Hoyer Slams Republicans

In a speech on Friday, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) heavily criticized the GOP and their economic policies.

“We know what the Republican economic philosophy looks like in practice: cut taxes for the rich and gut the regulations that guard against everything from Wall Street excess to oil companies’ negligence,” said Hoyer. “We know the record those policies generated, when Republicans had the unchecked chance to implement them, just a few short years ago. They drove our economy into the ditch.”

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By Sarah Mamula

First Lady Visits Gulf Coast

Today, First Lady Michelle Obama, joined by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Mississippi first lady Marsha Barbour, visited the Jackson County Emergency Operations Center in Pascagoula, Mississippi for a status update on the Gulf Coast oil spill by the Coast Guard and local officials.

In her remarks, Obama emphasized the administration’s commitment to the recovery of the Gulf Coast region and helping those affected by the disaster. “This administration is going to stand with the people of the Gulf until they are made whole again,” she said.

By Sarah Mamula

Checks En Route To Unemployed

Yesterday, Obama signed into law the Emergency Unemployment Benefits legislation and it is reported that unemployed Americans will start to receive federal checks as early as next week. 

“Americans who are fighting to find a good job and support their families will finally get the support they need to get back on their feet during these tough economic times,” Obama said after signing the legislation.

By Sarah Mamula

Tough Days Ahead For Rep. Rangel

Yesterday, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) was charged with ethics violations and now faces a public trial that could result in his expulsion from the House after 40 years in office. The House Ethics Committee has not released details on the charges against Rangel. According to a New York Post article, the long list of accusations includes an alleged failure to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets and income on the financial-disclosure forms he has filed with Congress each year. 

The trial is scheduled to start next Thursday. For more on the story click here.

By Sarah Mamula

Defense Spending Under Scrutiny

With the government’s $13 trillion debt, budget cuts in defense are being heavily debated on Capitol Hill. Despite opposition from Congress members looking to protect jobs, Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants to cut weapons programs he deems unnecessary.

“Military spending on things large and small can and should expect closer, harsher scrutiny,” Mr. Gates said. 

By Sarah Mamula