The Gavel

As the incidents over the weekend in London and Glasgow demonstrate, we must do more protect Americans from terrorism. To make our nation safer, we must pass legislation implementing the recommendations of the independent 9/11 Commission. When Democrats took control of Congress… Continue

Democrats to renew pressure to withdraw troops from Iraq Reuters – July 2, 2007 Democratic leaders vowed Friday to keep up the pressure on President Bush to end the Iraq war with more votes next month on withdrawing U.S. troops. House Speaker… Continue

Today, House and Senate Judiciary Chairmen John Conyers and Patrick Leahy sent a letter to White House Counsel Fred Fielding, responding to the President’s executive privilege assertion over documents relating to the US Attorney investigation. The two reiterated their concern that the… Continue

On January 30th the New York Times ran the following piece: Bush Directive Increases Sway on Regulation Robert Pear, New York Times – January 30, 2007 President Bush has signed a directive that gives the White House much greater control over the… Continue

Today, Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid signed the “Live Earth Pledge,” created by former Vice President Al Gore. The pledge is in conjunction with the global “Live Earth” event to be held on every continent on July 7th. Speaker… Continue

From the Committee on Natural Resources: Rahall to Continue Probe of Politicization of Endangered Species Act Klamath River Basin to be on agenda Washington, D.C. — Late Wednesday evening, U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee,… Continue

From Education and Labor Chairman George Miller: Miller, Markey Release New Report Showing that Undisclosed Conflicts Reduce Pension Plan Returns Workers Likely Bear Brunt of Lower Returns in the Form of Reduced Pension Benefits WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pension plans may earn substantially… Continue

I am extremely disappointed in the Supreme Court's decision overriding the efforts of local communities to grapple with the complex issue of diversity in our schools. This decision is a retreat from our nation's commitment to opportunity and equality in our schools… Continue

Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers released the following statement in response to the President’s assertion of executive privilege in response to the committee’s June 13 subpoena for documents: “The President’s response to our subpoena shows an appalling disregard for the right of… Continue

The Committee on Homeland Security is currently holding a hearing, “Over-Classification and Pseudo-Classification: Making DHS the Gold Standard for Designating Classified and Sensitive Homeland Security Information.” Witnesses will include Mr. J. William Leonard, Director of the Information Security Oversight Office for the… Continue