Archive: 2007

From the Budget Committee: Spratt Statement on the Federal Reserve's Interest Rate Cut WASHINGTON — House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt today issued the following statement on the decision by the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. “The Federal Reserve decision today… Continue

“Medicare and Social Security are two of the most successful safety nets in our nation and any changes must be made on a bipartisan basis. This can be done by the committees of jurisdiction in Congress; they have the experience, knowledge and authority for addressing issues that arise with entitlements.”

“Today’s announcement by the Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates underscores the economic insecurity that middle-class Americans have long been feeling. A weakening economy, record home foreclosures, record energy prices, and meager job creation are not just numbers, but rather serious challenges for working families across the country. I hope that the action taken today by the Fed will bring some relief to the middle-class.”

“‘Today, with the help of two of our nation’s most talented and experienced legislators – Chairman Ted Kennedy and Chairman George Miller – we are sending to the President landmark legislation that reduces college costs for millions of young Americans.”

The Judiciary Committee is currently holding a hearing, “Warrantless Surveillance and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: The Role of Checks and Balances in Protecting Americans' Privacy Rights (Part II).” Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell and Assistant Attorney General for National Security… Continue

Today Chairman Waxman of the Oversight Committee wrote a letter to State Department Inspector General Howard Krongard describing allegations that, according to seven current and former officials, Mr. Krongard has repeatedly interfered with on-going investigations to protect the State Department and the… Continue

Today, the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming launched a new web site. The committee plays a key role in raising the visibility of global warming and energy issues, informing Congress and the public, and assuring we make real progress…. Continue

Rep. Laura Richardson (CA-37), sworn in just two weeks ago, joined Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24) to applaud the College Cost Reduction Act, which will be sent to the President today and which he has agreed to sign into law. The Act will… Continue

Former Fed Chief Alan Greenspan Denounces Republican Fiscal Irresponsibility “Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan sharply criticizes President George W. Bush’s administration and Republican congressional leaders in his memoir for putting political imperatives ahead of sound economic policies…” [Reuters, 9/15/07] “In the… Continue

Oversight Committee Chairman Henry A. Waxman released the following statement this afternoon following the press accounts that Iraq had revoked the license of U.S. contractor Blackwater: “The controversy over Blackwater is an unfortunate demonstration of the perils of excessive reliance on private… Continue