Quote of the Day

by: Hopeful

Thu Jan 25, 2007 at 10:25:55 PM EST

PELOSI: He's tried this two times - it's failed twice. I asked him at the White House, 'Mr. President, why do you think this time it's going to work?'

BUSH: Because I told them it had to.

PELOSI: Why didn't you tell them that the other two times?

Chairman Holt

by: JRB

Tue Jan 23, 2007 at 06:43:21 PM EST

Speaker Pelosi had this to say:

Rush Holt's breadth of experience and depth of knowledge as a member of the Intelligence Committee for four years and chairman of its Intelligence Policy Subcommittee will make him an excellent leader on this issue of vital significance to our national security. He understands the need for timely and reliable intelligence and the role aggressive oversight plays in ensuring that the resources devoted to producing that kind of intelligence are spent well. Congressman Holt also appreciates that the establishment of this new oversight panel is a critical element in the implementation of recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and that the panel's performance will be one of the measures by which the success of that implementation is judged.

Rep. Holt Puts the House on Record for Democracy in FL-13

by: JRB

Thu Jan 04, 2007 at 06:09:14 PM EST

Holt: Madam Speaker: In light of the facts that partisan and non-partisan lawsuits are underway with regard to Florida's 13th Congressional District and that the votes of 18,000 voters were not recorded on the paperless electronic voting machines in an election decided by 369 votes, may I ask for the record whether a notice of contest has been filed with the Clerk on behalf of Christine Jenningspursuant to law, and what effect, if any, today's proceedings have on pending contests?

Speaker Pelosi: The Chair is advised by the Clerk that a notice of contest pursuant to the statute, section 382 of title 2, United States Code, has been filed with the Clerk. Under section 5 of article I of the Constitution and the statute, the House remains the judge of the elections of its Members. The seating of this Member-elect is entirely without prejudice to the contest over the final right to that seat that is pending under the statute and will be reviewed in the ordinary course in the Committee on House Administration.

Van Hollen's Effect on New Jersey House Races

by: JRB

Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 10:30:10 AM EST

Pelosi Taps Van Hollen for DCCC

Incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will tap Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to "chair the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for the 2008 campaign cycle," reports Roll Call.

"While Van Hollen was seen as a favorite in the race to replace outgoing Chairman Rahm Emanuel (Ill.), who said he would not serve another term, the Maryland lawmaker is not viewed as a Pelosi loyalist."

Rep. Payne as Africa subcommittee chair, a moral imperative

by: Jay Lassiter

Sat Nov 25, 2006 at 10:04:09 AM EST

According to the AP a pair of long-standing NJ Congressmen are sitting pretty based on their tenure (mostly) as well as their close ties to Nancy Pelosi:

Pelosi, known for her long memory of those who have been loyal to her, will likely reward Reps. Bill Pascrell Jr. and Donald Payne. Both have known the California lawmaker for almost 20 years and Pelosi has given Payne leadership positions in the past. Both are in line to head subcommittees, meaning they get the first crack at developing legislation.

If this is true, then it's good for progressives state- and nation-wide.  But more importantly it represents a glimmer of hope for the victims of violence in Darfur, Sudan.  As heir apparent to head the Africa subcommittee, Donald Payne is the last best chance we have to end the genocide.

For those out there keepish track, the death toll in Darfur is fast approaching a half-million.  Likewise several million Africans have been displaced in the region.  As the violence spreads into neignboring Chad and Central African Republic, the pro-genocide Sudanese government is holding firm that UN peacekeepers are unwelcome, calling their presence "neo-colonialism."

In a podcast interview with Blue Jersey (to air early next week) Rep. Payne had a lot to say about Darfur and he certainly had me convinced that he's the best candidate for the Africa subcommittee.

For a quick glimpse into Payne's Africa expertise, check out this op ed from the Washington Post.  And more importantly stay tuned for the podcast, where you'll hear about Rep. Payne's career as a human rights activist.  Clearly there is no more grave breach of human rights than genocide, which is why I hope and pray that Payne gets the nod to head that subcommittee.  We'll know as early as next month who gets what and where, so their is still time to lobby your own representative on committee votes.
(more below the flip)

Why Pelosi Should Choose Rush Holt

by: JRB

Wed Nov 22, 2006 at 07:42:41 PM EST

Which leads to Alcee Hastings, the next member in order of seniority. Hastings' tumultuous years during his time as a federal judge are complicated and somewhat confusing, but there are two details that will come through loud and clear in the media: Hastings was was impeached by Congress in 1989 and one of the charges dealt with the leaking of "secret government information that ruined three FBI probes."

As Josh Marshall says,

Think of it this way: when they whack a decorated war hero as lying traitor, a triple amputee vet as a coward and an ex-Navy Secretary novelist as a pornographer, what do figure we hear when evidence of bribery and leaking classified wiretap info about the Dems' House intel chief hit Fox News and Drudge?

But the measure of whoever takes the helm of the Intelligence Committee -- and there may be options other than Harman and Hastings -- must be "competence" in the intelligence arena. Otherwise, the Bush administration will run circles around the House members entrusted with serious oversight responsibilities.

[T]he Democrats do regard national security seriously and are willing to put aside political concerns to do the right thing. She would be saying, merit matters most when it comes to protecting the United States.

Last week, Rep. Holt "said Harman was qualified to become chair, but was not entitled to it automatically." That's right, and Holt can be judged by the same measure. Keep in mind, Holt is the seventh ranking member on the Democratic side, but he has held his seat since 1999 -- a term longer than Harman's second round in Congress.

The Blue Dogs who support Harman could be placated by the choice of Holt, who is by all means qualified for the position. And the Congressional Black Caucus behind Hasting's bid would appreciate Holt's strong stances on Iraq and civil liberties.

Holt is the choice with clear-eyed judgment and unquestionable integrity. Contact Nancy Pelosi and tell her so today.

UPDATE: One of Rep. Holt's greatest personal attributes is his modesty. He'd rather be doing research than promoting himself in the media -- and it may be the reason he is not Senator Holt today. We need to promote him ourselves. Contact Rep. Pelosi, along with Reps. Allen Boyd (FL-2), Chairman of the Blue Dog Coalition, and Mel Watt (NC-12), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

House Leadership Races & NJ

by: JRB

Sun Nov 12, 2006 at 07:56:32 PM EST

UPDATE:

For Hoyer: Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Albio Sires (NJ-13)
For Murtha: Bill Pascrell (NJ-8)