Dem. Senators Pressure The Right To Move Faster With Unemployment Benefits Bill

By Ravi Bhatia-Talk Radio News Service

Democratic senators accused their Republican colleagues of becoming “A party of ‘No’” today on Capitol Hill, expressing concern that the right is delaying a bill to extend unemployment benefits for 14 additional weeks to those whose benefits are expiring before 2010.

The bill would add 20 additional weeks of unemployment benefits to citizens in states suffering the highest unemployment rates, such as Rhode Island and Michigan.

“Every state has been hit by this recession, every state is seeing these problems,” Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I) said. “The Republicans have thrown up opposition in terms of requesting a CBO score when we know [the bill] is fully paid for and fully offset. Now they’re delaying passage by offering amendments that have nothing to do with unemployment. Instead of action, they are just simply saying 'no'.”

Every dollar of unemployment benefits generates $1.60, according to Reed, who later added that the Republicans proposed attaching amendments that relate to ACORN funding and extending the $8,000 real estate tax credit.

Employers pay state and federal unemployment taxes. To pay for the bill, the Democrats proposed extending federal unemployment taxes one more year. Republican senators want the bill to be paid for by other means.

The national unemployment rate has reached 9.8 percent and continues to climb, according to the U.S Deptartment of Labor.

“We don’t need more foreclosures. We need to help folks,” said Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), whose state’s unemployment rate is at 7.6 percent. “And this is the time to do it.”

Senator-elect Franken Receives Warm Welcome From Democrats

By Courtney Ann Jackson-Talk Radio News Service

Senator-elect Al Franken (D-Minn.) is receiving a warm welcome from Congressional Democrats, complete with a press conference alongside Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). During his brief statement, Franken struck a more serious tone than that of his days as a comedian. 

“I am going to work day and night to make sure that our kids have a great future and that America’s best days lay ahead. I’m ready to get to work,” said Franken.

Franken will raise the total number of Democrats in the Senate to 60. However, Franken said all he is focused on is the number two, noting that he sees himself as the second Senator from the state of Minnesota. 

“Much has been made of the expectations of Al Franken joining the Senate,” said Reid. “Here are my expectations. He, of course, is going to work hard for the people of Minnesota. They’ve gone far too long without full representation...I expect him to help deliver on the change that this country is demanding.”

Franken described Minnesotans as practical people, adding that his constituents want to make sure the work being done in the Senate makes sense and has a “strong return for investments.”

Franken highlighted health care, economy, energy policy, and education as some of his major concerns.

U.S. Senate quizzes Deputy Attorney General Nominee David Ogden

By Kayleigh Harvey - Talk Radio News Service

Deputy Attorney General Nominee for the Justice Department, David Ogden, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee to talk about his record.

Ogden gave his statement before a full committee room, with his mother, wife, children, sister, and nieces in attendance.

Mr. Ogden said: "I am grateful and humbled that President Obama and Attorney General Holder have placed such confidence in me".

Committee Chairman, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt) said: "...it is time to restore the Justice Department and to restore the American people's confidence in Federal law enforcement. Today, the Committee continues the work of restoring the Department.”

In his opening testimony Mr. Ogden said: "I recognize that the challenges facing the Department may be as great as they ever have been. Since September 11, 2001, the Department has taken on a role at the heart of our national security during a war that has reached our homeland. It has the role as being the lead federal law enforcement agency and that role is urgent because crime across a range of fronts threatens our communities, our economy, and our personal rights plus our security. The Justice Department's role as protector of the public first has never been more important, given unprecedented budgetary demands.”

Members of the Committee noted the numerous letters of support that had been submitted in support of his defense of his nomination, from both Republican and Democrats and from the Military.

Former Senator John Warner (R-Va) gave a testimony in support of Ogden's nomination today, and Senator Jim Webb (D-Va) and Mark Warner (D-Va) have submitted written support to the Committee Clerk.

Ogden was asked about his opinion on a number of high profile issues during today's hearing. The committee asked Ogden about his stance on abortion, the death penalty, interrogation, torture, classified information and pornography.

David Ogden is currently a partner with WilmerHale, LLP where he works in the firm's Regulatory and Government Affairs and Litigation/Controversy Departments, which he joined in 2001. Additionally he is co-chair of the Government and Regulatory Litigation Practice Group, and a member of the Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation; Complex Commercial Litigation; International Arbitration; Public Policy and Strategy; and Defense, National Security and Government Contracts Practice Groups.

There are eight nominees that will have hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee for this position.