Bush Reminds Us Why We Elected Democrats

I don't understand George W. Bush.

I mean I do, but I don't.

He comes out today to take shots at the unpopular Congress, but did he deliver a death blow, or did he resuscitate life into Congress.

Bush says Congress is wasting it's time investigating his administration. American people overwhelmingly want investigations of his administration, even his own impeachment. The American people are angry at Congress for what they perceive is lack of accountability from the Democratic Congress. If Bush is upset over investigations, then I guess the Democratic Congress is holding him accountable after all.

Bush complains Congress is wasting it's time passing a SCHIP bill he's only going to veto and the House will only fail to override, but, the American people like this bill and want the Democratic Congress to pass it despite what Bush says. If Bush is upset, that means Congress is doing what the people want...forcing him to accept the SCHIP reauthorization.

Simply put, Congress is not unpopular because it hasn't gotten anything done. Congress is unpopular because they're seen as Bush lackeys who fail to end the Iraq war or hold the administration accountable. The President has a 25% approval rating, when he's unhappy with Congress, Congress wins.

House Passes Another SCHIP Bill

The vote was 265-142. Not a single Republican switched their vote from last time, but all but one Democrat did.

Baron Hill (D-Indiana), Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), Kathy Castor (D-Florida), Mike McIntyre (D-North Carolina), Bob Etheridge (D-North Carolina) all voted aye despite voting nay in the original bill, but all voted to override the President's veto last week.

Dan Boren (D-Oklahoma) who voted nay in the original bill, but voted to override the veto was not present.

Gene Taylor (D-Mississippi) was the only person to switch his vote, having voted nay originally and against overriding the veto.

Jim Marshall (D-Georgia) again voted nay, having originally voted nay and no to overriding the veto.

Republicans are angry because the vote occured while many of them were out in California with the President, including Brian Bilbray, David Dreier, Elton Gallegly, Gary Miller, Duncan Hunter, and Darrell Issa. They accused the Speaker of using the disaster and the Republican absentees as a means to show less nay votes. However, two Democrats from Southern California whose districts have been affected by the fires were also not present; San Diego's Susan Davis and Bob Filner.

Nine other Republicans were absent, all most likely nay votes, and eight, including Boren, Democrats were absent, all reliable yes votes.

The Democrats look to fall about 10 votes shy of a veto override this time, assuming they all show up.

You Job Is To Vote

Republicans are agigtated because Democrats scheduled another vote on a second SCHIP bill today, when some Republicans from California are out following the President around in an attempt to look competent.

"Members should not have to choose between making an important vote in Washington or being in California helping our constituents to get the aid they need to rebuild their homes and their lives,"

Quite frankly, your job is to represent your people in Washington. You have staffs in your districts that handle constiuents. After important work is done in Washington, then you go home and visit victims and offer help. Is it necessary to be there right now? Are people going to be that upset if you say "Due to a busy session this week in Congress, I will be unable to return to my district until Saturday, but my constiuents are in my hearts?" They don't need you, they need food, water and money.

Or are those photo ops for your reelection website so important it can't wait two days.

Or maybe they're just looking for photo ops to put on their campaign websites next year.

Defending Stark

I am extremely outraged that Speaker Pelosi has decided to apologize for Pete Stark's remarks yesterday on the House floor.

Did Newt Gingrich apologize when Indiana Republican Dan Burton called President Clinton a "scumbag?"

Did John Boehner apologize when Georgia Republican Lynn Westmorland questioned Arkansas Demcorat Mike Ross' intelligence on the House floor last July?

Who apologizes for Rush Limbaugh attacking soldiers for taking a stand and using the freedom they so bravely fought for? Who apologizes for Ann Coulter calling Jews "imperfect?"

Why is it that the Democrats and liberals have to apologize for being harsh, but Republicans and conservatives get a free ride?

Stark's comments may have been presented better, but I'm not sorry. I've heard dozens of people, even people who supported Bush in the past, say what he said. Our government needs to stop sugarcoating their beliefs and saying what they really feel. Lord knows the right wing has been doing that.

A Little FYI

I received an e-mail from the Chief Of Staff of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), who was not present for yesterday's vote to override the President's veto of the SCHIP reauthorization. It explains why the Congresswoman was not present;

"Mr. Speaker, on Monday, October 15, I requested and received a leave of absence for the week. My absence was due to the death of my mother, Lillie Mae White Johnson, who passed earlier that day. I share this information to explain why I have not been in Washington to cast votes on the measures considered since Monday, October 15, 2007.”

"Had I been present, I would have voted ‘aye,’ in favor to override President Bush’s veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) Reauthorization bill. I continue to urge President Bush to put politics aside and work with us to reauthorize and strengthen SCHIP for the sake of our kids."

Governors Supporting SCHIP

42...Yes 42 out of the 50 Governors supported Congress in the SCHIP battle and urged the President not to veto. 4 Territorial Governors also support the bill

42 Governors! Here's the list;

Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-Minnesota)
Governor Edward G. Rendell (D-Pennsylvania)
Governor James H. Douglas (R-Vermont)
Governor Jon S. Corzine (D-New Jersey
Governor Janet Napolitano (D-Arizona)
Governor Deval Patrick (D-Massachusetts)
Governor Ruth Ann Minner (D-Delaware)
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D-Michigan)
Governor M. Jodi Rell (R-Connecticut)
Governor Brian Schweitzer (D-Montana)
Governor Mike Beebe (D-Arkansas)
Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (D-Louisiana)
Governor M. Michael Rounds (R-South Dakota)
Governor Bill Ritter (D-Colorado)
Governor John Baldacci (D-Maine)
Governor Brad Henry (D-Oklahoma)
Governor Martin O’Malley (D-Maryland)
Governor Benigno Fitial (D-Northern Mariana Islands)
Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-Illinois)
Governor Felix Perez Camacho (R-Guam)
Governor Christine O. Gregoire (D-Washington)
Governor Eliot Spitzer (D-New York)
Governor Jim Doyle (D-Wisconsin)
Governor Ernie Fletcher (R-Kentucky)
Governor Chester J. Culver (D-Iowa)
Governor Sonny Perdue (R-Georgia)
Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. (R-Utah)
Governor Bill Richardson (D-New Mexico)
Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D-Kansas)
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-California)
Governor Timothy M. Kaine (D-Virginia)
Governor Dave Heineman (R-Nebraska)
Governor Ted Strickland (D-Ohio)
Governor Michael F. Easley (D-North Carolina)
Governor Don Carcieri (R-Rhode Island)
Governor Jim Gibbons (R-Nevada)
Governor Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia)
Governor John Lynch (D-New Hampshire)
Governor Linda Lingle (R-Hawaii)
Governor Theodore Kulongoski (D-Oregon)
Governor Dave Freudenthal (D-Wyoming)
Governor Phil Bredesen (D-Tennessee)
Governor John Hoeven (R-North Dakota)
Governor Sarah Palin (R-Alaska)
Governor Anìbal Acevedo Vilà (D-Puerto Rico)
Governor John deJongh, Jr. (D-U.S. Virgin Islands)

Missing from the list;

Governor Mitch Daniels (R-Indiana)
Governor Matt Blunt (R-Missouri)- Hasn't said whether or not he supports the bill the President vetoed, but says he supports SCHIP
Governor Butch Otter (R-Idaho)
Governor Rick Perry (R-Texas)
Governor Mark Sanford (R-South Carolina)
Governor Charlie Crist (R-Florida)
Governor Bob Riley (R-Alabama)
Governor Haley Barbour (R-Mississippi)

SCHIP: Those Who Switched

A list of those who voted against the bill in September, but for overriding the veto;

Dan Boren (D-Oklahoma)
Kathy Castor (D-Florida)
Bob Etheridge (D-North Carolina)
Baron Hill (D-Indiana)
Dennis Kucininch (D-Ohio)
Mike McIntyre (D-North Carolina)

Those who voted present in September and voted to override;

Diane Watson (D-California)

Those who did not vote in September and voted to override;

Bill Delahunt (D-Massachusetts)

Those who did not vote in September and voted to sustain veto;

Barbara Cubin (R-Wyoming)
Wally Herger (R-California)
Ted Poe (R-Texas)

Those who did not vote either time;

Bobby Jindal (R-Louisiana)
Julia Carson (D-Indiana)
Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas)

Those who voted aye in September but did not vote today;

Peter King (R-New York)

-The list does not include Jo Ann Davis (R-Virginia) who did not vote in September as she passed away before the override vote could take place.

And yes, no Republicans switched their votes, either way.

The Truth Hurst, Redux

The truth is that Bush just likes to blow things up. In Iraq, in the United States and in Congress."

-Rep. Pete Stark (D-California)

He speaks truth, so as we do in America, attack him.

SCHIP Override: Those Who Supported The Veto

Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama)
Todd Akin (R-Missouri)
Rodney Alexander (R-Louisiana)
Michele Bachmann (R-Minnesota)
Spencer Bachus (R-Alabama)
Richard Baker (R-Louisiana)
Gresham Barrett (R-South Carolina)
Roscoe Bartlett (R-Maryland))
Joe Barton (R-Texas)
Judy Biggert (R-Illinois)
Brian Bilbray (R-California)
Gus Bilirakis (R-Florida)
Rob Bishop (R-Utah)
Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee)
Roy Blunt (R-Missouri)
John Boehner (R-Ohio)
Jo Bonner (R-Alabama)
John Boozman (R-Arkansas)
Charles Boustany (R-Louisiana)
Kevin Brady (R-Texas)
Paul Broun (R-Georgia)
Henry Brown (R-South Carolina)
Brown-Waite, Ginny (R-Florida)
Michael Burgess (R-Texas)
Dan Burton (R-Indiana)
Steve Buyer (R-Indiana)
Ken Calvert (R-California)
Dave Camp (R-Michigan)
John Campbell (R-California)
Chris Cannon (R-Utah)
Eric Cantor (R-Virginia)
John Carter (R-Texas)
Steve Chabot (R-Ohio)
Howard Coble (R-North Carolina)
Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma)
Tim Conaway (R-Texas)
Ander Crenshaw (R-Florida)
Barbara Cubin (R-Wyoming)
John Culberson (R-Texas)
Geoff Davis (R-Kentucky)
David Davis (R-Tennessee)
Nathan Deal (R-Georgia)
Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-Florida)
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Florida)
John Doolittle (R-California)
Thelma Drake (R-Virginia)
David Dreier (R-California)
John Duncan (R-Tennessee)
Terry Everett (R-Alabama)
Mary Fallin (R-Oklahoma)
Tom Feeney (R-Florida)
Jeff Flake (R-Arizona)
Randy Forbes (R-Virginia)
Jeff Fortenberry (R-Nebraska)
Virginia Foxx (R-North Carolina)
Trent Franks (R-Arizona)
Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-New Jersey)
Elton Gallegly (R-California)
Scott Garrett (R-New Jersey)
Phil Gingrey (R-Georgia)
Louie Gohmert (R-Texas)
Virgil Goode (R-Virginia)
Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia)
Kay Granger (R-Texas)
Sam Graves (R-Missouri)
Ralph Hall (R-Texas)
Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois)
Doc Hastings (R-Washington)
Robin Hayes (R-North Carolina)
Dean Heller (R-Nevada)
Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas)
Wally Herger (R-California)
Pete Hoekstra (R-Michigan)
Kenny Hulshof (R-Missouri)
Duncan Hunter (R-California)
Bob Inglis (R-South Carolina)
Darrell Issa (R-California)
Tim Johnson (R-Illinois)
Sam Johnson (R-Texas)
Walter Jones (R-North Carolina)
Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)
Ric Keller (R-Florida)
Steve King (R-Iowa)
Jack Kingston (R-Georgia)
Jim Kline (R-Minnesota)
Joe Knollenberg (R-Michigan)
Randy Kuhl (R-New York)
Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado)
Jerry Lewis (R-California)
Ron Lewis (R-Kentucky)
John Linder (R-Georgia)
Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma)
Dan Lungren (R-California)
Connie Mack (R-Florida)
Don Manzullo (R-Illinois)
Kenny Marchant (R-Texas)
Jim Marshall (D-Georgia)
Kevin McCarthy (R-California)
Michael McCaul (R-Texas)
Thaddeus McCotter (R-Michigan)
Jim McCrery (R-Louisiana)
Patrick McHenry (R-North Carolina)
Buck McKeon (R-California)
John Mica (R-Florida)
Jeff Miller (R-Florida)
Gary Miller (R-California)
Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colorado)
Sue Myrick (R-North Carolina)
Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas)
Devin Nunes (R-California)
Ron Paul (R-Texas)
Steve Pearce (R-New Mexico)
Mike Pence (R-Indiana)
John Peterson (R-Pennsylvania)
Chip Pickering (R-Mississippi)
Joe Pitts (R-Pennsylvania)
Ted Poe (R-Texas)
Tom Price (R-Georgia)
Adam Putnam (R-Florida)
George Radanovich (R-California)
Tom Reynolds (R-New York)
Mike Rogers (R-Alabama))
Hal Rogers (R-Kentucky)
Mike Rogers (R-Michigan)
Dana Rohrabacher (R-California)
Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida)
Pete Roskam (R-Illinois)
Ed Royce (R-California)
Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin)
Bill Sali (R-Idaho)
Jim Saxton (R-New Jersey)
Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio)
Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisconsin)
Pete Sessions (R-Texas)
John Shadegg (R-Arizona)
John Shimkus (R-Illinois)
Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania)
Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska)
Lamar Smith (R-Texas)
Mark Souder (R-Indiana)
Cliff Stearns (R-Florida)
John Sullivan (R-Oklahoma)
Tom Tancredo (R-Colorado)
Gene Taylor (D-Mississippi)
Lee Terry (R-Nebraska)
Mac Thornberry (R-Texas)
Todd Tiahrt (R-Kansas)
Tim Walberg (R-Michigan)
Greg Walden (R-Oregon)
Zac Wamp (R-Tennessee)
Dave Weldon (R-Florida)
Jerry Weller (R-Illinois)
Lynn Westmoreland (R-Georgia)
Ed Whitfield (R-Kentucky)
Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi)
Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina)

The "Do-Nothing" Congress

Here's a list of things Congress has done, or tried to do.

1.) Pass 9/11 Commission Recommendations- PASSED AND ENACTED
2.) Funding for Stem-Cell Research- VETOED
3.) Timetable for Iraq withdrawal- VETOED
4.) Raising the Minimum Wage- PASSED AND ENACTED
5.) SCHIP Reauthorization- VETOED
6.) Voting Rights for DC Representative- DIED DUE TO VETO THREAT
7.) Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act- DIED IN SENATE
8.) Immigration Reform- KILLED BY REPUBLICANS AND CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRATS
9.) Lobbying Reform act- STILL IN THE SENATE
10.) A bill to amend chapter 35 of title 28, United States Code, to preserve the independence of United States attorneys. -PASSED AND ENACTED
11.) Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act- PASSED AND ENACTED
12.) Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act- STALLED IN SENATE
13.) Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act- STALLED IN SENATE

It's so easy to forget about other things Congress has done when all we're focused on is Iraq. Personally, I thought the chances were extremely slim they would be able to end the war and impeach the President, so I wasn't betting on it. That's probably why I'm not as pissed at Congress as most people are.

IN-9: Hill To Vote To Override

He explains it all in a letter to a constiuent posted on Open Left;

Dear _____,
Last week the President vetoed H.R. 976, The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007. I am disappointed that a more balanced State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill was not put forth. As such, I strongly implore the President and Democratic Leadership to work together to craft a bill that ensures equitable benefits for all states, as well as an expansion of the program.

From the very start of this debate, I have been fighting to ensure that Indiana receives its fair share of government funding. For far too long, Hoosiers have been major contributors to the federal government without receiving an equitable share of the benefits. We've seen this time and time again in the areas of transportation and housing funds. As your elected representative,

I will fight to protect all of our precious resources, and that includes the tax dollars of my constituents. Our nation will never truly move toward real change and reform if the mechanisms in place to fund those reforms are not solid and equitable to those paying for them.

However, providing healthcare for our nation's children is simply too important to abandon. Therefore, even though I know the veto will be upheld, I will vote to override the President's veto in an effort to again show my support for the program and desire to move towards a fairer bill.

I want to once again be very clear that I fully support the SCHIP program. Guaranteeing access to health insurance for all children is not only a worthy goal, but it is the right thing to do. In fact, I have consistently supported the SCHIP program during my previous terms in Congress, and recently voted to reauthorize the program through November 16th of this year.

We must not lose sight of the fact that the longer this issue remains unresolved, 4 million children will continue without access to health insurance. As this process moves forward, I will continue to push for changes to the bill that addresses my concerns.

Sincerely,

Representative
Baron P. Hill
Ninth District of Indiana
U.S. House of Representatives

Hill was one of the few Democrats to vote against the bill.

In related news, Hill is facing the guy he defeated last year, lost to in 2004 and defeated in 2002; Republican Mike Sodrel.

Sodrel one once before in a Presidential year, although his victory was alot smaller than Hill's two victories, if not for the Libertarian nominee last year, Hill might have lost. Slight Lean Democrat

Republicans Who Supported SCHIP

HOUSE:
Mary Bono (R-California)
Vern Buchanan (R-Florida)
Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia)
Mike Castle (R-Delaware)
Tom Davis (R-Virginia)
Charlie Dent (R-Pennsylvania)
Vern Ehlers (R-Michigan)
Jo Ann Emerson (R-Missouri)
Phil English (R-Pennsylvania)
Jim Gerlach (R-Pennsylvania)
Wayne Gilchrest (R-Maryland)
Dave Hobson (R-Ohio)
Peter King (R-New York)
Mark Kirk (R-Illinois)
Ray LaHood (R-Illinois)
Tom Latham (R-Iowa)
Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio)
Frank LoBiondo (R-New Jersey)
John McHugh (R-New York)
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington)
Candice Miller (R-Michigan)
Jerry Moran (R-Kansas)
Tim Murphy (R-Pennsylvania)
Tom Petri (R-Wisconsin)
Todd Platts (R-Pennsylvania)
Jon Porter (R-Nevada)
Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio)
Jim Ramstad (R-Minnesota)
Ralph Regula (R-Ohio)
Denny Rehberg (R-Montana)
Dave Reichert (R-Washington)
Rick Renzi (R-Arizona)
Christopher Shays (R-Connecticut)
Mike Simpson (R-Idaho)
Chris Smith (R-New Jersey)
Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio)
Mike Turner (R-Ohio)
Fred Upton (R-Michigan)
Jim Walsh (R-New York)
Heather Wilson (R-New Mexico)
Frank Wolf (R-Virginia)
Don Young (R-Alaska)
Bill Young (R-Florida)

Barbara Cubin (R-Wyoming), Jo Ann Davis (R-Virginia), Wally Herger (R-California), Bobby Jindal (R-Louisiana) and Ted Poe (R-Texas) did not vote.

SENATE:
Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee)
Kit Bond (R-Missouri)
Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Bob Corker (R-Tennessee)
Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico)
Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)
Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)
Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas)
Richard Lugar (R-Indiana)
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
Pat Roberts (R-Kansas)
Gordon Smith (R-Oregon)
Olympia Snowe (R-Maine)
Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania)
Ted Stevens (R-Alaska)
John Sununu (R-New Hampshire)
John Warner (R-Virginia)

Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) and John McCain (R-Arizona) did not vote.

There is little reason to imagine any of the Republicans who did not vote will vote to override. McCain already announced he agrees with Bush on his veto.

Democrats Who Opposed SCHIP

HOUSE:
Dan Boren (D-Oklahoma)
Kathy Castor (D-Florida)
Bob Etheridge (D-North Carolina)
Baron Hill (D-Indiana)
Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)
Jim Marshall (D-Georgia)
Mike McIntyre (D-North Carolina)
Gene Taylor (D-Mississippi)

Diane Watson (D-California) voted Present

Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), Julia Carson (D-Indiana) and Bill Delahunt (D-Massachusetts) did not vote.

SENATE:
None

Joe Biden (D-Delaware) and Barack Obama (D-Illinois) did not vote.

*I have reason to believe Castor, Watson and Kucinich will vote to override the veto, as will all three Democrats who weren't present. That means the Democrats need 22 more votes. If all the Democrats who did not vote yea vote to override, the number is 16.

Bush Veteos SCHIP

And once again proves that Iraq is more important than America's Children.