CONGRESS
Dorgan is master of focusing attention on frivolous issues 
The approval rating of our Congress is at a near-all-time low. According to an October Gallop poll, 21 percent of Americans approve of Congress’ performance while 72 percent disapprove.
By Paul Sorum , November 12, 2009
Obama lauds House Dems’ health bill
WASHINGTON – Their work swiftly heralded by President Barack Obama, House Democrats rolled out landmark legislation Thursday to extend health care to tens of millions who lack coverage, impose sweeping new restrictions on private insurers and create a government-run insurance option for cost-conscious consumers.
By David Espo / Associated Press , October 30, 2009
Bill likely to cut employer mandate
But large firms could face finesWASHINGTON – Businesses would not be required to provide health insurance under legislation being readied for Senate debate, but large firms would owe significant penalties if any worker needed government subsidies to buy coverage on their own, according to Democratic officials familiar with talks on the bill.
By David Espo / Associated Press , October 26, 2009
FACT CHECK: Obama drops iffy line on health plan
WASHINGTON (AP) — The change was subtle, but significant.
By By Calvin Woodward and Erica Werner , September 09, 2009
Cramer may make 3rd bid for Congress
BISMARCK – Republican Kevin Cramer, who made two unsuccessful tries in the 1990s to unseat Democratic Rep. Earl Pomeroy, is considering a third congressional campaign, buoyed by a GOP poll that showed him within striking distance of the longtime incumbent.
By Dale Wetzel, Associated Press Writer , September 06, 2009
Health care: Conrad touts co-ops
Sen. Kent Conrad says a plan to create health care cooperatives to provide insurance coverage is gaining bipartisan support in Congress and may end up being the bridge between those pushing for a “public option” plan and leaving the current system in place.
By Helmut Schmidt , August 20, 2009
Senators reducing costs for health care overhaul plan to reach compromise
WASHINGTON - Senators trying to reach a bipartisan compromise on health care overhaul are reporting progress paring the costs of the plan as they push for a deal this week.
By Associated Press , July 29, 2009
Forum editorial: Cap and trade bill loses Democrats
through Congress is a deal breaker. Prominent Democrats, most notably Midwest and farm-state Democrats, will not support the bill in its current form. Most Republicans are against it. It’s been rolled out by at least one House committee, but its ultimate fate in the House and Senate is anything but certain.
By Forum Editorial Board , July 22, 2009
Good for Congress; good for all of us
We keep hearing that we can’t afford health care for all.
Right now we have government medical care for those over 65, for those veterans who served our country and for those in need of pharmacy medicine, and the country hasn’t gone under.
By James Houghton , July 18, 2009
Conrad hopes for progress on flood protection
Getting permanent flood protection in the Red River basin will be a marathon, the sort of complex project that could take decades to complete.
So today’s first-of-its-kind gathering of local, state and federal officials on Capitol Hill to talk flood protection is just a step along the way.
By Dave Roepke , May 05, 2009
Specter says he'll switch to Democratic Party, raises stakes for Franken-Coleman
Veteran Republican Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania disclosed plans Tuesday to switch parties, a move intended to boost his chances of winning re-election next year that also will push Democrats within one seat of a 60-vote filibuster-resistant majority.By Associated Press , April 28, 2009
House OKs AIG bonus bill
Move imposes 90 percent tax on bonuses to workers with family incomes topping $250,000.WASHINGTON – Acting swiftly, the Democratic-led House approved a bill Thursday to slap punishing taxes on big employee bonuses at firms bailed out by taxpayers.
By Associated Press , March 20, 2009
Pomeroy praises passage of stimulus bill
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Earl Pomeroy praised today’s passage of President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus bill by the House.
By Forum staff reports , February 13, 2009
House passes Obama's economic stimulus bill
WASHINGTON (AP) – Handing the new administration a big win, the House Friday passed President Barack Obama’s $787 billion plan to resuscitate the economy.
By Andrew Taylor , February 13, 2009
Billions for weatherization in stimulus questioned
WASHINGTON (AP) – Critics of the $790 billion economic stimulus program are not really balking over caulking: they just don’t think pouring substantially more money into home weatherization will give a quick kick to the reeling economy.
By Andrew Miga , February 13, 2009
Area Voices is a collection of posts from our community blogging tool www.areavoices.com. If you wish to start a blog sign up here www.areavoices.com. We may choose to feature your posts on http://www.inforum.com.
OUR VOICES Powers announces Kline challenge
Democrat Dan Powers plans to challenge four-term U.S. Rep. John Kline in next year's election. Powers lives in Burnsville and owns a small remodeling business. "As a small business owner I found out how hard it can be to run a business and what obstacles can be placed in your way by governmen
Posted by: Don Davis on Nov 17, 2009 at 10:23 AM | Capitol ChatterOUR VOICES Franken seeks help for Dorgan
U.S. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., is asking his supporters to help finance a North Dakota colleague's campaign. Franken today sent an e-mail message to his supporters asking them to donate to Sen. Byron Dorgan's campaign who last year, he said, "made the long trek from North Dakota to Minnesota a
Posted by: Don Davis on Oct 28, 2009 at 11:07 AM | Capitol ChatterOUR VOICES Franken: Keep it simple
Any new federal health-care rules need to include paperwork reduction measures already in force in Minnesota, U.S. Sen. Al Franken says. “Doctors and nurses should spend their time and resources dealing with patients, not paperwork,” the Minnesota Democrat wrote to key committee chairme
Posted by: Don Davis on Oct 27, 2009 at 10:16 AM | Capitol ChatterOUR VOICES Minnesota can make tracks for exports
If a product dreamed up by an 11-year-old boy and manufactured in a 900-pupulation community known as the Moose Capital of the North can successfully be shipped around the world, other small Minnesota businesses could do the same. That was the message Monday from Glen Brazier, Mattracks founder and
Posted by: Don Davis on Oct 27, 2009 at 8:23 AM | Capitol ChatterOUR VOICES First Franken bill passes
Some members of Congress go years before getting a bill on the president's desk, but Al Franken has been in office just short of four months and is celebrating his first major victory. The Minnesota Democrat began talking about the Service Dogs for Veterans Act right after taking office. It will es
Posted by: Don Davis on Oct 23, 2009 at 3:46 PM | Capitol ChatterOUR VOICES Klobuchar promotes small-business trade
Small businesses have potential to sell to overseas markets, Sen. Amy Klobuchar says, so she plans a Monday hearing to promote it. The Minnesota Democrat's office reports the hearing will focus on how federal agencies can best help small- and medium-sized businesses enter foreign markets and expan
Posted by: Don Davis on Oct 23, 2009 at 12:45 PM | Capitol ChatterOUR VOICES McCollum backs Kelley
A day after he officially jumped into the Minnesota governor's race, Steve Kelley has a big-name endorsement. U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum of St. Paul today said she supports the Hopkins Democrat. McCollum and Kelley served together in the Minnesota House. “I’ve seen him work across the a
Posted by: Don Davis on Oct 20, 2009 at 1:24 PM | Capitol ChatterOUR VOICES Franken's favorite brunch
Each Wednesday that the U.S. Senate is in session, Sen. Al Franken hosts a brunch for Minnesotans who happen to be in Washington. In a letter to supporters the other day, he praised the meal's highlight: "Mahnomen porridge -- a Minnesota treat made from wild rice. If you haven't had it, trust
Posted by: Don Davis on Oct 16, 2009 at 11:51 AM | Capitol Chatter
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