Dem Lawmaker Demands Apology From Ron Paul

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) called on Presidential hopeful Ron Paul Friday to apologize for offensive, racially tinged language published in a newsletter that bore his name.

“Ron Paul cannot continue to pursue the position of the presidency of the United States of America without formally apologizing and discussing his true positions regarding these newsletter writings,” Jackson Lee said in a statement.

The Texas Democrat noted that a similar request was made of President Barack Obama when controversial comments from the then-candidate’s preacher emerged.

“[Obama] gave a landmark speech on Race to explain his views on Race and the History of Race in America; Mr. Paul should do the same,” Jackson Lee said.

Group Releases Top Ten Bills Of 2011

The organization Popvox has released a list of the top ten pieces of legislation that it says voters voiced opinions about to their elected representatives in Washington.

“With over 300,000 messages sent in to Congress and users in every Congressional district, these POPVOX numbers are a reflection of what Congress is hearing from constituents,” said Popvox CEO Marci Harris. “It’s not a poll — it’s better. These are the constituents that send the emails, stand up at town halls, knock on doors at election time, and make their voices heard. Congress listens to them and so should you.”

Click here to view a slideshow of the top ten list.

Rockefeller Concerned About Web Domain Expansion

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) is worried about a large expansion of internet domain names.

“I’m concerned that this expansion of generic, top-level domains, if it proceeds as planned, will have adverse consequences for the millions of American consumers, companies, and non-profit organizations that use the Internet on a daily basis,” Rockefeller wrote in a letter to Commerce Secretary John Bryson and NTIA Administrator Lawrence Strickling.

“I am now asking that you work with your international counterparts and ICANN to ensure that ICANN’s plan to expand top-level domains is implemented in a cautious, limited manner, which minimizes the likelihood of negative impacts,” Rockefeller added.

Reid Names Conferees To Negotiate Payroll Extension With GOP

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced Friday morning that he has appointed a quartet of Senators to work with House Republicans next month on extending the current payroll tax holiday through the end of 2012:

Here is a statement from Reid:

“I am appointing Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Ben Cardin, and Joint Economic Committee Chairman Bob Casey as conferees to negotiate a year-long extension of the payroll tax cut, as well as unemployment insurance and Medicare payments for physicians. All four are leaders in our caucus with a proven history of forging bipartisan agreements. I am confident that they will work expeditiously with our colleagues in the House.”

McConnell Urges House Republicans To Play Ball

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell publicly urged Republicans in the lower chamber Thursday to drop their opposition to the two-month extension of payroll relief.

“The House should pass an extension that locks in the thousands of Keystone XL pipeline jobs, prevents any disruption in the payroll tax holiday or other expiring provisions, and allows Congress to work on a solution for the longer extensions,” McConnell said in a press release.

While a number of Republicans in the upper chamber have criticized their House colleagues for threatening a tax hike when the cuts expire on New Years Day, McConnell’s high-ranking position carries additional weight.

Below is the full statement:

“The House and Senate have both passed bipartisan bills to require the President to quickly make a decision on whether to support thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs through the Keystone XL pipeline, and to extend unemployment insurance, the temporary payroll tax cut and seniors’ access to medical care. There is no reason why Congress and the President cannot accomplish all of these things before the end of the year.  House Republicans sensibly want greater certainty about the duration of these provisions, while Senate Democrats want more time to negotiate the terms. These goals are not mutually exclusive. We can and should do both. Working Americans have suffered enough from the President’s failed economic policies and shouldn’t face the uncertainty of a New Year’s Day tax hike. Leader Reid should appoint conferees on the long-term bill and the House should pass an extension that locks in the thousands of Keystone XL pipeline jobs, prevents any disruption in the payroll tax holiday or other expiring provisions, and allows Congress to work on a solution for the longer extensions.”