The Afghanistan War Powers Resolution – March 10 2010
On March 10, 2010, Congressman Dennis Kucinich brought to the floor of the House of Representatives a Resolution, “to direct the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan.” The war had dragged on for eight years, and yet Congress had scarcely debated … Read more
The New START Treaty
On June 17, 2010, the Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (The New START), between the United States and Russia. Featured witnesses included: Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, and Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of … Read more
When did war stop being inherently governmental?
In Congress, nine years after the initial engagement of military operations in Afghanistan, moral and strategic questions are being raised about military contracting in combat zones. Centrally, when it comes to war, what are inherently governmental functions? What war-related governmental functions are being outsourced and how does the expanded use of contractors and subcontractors affect … Read more
A Farewell to Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia
Yesterday, the people of the United States lost a distinguished advocate for peace, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia. A true character suited for historic legend, Senator Byrd served in the Senate for 51 years. His impact and influence on the history, contemporary, and future of our nation are remarkable and will remain unforgettable. … Read more
Missile Defense: Like in “Spies Like Us”
Toward the end of the Congressional work day, Members of the House of Representatives will often call for one-hour Special Orders sessions during which they talk about various legislative issues. On May 6, 2009, Congressman Todd Akin of Missouri, led the following session on Missile Defense. An interesting piece of political theater for one who … Read more
House Session, Special Orders: July 29, 2008
As the Sunday morning political shows ask, “Where is off shore drilling right now?” this is where we were two summers ago: “The Democrat Party” was the cause of rising gas prices because they were holding back fossil fuel exploration…them and their Sierra Club lawyer buddies. more about “House Session, Special Orders: July 2…“, posted … Read more
Pawns and Other Endangered Wildlife
The President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Wednesday, but the room was empty. Three great panelists each offered substantive and science-based testimony concerning the potential ecological consequences of both the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the wide use of oil dispersant, but were … Read more
Preparing the Depths for Perpetually Irresponsible Energy Policy
In a hearing this last Monday, Senator Lieberman asked if we need to develop deepwater oil spill preparedness plans. Considering that the current disaster is still unfolding and growing as we speak (and no one knows what to do about it), my two questions for the Senator and Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental … Read more
