This week, the House passed H.R. 6314, the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program Extension, and H.R. 5585, the Financial Netting Improvements Act, both without opposition. However, the major focus was the leadership elections for both parties.

That Idea Sounds Familiar

House Speaker-Elect Nancy Pelosi has announced that her first agenda item will be a vote to require sponsors of earmarks to be identified. Coincidentally, the current House Republican majority passed just such a reform in September – despite the opposition of Pelosi and most Democrats. Our legislation now requires committees – before the House considers a bill – to include a list of all earmarks and their sponsors in the bill and committee report. It is fascinating how the very proposal that she then called a “sham” is now so important that it will be her top priority. I guess it was not such a bad idea after all.

At the same time, this summer, Pelosi told the Wall Street Journal that she would move to get rid of all earmarks if she were elected Speaker. Interestingly, just six days after the election, Pelosi abandoned the pledge she made only months ago, stating that banning earmarks “probably isn’t realistic.” If this week’s events are any indication of what is to come, America must brace itself for quite a ride.

Sierra Club Shenanigans

Our friends at the Sierra Club have agreed to pay a $28,000 fine to settle charges that it had paid for a brochure that expressly advocated the election or defeat of candidates in the 2004 presidential and Senate races from its corporate treasury – a violation of federal campaign finance laws. Because the brochure was found to contain express advocacy, it was determined to be an independent expenditure and the law prohibits money from corporations to pay for such expenditures. The settlement with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) will likely put new limits on how explicit outside groups may be when trying to influence voters at election time. In fact, FEC Chairman Michael Toner stated that this is “one of the most important express advocacy cases the commission has resolved in recent years.” The outcome is also important because it puts an end to the Sierra Club’s pretense that is not attempting to sway elections when it is clearly doing so.

Transition

This week, U.S. forces turned over command of one of the most dangerous sections of Baghdad to the Iraqi Army. The Sunni-dominated southern part of the capital city, known as the “Triangle of Death”, is now covered by Iraqi forces after months of training and joint missions with American forces. Our officers say the Iraqis are up to the task. "The terrorists want to kill the Iraqi people, but we will not allow this even if we have to sacrifice our own lives,” declared Iraqi Colonel Ali Fadil, after the handover ceremony. This is very positive for America as it is an important step in the gradual transition that would allow U.S. forces to begin pulling out of Iraq.

Veterans Home Loans

I recently signed a letter requesting that the House Ways and Means Committee act on legislation to open the Cal-Vet home loan program to new veterans – a change I have supported for years. Currently, the law imposes a 1977 date of service requirement for veterans to become eligible for the program. I believe it is only fitting that veterans who have served more recently also have access to this benefit. I am hopeful that the bill I have co-sponsored will be enacted before Congress adjourns.

Quote of the Week

"Most of these markers stand over graves of Americans who came home to enjoy the peace they earned. Too many stand over the graves of those who gave their lives to protect that peace."  – President George W. Bush, November 11, 2006, at Arlington National Cemetery.