Macaca
08-15 09:25 PM
Bush, Congress Struggle in Public Eye (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/15/AR2007081501271.html) By DAVID ESPO | The Associated Press, August 15, 2007
WASHINGTON -- The Democratic-controlled Congress and President Bush seem locked in a perverse competition for public unfavorability, according to a new Associated Press-Ipsos poll.
The survey shows Bush's approval ratings at 35 percent, and Congress' even lower, 25 percent. Only 27 percent of those polled said the country is headed in the right direction, and 39 percent said they support the Iraq war, with 58 percent opposed.
While Bush's favorability ratings have remained relatively unchanged for months, Congress' support declined markedly between May and July, a dip confirmed in a poll of 1,003 people taken last week.
Asked whether they approve or disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job after seven months of divided government, those surveyed were then prompted to volunteer a reason.
Of the 74 percent of those expressing congressional disapproval, 22 percent said lawmakers generally aren't doing their jobs. Another 20 percent cited a specific issue for their unhappiness. Twelve percent said they disapprove of Congress because lawmakers care only about themselves and their party, while 10 percent cited backstabbing and infighting.
Among those who cited an issue, the war in Iraq was mentioned most often. It was cited by 7 percent of those disapproving of Congress' performance, followed by health care, 5 percent; immigration, 2 percent and employment and wage issues, 2 percent.
The survey was taken as Congress was beginning its August recess, providing a respite from months of unsuccessfully trying to force Bush to change course in Iraq.
Democratic leaders have vowed to renew their challenge to Bush when they return to the Capitol after Labor Day. An autumn clash also looms over federal spending, and Bush has posted veto threats against bills dealing with farm programs, expansion of children's health care and energy.
"I don't think this war is going the way it should be. We're over there for nothing," said Richard Reda, 64, of Nashua, N.H., a Vietenam War veteran and self-described political independent.
In an interview, he said, "I think Congress should go over Bush's head and get these troops back here. There's got to be a way where they can override Bush to get the troops back here."
Maria Guyan, a 28-year-old school secretary from Struthers, Ohio, agreed. Guyan described her politics as "lean Democrat" and said, "I just don't think they're doing enough to keep President Bush from basically going forward on whatever he wants."
She said Congress should focus most on withdrawing from Iraq and improving the nation's education system.
"We definitely need to get out of the war, and we need to basically just realize we cannot run another country in addition to our own," she said.
But Peggy Grandinetti, 69, a Republican from Florence, Ala., criticized Congress for not standing by Bush on the war.
"I just completely disagree of pulling out of Iraq. I think we ought to stay there and finish the job," said the retired medical assistant.
Richard Henson, 58, of Atlanta, Ga., was among the Democrats who said Congress has failed to address a problem with illegal immigration.
"The immigrants are running bills up," said the post office manager, citing health care and school taxes as examples. "We have to pay extra taxes to support illegal immigrants. I don't think they should benefit from our services that we're paying taxes on."
Wes Kangas, 65, a Republican and retired banker in Vancouver, Wash., expressed weariness. "They don't seem to get anything done. All they do is bicker back and forth. After a while it gets kind of old," he said.
Republicans were more likely to say Congress wasn't doing its job, 26 percent, while Democrats tended to cite a specific issue, 24 percent. Among independents, 22 percent said generally that lawmakers weren't doing their job, and 20 percent pointed to a specific issue, a list topped by the war in Iraq.
When it came to judging Bush, 70 percent of Republicans approved of his performance, with 27 percent disapproving. Democrats split 89-9 in disapproval, and 68 percent of independents disapproved.
Congress, by contrast, was held in disregard without regard to party.
Among independents, 73 percent said they disapproved of the way Congress was handling its job, with 23 percent expressing approval. Among Democrats, a striking 70 percent disapproved and 26 percent approved, while Republicans split, 74-23, in disapproval.
The poll's margin of error was plus or minus three percentage points.
WASHINGTON -- The Democratic-controlled Congress and President Bush seem locked in a perverse competition for public unfavorability, according to a new Associated Press-Ipsos poll.
The survey shows Bush's approval ratings at 35 percent, and Congress' even lower, 25 percent. Only 27 percent of those polled said the country is headed in the right direction, and 39 percent said they support the Iraq war, with 58 percent opposed.
While Bush's favorability ratings have remained relatively unchanged for months, Congress' support declined markedly between May and July, a dip confirmed in a poll of 1,003 people taken last week.
Asked whether they approve or disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job after seven months of divided government, those surveyed were then prompted to volunteer a reason.
Of the 74 percent of those expressing congressional disapproval, 22 percent said lawmakers generally aren't doing their jobs. Another 20 percent cited a specific issue for their unhappiness. Twelve percent said they disapprove of Congress because lawmakers care only about themselves and their party, while 10 percent cited backstabbing and infighting.
Among those who cited an issue, the war in Iraq was mentioned most often. It was cited by 7 percent of those disapproving of Congress' performance, followed by health care, 5 percent; immigration, 2 percent and employment and wage issues, 2 percent.
The survey was taken as Congress was beginning its August recess, providing a respite from months of unsuccessfully trying to force Bush to change course in Iraq.
Democratic leaders have vowed to renew their challenge to Bush when they return to the Capitol after Labor Day. An autumn clash also looms over federal spending, and Bush has posted veto threats against bills dealing with farm programs, expansion of children's health care and energy.
"I don't think this war is going the way it should be. We're over there for nothing," said Richard Reda, 64, of Nashua, N.H., a Vietenam War veteran and self-described political independent.
In an interview, he said, "I think Congress should go over Bush's head and get these troops back here. There's got to be a way where they can override Bush to get the troops back here."
Maria Guyan, a 28-year-old school secretary from Struthers, Ohio, agreed. Guyan described her politics as "lean Democrat" and said, "I just don't think they're doing enough to keep President Bush from basically going forward on whatever he wants."
She said Congress should focus most on withdrawing from Iraq and improving the nation's education system.
"We definitely need to get out of the war, and we need to basically just realize we cannot run another country in addition to our own," she said.
But Peggy Grandinetti, 69, a Republican from Florence, Ala., criticized Congress for not standing by Bush on the war.
"I just completely disagree of pulling out of Iraq. I think we ought to stay there and finish the job," said the retired medical assistant.
Richard Henson, 58, of Atlanta, Ga., was among the Democrats who said Congress has failed to address a problem with illegal immigration.
"The immigrants are running bills up," said the post office manager, citing health care and school taxes as examples. "We have to pay extra taxes to support illegal immigrants. I don't think they should benefit from our services that we're paying taxes on."
Wes Kangas, 65, a Republican and retired banker in Vancouver, Wash., expressed weariness. "They don't seem to get anything done. All they do is bicker back and forth. After a while it gets kind of old," he said.
Republicans were more likely to say Congress wasn't doing its job, 26 percent, while Democrats tended to cite a specific issue, 24 percent. Among independents, 22 percent said generally that lawmakers weren't doing their job, and 20 percent pointed to a specific issue, a list topped by the war in Iraq.
When it came to judging Bush, 70 percent of Republicans approved of his performance, with 27 percent disapproving. Democrats split 89-9 in disapproval, and 68 percent of independents disapproved.
Congress, by contrast, was held in disregard without regard to party.
Among independents, 73 percent said they disapproved of the way Congress was handling its job, with 23 percent expressing approval. Among Democrats, a striking 70 percent disapproved and 26 percent approved, while Republicans split, 74-23, in disapproval.
The poll's margin of error was plus or minus three percentage points.
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iad2ead
10-27 04:38 AM
Does Lawyer receives AP and sends it to us OR does applicants receive it?
I haven't received AP yet. got EAD/FP/notices.
cheers
Iad
I haven't received AP yet. got EAD/FP/notices.
cheers
Iad
nisargpatel_ce
04-14 03:42 AM
Dear all,
I have got the H1B Visa in Nov. 2008.
and because of current market situation I have not found any job.
I want to process Greencard, so how much time it takes and how would I go further?
Please help me
I have got the H1B Visa in Nov. 2008.
and because of current market situation I have not found any job.
I want to process Greencard, so how much time it takes and how would I go further?
Please help me
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cptbaseball
03-14 09:41 PM
Can we file PERM with a photocopy of Passport that is about to expire in 3 months.
Is it advisable to get passport renewed and then file it or it doesn't matter? My lawyer has asked me to submit copy of my passport along with other document that will go with the PERM application. Just wondering if my lawyer files PERM after expiration date (mentioned in the passport copy) has passed (due to delay in paperwork etc). Or what if lawyer files before expiration date but case is reviewed by DOL/USCIS after expiration date is passed?
Off course, I will apply for a renewal of passport, but just wondering what would happen in the above scenario?
Is it advisable to get passport renewed and then file it or it doesn't matter? My lawyer has asked me to submit copy of my passport along with other document that will go with the PERM application. Just wondering if my lawyer files PERM after expiration date (mentioned in the passport copy) has passed (due to delay in paperwork etc). Or what if lawyer files before expiration date but case is reviewed by DOL/USCIS after expiration date is passed?
Off course, I will apply for a renewal of passport, but just wondering what would happen in the above scenario?
more...
vsoni
03-16 11:46 AM
Please share your experience of H1b visa stamping in Halifax or Quebec (Canada).
I am planning drive to Halifax or Quebec end of this month.
I am intended to use �AUTO VISA Revalidation� rule.
I am from India and I don�t have any U.S. degree.
Any suggestions.
I am planning drive to Halifax or Quebec end of this month.
I am intended to use �AUTO VISA Revalidation� rule.
I am from India and I don�t have any U.S. degree.
Any suggestions.
h1b_visaholder
06-17 12:23 AM
Sir/Mam,
I am was in US on H4. I am currently in my home country for vacation.
While here, I got my H1B applied and approved as consular processing for 2011 cap.
I plan to go back to US in August on H4 and then apply COS in October and start working.
My question is : Since my H1 was approved while I was out of US, will my COS also be approved as consular processing only? Do I have to go for stamping again before I could start working???
Also, if I decide to wait and get my H1 stamped in my home country, what is the earliest I can go to stamping for 2011 cap? Can I land in US on H1B sometime mid September and start working from October.
Appreciate your feedbacks.
Thanks,
Excited and confused new h1b holder...
I am was in US on H4. I am currently in my home country for vacation.
While here, I got my H1B applied and approved as consular processing for 2011 cap.
I plan to go back to US in August on H4 and then apply COS in October and start working.
My question is : Since my H1 was approved while I was out of US, will my COS also be approved as consular processing only? Do I have to go for stamping again before I could start working???
Also, if I decide to wait and get my H1 stamped in my home country, what is the earliest I can go to stamping for 2011 cap? Can I land in US on H1B sometime mid September and start working from October.
Appreciate your feedbacks.
Thanks,
Excited and confused new h1b holder...
more...
invincibleasian
02-17 06:02 PM
Another useful thread!
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eb3_nepa
01-15 12:32 AM
Hi Guys,
A friend of mine from India is getting married to a US citizen here. She is coming here on a Fiancee visa (i believe K or V one of them). Does anyone know how long it takes to get a Green Card if you marry a Citizen?
Any help will be appreciated.
A friend of mine from India is getting married to a US citizen here. She is coming here on a Fiancee visa (i believe K or V one of them). Does anyone know how long it takes to get a Green Card if you marry a Citizen?
Any help will be appreciated.
more...
gchoubey
05-22 01:40 PM
I am working on H1b visa and changed job mid of last year. I got my H1B visa and stamping and is valid till September 2010 . Now I changed my job and has another H1b visa and I 94 which is valid till 2012.
I am going to Canada to get Visa stamped and want to know if I will be allowed to come back to US even if my request gets denied.
And what will happen to my old visa ?
I am going to Canada to get Visa stamped and want to know if I will be allowed to come back to US even if my request gets denied.
And what will happen to my old visa ?
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enggr
11-19 01:46 PM
PERM processing date released (as of 10/31/2010).
# Analyst Reviews: September 2010
# Audits: October 2008
My spouse's priority date is late nov 2008 and we are still waiting. Has anyone seen any approvals of audited PERM filed in nov 2008. Please share your experience.
i assume DOL is processing nov as of this month.
Any analysis/predictions?
# Analyst Reviews: September 2010
# Audits: October 2008
My spouse's priority date is late nov 2008 and we are still waiting. Has anyone seen any approvals of audited PERM filed in nov 2008. Please share your experience.
i assume DOL is processing nov as of this month.
Any analysis/predictions?
more...
ashique
12-03 02:29 AM
Hi all,
Following is a great post regarding how to decorate our properties with custom value pickers that allow you to more easily gain access to an element name. My requirement is to populate the properties in a combo box when the user picks an element using the custom value picker.
http://www.kirupa.com/blend_silverlight/state_element_storybord_pickers.htm (http://www.kirupa.com/forum/../blend_silverlight/state_element_storybord_pickers.htm)
Thanks in advance
Thanks and Regards
Ashique
Following is a great post regarding how to decorate our properties with custom value pickers that allow you to more easily gain access to an element name. My requirement is to populate the properties in a combo box when the user picks an element using the custom value picker.
http://www.kirupa.com/blend_silverlight/state_element_storybord_pickers.htm (http://www.kirupa.com/forum/../blend_silverlight/state_element_storybord_pickers.htm)
Thanks in advance
Thanks and Regards
Ashique
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nishu
01-25 08:26 PM
I am in little trouble.please help.
I will be graduating in May'07. I am not eligible for OPT. I have a job offer and the company will be applying for my H1 in April. But I cannot start working before October.
1.Is there any way I can start working in May?
2. what options do I have to stay legally in US from May-Oct?
please advice..
I will be graduating in May'07. I am not eligible for OPT. I have a job offer and the company will be applying for my H1 in April. But I cannot start working before October.
1.Is there any way I can start working in May?
2. what options do I have to stay legally in US from May-Oct?
please advice..
more...
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miro
01-18 11:47 AM
I had an H1 for about 3 years (2 different employers), and then was hired by an international organization. I gave up the H1 and got a G4 visa, which I still have. Over the last 3 years with a G4, my credentials have changed, and am due to get my masters degree in May 2008. If I were to move to a job requiring H1 when I get my masters, will the total number of years allowed for me to hold an H1 roll back to 6 years? I'm thinking that since the skills I had as an H1B visa holder before have changed now.
Any info would be appreciated! Thanks.
Any info would be appreciated! Thanks.
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chintu25
07-12 03:20 PM
:D :D :D :D :D Scheduled System Outages
On Thursday, July 12, 2007, at 9 PM EDT, certain USCIS web-based systems will be taken out of service for maintenance upgrades. They should be restored in approximately three to four hours. These systems include:
Case Status Online (and processing times)
Field Office Locator and Information
Civil Surgeon Locator; and
Change of Address Online
We apologize for the inconvenience.
On Thursday, July 12, 2007, at 9 PM EDT, certain USCIS web-based systems will be taken out of service for maintenance upgrades. They should be restored in approximately three to four hours. These systems include:
Case Status Online (and processing times)
Field Office Locator and Information
Civil Surgeon Locator; and
Change of Address Online
We apologize for the inconvenience.
more...
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logiclife
07-23 10:54 AM
Posts that are not related to immigration etc should not be posted on these forums. This online forum and website is for immigration related issues, not a blog for any kind of open discussion and awareness campaigns.
Such posts include, but not limited to:
1. Advertising for services etc that you offer.
2. Awareness campaigns to draw attention to various problems in the world.
3. Totally off-topic philosophical or religious preachings etc.
Such threads will be deleted right away.
Such posts include, but not limited to:
1. Advertising for services etc that you offer.
2. Awareness campaigns to draw attention to various problems in the world.
3. Totally off-topic philosophical or religious preachings etc.
Such threads will be deleted right away.
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Macaca
10-06 05:25 PM
Lott Looking to Form New �Gang� (http://rollcall.com/issues/53_38/news/20338-1.html) By Erin P. Billings | Roll Call Staff, October 4, 2007
In what could be a new incarnation of the successful bipartisan �Gang of 14,� Minority Whip Trent Lott (R-Miss.) hosted a meeting this week with a handful of the Senate�s most notable compromisers to figure out how to unclog the gridlock that has slowed the chamber�s progress this year.
About half a dozen moderate and independent-minded Republicans and at least one Democrat � Sen. Ben Nelson (Neb.) � participated in the Members-only huddle, which was held quietly in Lott�s Capitol office Tuesday morning. Afterward, few Senators offered much detail, but several said there�s a feeling among them that the narrowly divided chamber no longer can operate at an impasse and they want to find ways to avoid the growing number of filibusters sidelining Senate legislation this year.
�We�re seeing if there�s a way to bring some people together to bring some more comity to this place,� Nelson said.
Lott declined to discuss the meeting or its goals, saying only: �I think I ought not say anything. Others are going to say too much, so I am not going to say anything.�
According to other Senators, however, the discussion focused on how the deal-minded group could help avert the growing number of standoffs in trying to clear bills through the Senate this Congress. Most particularly, Senators said they vetted ways to work through upcoming fights on such issues as appropriations bills and stalled judicial nominations such as that of Leslie Southwick, Lott�s home-state pick for the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Southwick narrowly cleared the Judiciary Committee last summer but has yet to come up for full Senate consideration. The White House and Republican Senators have been trying to corral 60 votes to advance his confirmation, but are still shy of meeting that mark against powerful Democratic opposition.
�It�s about creating a better environment to get things done for the country,� said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who participated in the meeting. �We need to get back to being a deliberative body.�
�We�re going to see if we can work beyond the logjam,� said Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), who also was there and described it as the �beginning of a process.�
Graham, Nelson and Snowe were members of the previous Congress� bipartisan Gang of 14, a group of seven Democrats and seven Republicans who assembled in the face of a bitter partisan Senate standoff over movement of President Bush�s judicial nominees. The group brokered a historic deal to allow for votes on certain stalled Bush picks in exchange for keeping the minority�s option to use the filibuster intact.
That group didn�t formally involve Lott as one of its members, but the then-rank-and-file Mississippi Senator was a primary force behind the scenes leading to its creation. Lott stepped away after the gang officially formed.
Nelson wouldn�t say this week whether Tuesday�s meeting was a step toward
re-creating a similar bipartisan coalition, calling the Gang of 14 �unique.� But the Nebraska Democrat did suggest there are clear parallels in terms of the two groups� goals.
�It�s just a conversation at this point,� Nelson said. �We�re trying to see if there�s an interest in building support for moving legislation and to avoid having as many cloture votes as we�ve had and moving legislation along.�
So far this year, the Democratic majority has called to invoke cloture, a lengthy procedural roadblock that has markedly slowed down Senate action on a whole host of bills, some 56 times. Democrats have argued they are forced to do so against an intransigent 49-seat GOP minority, while Republicans have insisted it shows that Democrats are trying to ram through legislation without their input.
Although not all showed up, sources indicated that about 10 Senators were asked to take part in Tuesday�s meeting. In addition to Lott, Nelson, Graham and Snowe, GOP Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Bob Corker (Tenn.), John Warner (Va.), John McCain (Ariz.), Gordon Smith (Ore.) and Norm Coleman (Minn.) were invitees.
Although not in attendance Tuesday, Coleman said discussions abound among rank-and-file Senators about how to �fix things� and break some of the legislative stalemate. He added that it�s not a surprise that Lott � one of the Senate�s most notorious deal-makers � would lead the charge.
�It�s a legitimate concern,� Coleman said of the gridlock. �We�re all impacted by the failure of being able to do the things that people sent us here to do.�
In what could be a new incarnation of the successful bipartisan �Gang of 14,� Minority Whip Trent Lott (R-Miss.) hosted a meeting this week with a handful of the Senate�s most notable compromisers to figure out how to unclog the gridlock that has slowed the chamber�s progress this year.
About half a dozen moderate and independent-minded Republicans and at least one Democrat � Sen. Ben Nelson (Neb.) � participated in the Members-only huddle, which was held quietly in Lott�s Capitol office Tuesday morning. Afterward, few Senators offered much detail, but several said there�s a feeling among them that the narrowly divided chamber no longer can operate at an impasse and they want to find ways to avoid the growing number of filibusters sidelining Senate legislation this year.
�We�re seeing if there�s a way to bring some people together to bring some more comity to this place,� Nelson said.
Lott declined to discuss the meeting or its goals, saying only: �I think I ought not say anything. Others are going to say too much, so I am not going to say anything.�
According to other Senators, however, the discussion focused on how the deal-minded group could help avert the growing number of standoffs in trying to clear bills through the Senate this Congress. Most particularly, Senators said they vetted ways to work through upcoming fights on such issues as appropriations bills and stalled judicial nominations such as that of Leslie Southwick, Lott�s home-state pick for the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Southwick narrowly cleared the Judiciary Committee last summer but has yet to come up for full Senate consideration. The White House and Republican Senators have been trying to corral 60 votes to advance his confirmation, but are still shy of meeting that mark against powerful Democratic opposition.
�It�s about creating a better environment to get things done for the country,� said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who participated in the meeting. �We need to get back to being a deliberative body.�
�We�re going to see if we can work beyond the logjam,� said Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), who also was there and described it as the �beginning of a process.�
Graham, Nelson and Snowe were members of the previous Congress� bipartisan Gang of 14, a group of seven Democrats and seven Republicans who assembled in the face of a bitter partisan Senate standoff over movement of President Bush�s judicial nominees. The group brokered a historic deal to allow for votes on certain stalled Bush picks in exchange for keeping the minority�s option to use the filibuster intact.
That group didn�t formally involve Lott as one of its members, but the then-rank-and-file Mississippi Senator was a primary force behind the scenes leading to its creation. Lott stepped away after the gang officially formed.
Nelson wouldn�t say this week whether Tuesday�s meeting was a step toward
re-creating a similar bipartisan coalition, calling the Gang of 14 �unique.� But the Nebraska Democrat did suggest there are clear parallels in terms of the two groups� goals.
�It�s just a conversation at this point,� Nelson said. �We�re trying to see if there�s an interest in building support for moving legislation and to avoid having as many cloture votes as we�ve had and moving legislation along.�
So far this year, the Democratic majority has called to invoke cloture, a lengthy procedural roadblock that has markedly slowed down Senate action on a whole host of bills, some 56 times. Democrats have argued they are forced to do so against an intransigent 49-seat GOP minority, while Republicans have insisted it shows that Democrats are trying to ram through legislation without their input.
Although not all showed up, sources indicated that about 10 Senators were asked to take part in Tuesday�s meeting. In addition to Lott, Nelson, Graham and Snowe, GOP Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Bob Corker (Tenn.), John Warner (Va.), John McCain (Ariz.), Gordon Smith (Ore.) and Norm Coleman (Minn.) were invitees.
Although not in attendance Tuesday, Coleman said discussions abound among rank-and-file Senators about how to �fix things� and break some of the legislative stalemate. He added that it�s not a surprise that Lott � one of the Senate�s most notorious deal-makers � would lead the charge.
�It�s a legitimate concern,� Coleman said of the gridlock. �We�re all impacted by the failure of being able to do the things that people sent us here to do.�
more...
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Macaca
08-26 09:29 PM
Op-Chart: A New, Improved Congress? (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/opinion/26mann.html) By THOMAS E. MANN, MOLLY REYNOLDS, and PETER HOEY | New York Times, August 26, 2007
Thomas E. Mann is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the co-author of �The Broken Branch.� Molly Reynolds is a research assistant at Brookings. Peter Hoey is an illustrator in Arcata, Calif.
JUST before Congress adjourned for its August recess, Democrats engaged in a flurry of legislative activity, while Republicans complained about a �do-nothing� Congress�s meager policy accomplishments. Deep partisan differences, narrow majorities and a Republican in the White House have frustrated Democratic ambitions and fueled a toxic atmosphere in both chambers of Congress. The public�s low approval ratings reflect broad discontent with the direction of the country but also displeasure with Congress for failing to reverse course on Iraq and for continuing the bitter partisan warfare.
But has this really been a do-nothing Congress? The circumstances are similar to those in 1995, when a new Republican majority in both houses took office under a Democratic president. So perhaps the best question to ask is, how is this 110th Congress doing compared with the 104th Congress, in 1995?
Both new majorities began by spending more time in session, holding more committee meetings and roll call votes, and passing more substantive measures than the Congress before them had. At the same time, in both cases, the number of bills signed into law by the president from January to August dropped.
Still, the Democratic Congress�s legislative harvest this year has been bountiful compared with that of its Republican counterpart in 1995. Back then, the Republicans� Contract With America was stymied by opposition from the Senate and the president. The new Congress has enacted a far-reaching lobbying and ethics reform bill, an increase in the minimum wage, recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, foreign investment rules and a competitiveness package, and has embedded a number of major initiatives and new priorities in continuing and supplemental spending bills. Democrats also made headway on energy, children�s health insurance, college student loans, Head Start, drug safety and a farm bill � though much of this awaits action in the Senate or in conference and faces a possible veto.
During the first seven months of 1995, Congressional oversight of the executive branch increased modestly in the Senate but not at all in the House. But this year Congress, especially the House, has intensified its oversight, following years of inattention and deference by its Republican predecessor.
Democratic promises to restore civility and regular parliamentary procedure by allowing the minority party a larger role in deliberations have foundered. The number of restrictive rules for debate has increased, and the conference process has been short-circuited on various occasions.
In the Senate, Republicans have made the filibuster, or the threat of filibuster, routine, setting a 60-vote hurdle for all contested legislative matters. This has led Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, to file many more petitions for cloture than Bob Dole, his counterpart in 1995, did.
The chart below shows what the 110th Congress accomplished before it closed for its August recess, compared with its immediate predecessor and with the Republican Congress that took office in 1995.
Thomas E. Mann is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the co-author of �The Broken Branch.� Molly Reynolds is a research assistant at Brookings. Peter Hoey is an illustrator in Arcata, Calif.
JUST before Congress adjourned for its August recess, Democrats engaged in a flurry of legislative activity, while Republicans complained about a �do-nothing� Congress�s meager policy accomplishments. Deep partisan differences, narrow majorities and a Republican in the White House have frustrated Democratic ambitions and fueled a toxic atmosphere in both chambers of Congress. The public�s low approval ratings reflect broad discontent with the direction of the country but also displeasure with Congress for failing to reverse course on Iraq and for continuing the bitter partisan warfare.
But has this really been a do-nothing Congress? The circumstances are similar to those in 1995, when a new Republican majority in both houses took office under a Democratic president. So perhaps the best question to ask is, how is this 110th Congress doing compared with the 104th Congress, in 1995?
Both new majorities began by spending more time in session, holding more committee meetings and roll call votes, and passing more substantive measures than the Congress before them had. At the same time, in both cases, the number of bills signed into law by the president from January to August dropped.
Still, the Democratic Congress�s legislative harvest this year has been bountiful compared with that of its Republican counterpart in 1995. Back then, the Republicans� Contract With America was stymied by opposition from the Senate and the president. The new Congress has enacted a far-reaching lobbying and ethics reform bill, an increase in the minimum wage, recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, foreign investment rules and a competitiveness package, and has embedded a number of major initiatives and new priorities in continuing and supplemental spending bills. Democrats also made headway on energy, children�s health insurance, college student loans, Head Start, drug safety and a farm bill � though much of this awaits action in the Senate or in conference and faces a possible veto.
During the first seven months of 1995, Congressional oversight of the executive branch increased modestly in the Senate but not at all in the House. But this year Congress, especially the House, has intensified its oversight, following years of inattention and deference by its Republican predecessor.
Democratic promises to restore civility and regular parliamentary procedure by allowing the minority party a larger role in deliberations have foundered. The number of restrictive rules for debate has increased, and the conference process has been short-circuited on various occasions.
In the Senate, Republicans have made the filibuster, or the threat of filibuster, routine, setting a 60-vote hurdle for all contested legislative matters. This has led Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, to file many more petitions for cloture than Bob Dole, his counterpart in 1995, did.
The chart below shows what the 110th Congress accomplished before it closed for its August recess, compared with its immediate predecessor and with the Republican Congress that took office in 1995.
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gc_in_30_yrs
09-06 04:28 PM
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gcformeornot
12-28 02:32 PM
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sangmami
06-17 06:52 PM
If i were u i wudn t miss this boat for some few bucks because u will never know what laws they will come up with....:D
raj12220
01-28 08:39 PM
1)
I am working on EAD for a company A (I have approved H1 with company B). i want to maintain both the statuses, can i do that by running the paycheck with H1 company?
2)
my fiancee is on H1 status and i want to change her status from H1 to H4 (H1 getting expired). will it be ok as long as i maiting H1 status?
Thanks
I am working on EAD for a company A (I have approved H1 with company B). i want to maintain both the statuses, can i do that by running the paycheck with H1 company?
2)
my fiancee is on H1 status and i want to change her status from H1 to H4 (H1 getting expired). will it be ok as long as i maiting H1 status?
Thanks
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