2008 Woodie Awards
New Democratic Congress starting off strongly
Joe Caporoso
Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: Op/Ed
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The first major set of legislation proposed by the new Democratic majority of the House of Representatives has successfully passed through, yet whether these proposals turn into law still remains to be seen. Whether the six bills can make it past the Senate and President Bush will go a long way in determining the early influence the new Democratic Congress has in Washington.
Each of the bills work to either undue or improve Republican policy that has dominated all three branches of our government over the last few years. The first bill is to more extensively put the recommendations of the 9/11 commission into place. Most controversial to Republicans is the mandate that all air and ship cargo coming into the U.S. be screened within three to five years. Surprisingly, President Bush, who prides himself on national security, has openly opposed this part of the bill. Although 100 percent screening may be unpractical, certainly a large increase is necessary to improve national security.
Next, Democrats have proposed upping the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 over a three-year period. This seems likely to pass through, as long as Democrats add tax breaks to offset the increased costs of a higher national minimum wage. Another bill involving ways to limit the rising costs of prescription drugs is being threatened with a Presidential veto because "government interference impedes competition," words that mean nothing to people struggling to afford medication. Yet, the bill will probably be modified to help it at least pass through the Senate and limit the likelihood of a veto.
One of the most controversial issues in our country is stem cell research. The Democrats are again proposing the same legislation that was already passed in the Senate but vetoed by President Bush. Unfortunately, the bill did not pass with the two-thirds majority necessary in the house to override another likely veto from President Bush. It is a shame that both Congressional houses can not agree on the potential medical breakthroughs from the cells, but our President can't get past his ethical beliefs to allow it. However, that argument is for another article.
Each of the bills work to either undue or improve Republican policy that has dominated all three branches of our government over the last few years. The first bill is to more extensively put the recommendations of the 9/11 commission into place. Most controversial to Republicans is the mandate that all air and ship cargo coming into the U.S. be screened within three to five years. Surprisingly, President Bush, who prides himself on national security, has openly opposed this part of the bill. Although 100 percent screening may be unpractical, certainly a large increase is necessary to improve national security.
Next, Democrats have proposed upping the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 over a three-year period. This seems likely to pass through, as long as Democrats add tax breaks to offset the increased costs of a higher national minimum wage. Another bill involving ways to limit the rising costs of prescription drugs is being threatened with a Presidential veto because "government interference impedes competition," words that mean nothing to people struggling to afford medication. Yet, the bill will probably be modified to help it at least pass through the Senate and limit the likelihood of a veto.
One of the most controversial issues in our country is stem cell research. The Democrats are again proposing the same legislation that was already passed in the Senate but vetoed by President Bush. Unfortunately, the bill did not pass with the two-thirds majority necessary in the house to override another likely veto from President Bush. It is a shame that both Congressional houses can not agree on the potential medical breakthroughs from the cells, but our President can't get past his ethical beliefs to allow it. However, that argument is for another article.