Author Archive

Christian Bourge

Oversight

Senate majority leader sees action on omnibus by March 6 deadline

The House is expected to take up the package on Wednesday.

Oversight

Negotiators agree to a leaner stimulus bill

Amid bipartisan disappointment, House and Senate lawmakers reach a deal on a $789.5 billion package to jump-start the economy.

Defense

Lawmakers upset over DHS employee's handling of dead fish, white powder

A senior adviser for weapons of mass destruction intelligence programs drove the package from her home to the office at the direction of security officials, and parked her car under a ventilation shaft.

Oversight

Senate passes stimulus as thorny talks with House await

While the bottom lines of the two bills are close, vastly different priorities could color negotiation.

Oversight

Senate moderates stay firm on cost of stimulus bill

Collins and Nelson say they will not commit to backing a final bill worth more than $800 billion.

Oversight

Omnibus spending bill not likely until after recess

Consideration of the economic stimulus package has delayed the catch-all appropriations bill.

News

Inaugural speech plays to bipartisan praise from lawmakers

Democrats say sober address was realistic; Republicans applaud emphasis on government accountability.

Oversight

Repeal of terms limits for House chairs irks GOP

Republicans say changes will undercut Obama's efforts at bipartisanship and allow the rise of a tyrannical speaker.

Oversight

Holder hearing, bailout might spoil bipartisan start in '09

Aides expect the Senate to expedite stimulus package, most Cabinet nominations and legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

Oversight

Waxman ousts Dingell for energy and commerce post

The vote opens a vacancy atop the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Oversight

House leaders remain unsure about lame-duck session

Second economic stimulus package could be on the agenda.

Oversight

Orszag: Economic mess will change incoming president's agenda

It will be difficult to deal with much beyond the economy in the early stages of the next presidency, budget office chief says.

Oversight

Senate sends economic rescue bill to the House

Leaders hope add-ons including extensions of tax breaks will assuage opposition.

Oversight

Economic rescue bill remains in limbo

Congressional leaders predict legislation will pass, as Bush applies pressure.

News

Leaders looking for combination of continuing resolution and stimulus

To date, Congress has passed none of the 12 annual spending bills.

Oversight

Legislative logjam could leave agencies in the lurch

A continuing resolution to fund agencies in the new fiscal year that starts Oct. 1 is on the list of unfinished legislation.

Oversight

Spending bills are on Congress’ agenda for September

Most agencies will likely be funded through a stopgap measure that will carry them over into 2009.

Defense

Democratic leaders weigh defense bill as vehicle for continuing resolution

Congressional aides noted that President Bush would not be able to veto the defense measure, making it an attractive option.

Oversight

House spending bill markups at a standstill

Fight started before the July 4 recess, when Republicans attempted to attach the Interior appropriations bill to the Labor-HHS one.

Defense

White House threatening to veto war supplemental bill

Amendments include a non-binding requirement for troop withdrawal from Iraq and an increase in veterans' education benefits.