-meaning outfit was just another tool in the service of power and money.
I like your idea of a book about geriatric politicians. That has real possibilities.
https://www.salon.com/2007/05/15/comey_testimony/
"Sadly, the Ukraine 1st, America Last Caucus defeated my resolution," tweeted Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who led the effort to block the President's plan.
How many resolutions or bills has Rand Paul ever introduced that passed? Seems to be the Senate’s version or Matt Gaetz
p.s. Editor’s note: David Scott s/b referenced as (“D” GA)
Thanks for catching that on Scott. I had Austin Scott on the brain evidently.
As for Paul, he's the skunk at the GOP picnic. I bet if another Republican was pushing many of his same votes, they might win.
I’ll believe they are concerned with women’s safety when their outrage isn’t as selective as my kids hearing (see Rep. Gaetz, et al).
How often do Congressmen change office locations? I understand the Leadership get larger offices, but is that the only time they change?
Good question and I will answer in Friday's newsletter
Is the lottery for empty or soon to be empty offices? Or do all members get to pick new offices?
It starts with determining all the open offices from those leaving -- then everyone in order or seniority is given the option to move. That's why all the newly elected members are in a lottery for order to choose -- they're all equally junior in seniority. There's a LOT of moving parts!! Senior members can get annex office space doled out by the Speaker, and I think there may be some hideaways in the Capitol, but that's really more of a Senate side thing.
Maybe Johnson should take a look at these “Biological Women” who must now use the women’s bathrooms in Congress.
https://rabbit-green-dz2y.squarespace.com/strengthandconfidence
Just learned Gaetz has "withdrawn his nomination" for AG. Something tells me someone whispered something in his ear that made that happen.
Any idea who?
Jamie, do you get the sense there are any Biden appointments that would get confirmed with bipartisan support? - Or is the fear of a wrathful Trump a bridge too far for Republicans at this point?
The Senate just voted 82-12 to approve a judicial nominee from Arizona, so yeah it can still happen
I'm sure part of the 'office lottery' has offices that are larger/better locations/whatever...but is there any 'advantage' if you have an office near a Congressmen you view as influential or otherwise someone you want to befriend for political purposes? Meaning...do Congressmen tend to form tighter relationships with those they might see more often as they come in/out of their office?
(Kinda' like how you'd form often form more of a relationship with those who had a dorm room by you by virtue of proximity.)
I'm sure there are people who get offices in a certain area because there are friendly people there. My dad always talks about how he met staffers from nearby offices and networked that way.
Write the book!
Also,I remember when you would come on The0 Boortz radio program and tell us about the questionable spending ,one was shrimp on treadmills,that one just stuck lpl, I do like that these are coming out.
Maybe I have missed some links you have posted on here?
How long will Harris vacation in Hawaii? It won’t help her ‘28 chances if that vacation causes some nominations to lose by a tie she could break.
The Senate is out until Dec. 2, and she will be back by then one would assume. No judges lost because of a lack of a tie vote.
I always find your “inside baseball” information most interesting. Thanks! Regarding “Impoundment Control’, you make us think past the sale. Is there not more to the story? Why did our Founders allow the President have this power and it stood for nearly 200 years? What changed? Is it not true both houses of Congress in 1974 were controlled by democrats? Federal spending had been increasing a lot as a result of the Vietnam War, Johnson’s Great Society programs, and federal expansions in social service programs? And now look at our out-of-control spending.
It wasn't so much that the Founders gave the President that power. It was that the President barely ever used it. Not until Nixon started blocking spending in the billions did Congress stand up and pass a law to set up a procedural framework to ensure that the Power of the Purse did not slide to the Executive. That law has nothing to do with the growing debt. The budget was balanced for several years late in the Clinton Administration. One historic note - no President in my lifetime has ever vetoed a government funding bill because it spent too much.
Thanks for the additional info. I need to look into what money Nixon was blocking. I feel it relates to the above referenced things.