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Cabinet is nominated by president, then confirmed by Senate

Posted By: by simple majority...sm on 2008-11-07
In Reply to: I have a question regarding who the president chooses for his cabinet - Kaydie

White House Staff is different.


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I have a question regarding who the president chooses for his cabinet
Can he just pick anyone he wants for his cabinet postions or do they have to be approved though other means.
What party is he, and why was he not nominated?

So you have to be some sort of HUMANITARIAN to be nominated.

That explains Bush's exclusion on that list.  How embarrassed and ashamed should America be to see the leader of another, presumably poorer country try to provide humanitarian aid to Americans because our own president believes humanitarian aid begins with oil companies and ends with those intent on eliminating American freedom?


I wonder if he views our president as an oppressor and if he plans to invade and occupy our country to save us from Bush and to spread his superior form of government to the United States. 


Sorry.  I was just being silly.  No credible leader in the world would ever do anything like THAT.....WOULD HE????


The word *confirmed* strikes me.
Thompson said he talked with three people who were present for that meeting and that they all confirmed that President Bush called the Constitution a g-d- piece of paper.

I believe Hastert confirmed this several times.
It's become a real witch hunt now. 
Wow - if I couldn't decide before this has really confirmed it for me.

We watched C-span so that we could be assured nothing would be cut out.  Then we went to MSNBC to see their comments and then FOX to hear their comments.  Sure enough MSNBC was filled with a bunch of sour grapes.  What were they saying about her speech?  Nothing.  They were just upset because she called the media on what they've been reporting about her and they didn't like it.  They want to keep bashing and putting her down and have nothing said back to them.  They are so biased it makes me sick.


This is my likes & dislikes about Sarah Palin.  I like that she is not from Washington.  I like that she has been governor of the state, has passed laws, has made Alaska a better state that works for the people.  I like that she got rid of all the wasteful things (fancy jet, personal chef, chauffer).  I like that she can stand tough when she needs to.  She's knows how to get things done and she's not afraid to go up against the "big boys".  I like that she firmly believes in the 2nd ammendment of the constitution, the right to bear arms, and I like the fact that she knows how to use arms.  I like that she cares about America more than she cares about herself.  I like that her husband owns a business and she has helped him work his commercial fishing business.  So I know she is not for more taxes.  I like that she took from the big oil companies and gave the money rightfully back to the people who deserved it (the Alaskan citizens).  I like that she is a mother, has kids in school, has been to the PTA. That means she is aware of the education system and I like that she got involved to make the schools a better place for all kids.  I like the fact that she and her husband decided to have a child knowing he would have down's syndrome and I like the fact that she doesn't wear it on her sleeve and when she talked about her baby tonight she said our newest addition, a beautiful baby boy (not a beautiful Down's syndrome baby).  I like the fact that her daughter is pregnant.  To me it shows she is as real of a person and her family is the same as most all other Americans and facing the same thing all other americans are.  I like the fact that she was not born into a wealthy family, she worked hard to get where she is at.  I like the fact that for all the snips and nasty comments the democrats said against her and John McCain last week she can dish it right back (and with facts! - which by the way is all the liberal media focused on tonight (how much she picked on the other side)).  I like the fact that I know she and her husband sit down at night after their kids go to bed and they talk about real issues (his business, their kids schooling, etc etc).  I think she is a wonderful, hard working person.  Very knowlegeable about issues (has to be to be a governor).  I like the fact that she does have more experience than Obama does, which because he is running for President he should have more experience then someone running for VP.  Tonight after her speech DH & I both said we need to move to Alaska and have someone like her as our governor.


What I don't like...maybe she's a little too "religious" for me and I've heard that she wants to teach creationalism in schools.  BUT (I wanted to make sure I put that in big letters...but) I can't confirm that and I'm not sure if that is a rumor put out by the liberals, so I really can't say I don't like that about her because I don't know if it's true.  Just keep religion out of politics and I'm happy with that.


So far I can't see anything I dislike about her (which is a far cry from 3 days ago when I couldn't stand her because all I was listening to was MSNBC and CNN).  Now I'm researching and reading more about her accomplishments.


I think she's a wonderful person and will make a fine VP.  Also I do have to say I've been learning more about JM over the past couple days and I have a lot more confidence and respect for him as our next president.  I loved R. Guliani's speech and Mike Huckabee's and the Governor of Hawaii (forget her name).  They all gave fine speeches.


So that's my opion.  To the one just blabbing about how our taxes are going to be raised, blah, blah, blah.  It's all scare tactics.  When the democrats are in is always when people pay more in taxes.  Government grows, jobs go overseas, America becomes less secure, military gets cut way back  Remember NAFTA because of Democrat Billy who shipped jobs overseas and people lost good jobs and homes.  Then he turned around and created these "false" jobs where people had to take jobs paying 1/2 of what they were getting paid but because they paid them so low he could create more jobs giving a "false" impression that he created all these jobs (these people still had to go on food stamps).  Remember how your taxes were raised because of Democrat Billy who jumped my tax bracket from 21% to 37% and even then at the end of the year we had to pay an additional $2500 cos we didn't pay enough to support all of his programs.  Remember Kosovo, Somalia, etc.  Remember how Democrat Billy gutted the military which made our country less safe, hence the first attack on the world trade centers.  Remember how Democrat Billy had the chance to capture OBL but he didn't.  Remember the lies.  Remember how Democrat Hillary was trying to socialize health care.  Some people may think Bush is "one fry short of a happy meal" but at least our taxes went down, and we had job security and our military was built up and I once again had faith in the country,  Sure the country is not perfect.  Sure President Bush has made some real "dufus" decisions and mistakes, but it's nothing compared to the mess the country was in the last time the Democrats were in office.


That is why I'm voting for McCain/Palin.  I've got my fire resistant suit on. 


Remeber when he nominated her for the (topless)
the bikers' rally in Sturgis? Guess he's gotten more crumudgeonly in his old age.
Ok, you confirmed it - politics sucks!
No message really, just that politics sucks and their all crooked.
No debates yet because neither one has been officially nominated as the candidate! nm
x
Cabinet positions....(sm)
Hillary for secretary of state would be awesome!  Obama is also talking to McCain, maybe secretary of defense?
Your picks for Obama's cabinet. sm
If you were President, who would you pick for your cabinet? You can write in a name. Some are putting Ron Paul for Secretary of the Treasury. The budget would be balanced lickety-split. That actually would be smart, but the PTB would never allow it.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/11/11/us/politics/20081111_CABINET_PICKER.html
For key cabinet position, just where would you suggest
One key element of bringing change to Washington in my estimation would be to take US leadership one step beyond the "old guard" of the Boomer generation. I can say this with impunity since I am referring to my own generation. In any case, this is a bit of a tricky proposition since that means Obama would need to focus on younger individuals born in the early to mid 1960s and beyond, with ages approximately 46-48 or younger. These individuals would have reached their adult years and started building their professional careers AFTER the Carter administration. How many democratic presidents have we had since the Carter administration?

With the selection of KEY positions, it is imperative that Obama appoint people with senior-level experience. Stop to ponder for a moment, the appointments that have been made thus far.

1. Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, by all measures a "Clinton person."
2. Atty General Eric Holder served in the US Justice Dept during Ford, Carter and Reagan, who appointed him DC Superior court Judge in 1988, a post he held until 1993 before Clinton appointed him US atty in DC, later becoming Clinton's Deputy Atty General. In other words, 17 years of his experience was gained in service to the 3 former presidents prior to the Clinton appointments.
3. Director of the Office of Management and Budget - Peter Orszag, Director of Congressional Budget Office under W and served on Council of Economic Advisors under Clinton.
4. Senior Advisor Pete Rouse - Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr. Clinton and W.

Holder served under 3 different presidents prior to Clinton, Orszag's onlyh appointed position was under W and Rouse servced under 5 other presidents before Clinton. My question then is why is it that all of these people are suddenly "Clinton people?" Even if they all were, where would you expect Obama to look for his cabinet appointees...retired officials from the Carter administation perhaps? Would Reganites deliver Change? How about those Bush people (I am so sure).

I have no doubt that there will be appointees with roots in the republican camp, but please note that we are talking about only 4 choices at this point in time, 3 of which DO have ties to administrations other than Clinton's. Besides that, the most key factor is that all of these appointees will be serving under a DIFFERENT leader with a strong mandate for change, equipped with favorable legislative bodies. Perhaps it would be wise to reserve judgment on ALL of this until AFTER they take office and actually start doing their jobs, ya think?


Maybe we should nominate HIM for a cabinet spot?....
He would have my vote. I like his thinking. I am more than ready to retire.
Bush and his cabinet have raped and pillaged
for 8 years. The pallets of cash to Iraq that were dispersed (stolen) without accounting, the 1.3 trillion the pentagon not account for, the 1.5 million in arms that was stolen in Iraq, the personal investments the GOP had in private contractors in Iraq and the negligence of the war in Afghanistan - the real front of terrorists, as we all know - is what this man has done and you RESPECT HIM?? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? Do you realize that in 50 years, the suffering that will be taking place because of the debt racked up in the guise of patriotism? Bush is a fool but not a stupid man. He is a black sheep in his own family. It is irresponsible voting by people like you which has really caused this monumental assault on the entire nation which will never fully recover, regardless of what is done.
Bush and his cabinet have raped and pillaged
for 8 years. The pallets of cash to Iraq that were dispersed (stolen) without accounting, the 1.3 trillion the pentagon not account for, the 1.5 million in arms that was stolen in Iraq, the personal investments the GOP had in private contractors in Iraq and the negligence of the war in Afghanistan - the real front of terrorists, as we all know - is what this man has done and you RESPECT HIM?? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? Do you realize that in 50 years, the suffering that will be taking place because of the debt racked up in the guise of patriotism? Bush is a fool but not a stupid man. He is a black sheep in his own family. It is irresponsible voting by people like you which has really caused this monumental assault on the entire nation which will never fully recover, regardless of what is done.
If customary deference to a sitting president by president elect
for the rest of us who understand such concepts as respect and traditional protocol, it would qualify as a darned good reason.
no courage in the Senate
They all voted for it.  Democrats and Republicans.  Let's all come together and get rid of these guys.  Lets vote for Nader. At least he has some integrity
senate bill

this is all way over my head... anyone make any sense of it who is willing to share?


That would be the US Senate....same place as McC
x
Senate seats

I thought senate seats belonged to the state that person resided in.  And I thought the people who fill the seats are picked by the people of their states in a vote.  These DC people are acting as though their seats are to be handed down to their family members as though they are Royalty.  Last I knew I didn't think we lived in a Monarchy, but now I'm beginning to wonder.  Bill Clinton is now "suggesting" Hillary's old seat should go to Chelsea Clinton?  Impeached Bill should have no say in who the senate seat goes to.  The Clintons don't want Caroline Kennedy to fill it because Caroline backed Obama.  This is rediculous.  They think they are entitled to these positions.  My feeling is that the senate seat should be filled with someone who is qualified from that state.  Not family members of family members of family members.  Caroline Kennedy should run for the seat when the time to run comes up.  Not be placed there because her name is Kennedy.  As for Chelsea?  Talk about someone with NO skills or qualifications to fill the position.  She has worked for a manager at some Hedge fund company.  She is a total id!ot.  Just because daddy was the Prez and mommy held the senate position, does not mean that Chelsea is qualified.  And certainly just because she attended a lot of mommy's fund raising events doesn't mean she's qualified.  Blimey, why not let Obama's daughter take his old senate seat. 


I heard someone describe our government as an aristocracy.  There are so many people who are qualified for the positions, but they will never get appointed because they are not rich or don't have the "name' or in the club.  I also heard that someone is sitting in Biden's old senate seat "keeping it warm" until Biden's son comes back from the service where he will just waltz in and the seat will be his.  All I can say is W-T-F??????


Like I say, I thought senate seats were appointed by people who vote for the candidates to fill the seat.  Now I'm hearing seats are just being given to the children and relatives of the ones who held the seat before them.  Tell me there isn't something wrong with what is going on.  Cripes!  We got rid of Bill (finally), sort of got rid of Hillary, and now little miss Chelsea is trying to weezle her way into the scene via mommy and daddy to get there.  


I am really disgusted with the political scene. 


Will Ferrell for senate! (sm)
At least he has a thong with the stars and stripes on it! (If anyone reading this missed this SNL, youtube Will and Casual Friday)
It passed the Senate........... sm

Now it's on to the House-Senate negotioations.  I just hope we can stand this as a nation. 


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29119293/


GOP Discourages Harris Senate Run in '06





GOP Discourages Harris Senate Run in '06

Monday, July 25, 2005

By Kelley Beaucar Vlahos













PHOTOS
















Click image to enlarge








STORIES




WASHINGTON — Katherine Harris (search) may have been the darling of the Republican establishment when she stuck her neck out as Florida secretary of state to halt the 2000 presidential election recount, but she doesn't seem to be getting much love from GOP powerbrokers today.


Bailout dies in Senate.........sm
It's over, at least for this year.  I don't know, and the article did not state, whether there will be more talks after the first of the year. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4B50CL20081212?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
That was in his Illinois senate term...
this one was in the US Senate. Yeah, he shows up for the important votes like against the Infant Born Alive Act...twice...and now we find out FOR the bridge to nowhere and AGAINST Katrina victims. Still makes me question his judgments and his priorities. Sorry, that is the way I see it.
He spent most of his time in senate
running for president. It is a shame the people of socialism did not even get proper representation from him. Anyone else with a job to do would be expected to actually DO the job. What's he going to run for if he actually does win the presidency? World Socialization and kissing cousins with terroists?
He makes money outside of the senate -
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23796726/

his tax returns have been released. The link above kind of breaks it down - but he does not make $4 million a year. But his books do sell pretty darn good...
He knows DC, knows how to get results, Congress, Senate,
Yeah. Sounds like a real scary threat. Do qualified, highly skilled and immensely experienced people such as this always intimidate you so?
Senate document 06-570 supposedly
verifies this info, but I searched and couldn't find it. Maybe someone smart can find this.
Very concerned. Senate acts like
for not paying his taxes. If I did not pay my taxes can I just have a slap on the hand too?

All I care about is that Mr. G. knows what he is doing and hope it works for our economy. I think Mr. G. is the one who has the most difficult job right now with our economy and housing market. Hope he knows how to distribute money, etc., because he sure has heck does not know how to pay his taxes.
What a concept, a politician who come to the Senate.....sm
with tons of experience in screwing people....and is not ashamed to record it!! I say she is uniquely qualified for the politics! IMHO
I'm hoping that some in Congress and the Senate

don't let him blindly lead them down that road. We have a national security force now, the National Guard, but of course, they're stuck fighting for our country since the draft was banned.


We need to get back to draft registration like it used to be, then our military will be good and the Guard can stay home and protect us like they're supposed to be doing.


Ohio War Veteran Running for Senate... sm

Hackett has his work cut out for him, but I hope the vets keep running. It is a good sign of potential changes in the WH soon.


Ohio War Veteran Running for Senate




By DAN SEWELL
The Associated Press
Monday, October 24, 2005; 2:54 PM



CINCINNATI -- Paul Hackett, the Democratic veteran of the Iraq war who narrowly lost a special election in a heavily Republican congressional district in August, made his official entry into a U.S. Senate race Monday.


He faces a tough Democratic primary with Rep. Sherrod Brown in the race for the nomination to challenge second-term Republican incumbent Sen. Mike DeWine next year.







src=http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/largerPhoto/images/enlarge_tab.gif
Paul
Paul Hackett, the Democratic veteran of the Iraq war who narrowly lost in a special election in a heavily Republican congressional district in August, announces his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, Monday, Oct. 24, 2005, at his home in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) (Al Behrman - AP)











Hackett's only political experience is a stint as a small-city councilman.


I'm asking all the people of this great state, regardless of political affiliation, to consider my message and to consider joining me in the fight to take back our government from the career politicians and their special interest support groups who have hijacked our government, he said as he announced his campaign at his home in suburban Indian Hill.


Hackett decided to run for Congress earlier this year after completing a seven-month tour of duty in Iraq as a Marine reservist. That special election in southern Ohio's seven-county 2nd District was to replace Rep. Rob Portman, who left his seat to become the U.S. trade representative.


Hackett won the Democratic nomination, then battled Republican Jean Schmidt, a former state legislator, in a campaign in which he linked her to embattled Republican Gov. Bob Taft while sharply criticizing President Bush's handling of the war.


Schmidt won on Aug. 2 with 52 percent of the vote, though Portman had consistently won re-election in the district with more than 70 percent and Bush had carried it in 2004 with 64 percent.


Hackett's strong showing in a state that was a pivotal presidential battleground solidified the attorney as a likely 2006 candidate for Congress or statewide office.


After Hackett decided to oppose DeWine, Hackett was irked when Brown, with three decades of elective politics behind him, decided he also would run.


Brown, a former state legislator and Ohio secretary of state, is in his seventh congressional term, representing northeastern Ohio's 13th District. He's expected to officially launch his Senate race in early November.


Brown said Monday he initially didn't plan to run because of family reasons, but changed his mind with his family's encouragement. He said he wasn't expecting the race for the May 2 primary to damage his chances of defeating DeWine in the general election.


I've had primaries before, Brown said. It makes me a stronger candidate.


Joe Biden, 30 years in senate, VP candidate...
not a speechwriter, on Obama's qualifications:  "He is not ready to be President.  The job does not lend itself to on-the-job training."
McCain has not voted in the senate since April. Hello? nm
.
This should be the full text of the new Senate bill...sm

but I can't get it to open. Can anyone open this?



http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/01/news/pdf/index.htm
Full Control? Like in the Senate and the House?
xx
United States Senate...who voted for what

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=2&vote=00137


Do you actually look up anything?


Senate Attendance/Jack Welch
Would we still have our jobs if we did this?

 


 

 

"

Jack Welch's Take

Former GE CEO on whether 'spreading the wealth' sinks small business

More scared of congress and senate than Bush.
x
Chelsea is not eligible for a senate seat
Nice rant though. :)
Listening to the Senate debate this so-called

stimulus package, I'm getting more furious every hour with some of the senators.


It seems there is no bipartisanship happening except the republicans trying to stop the bloated parts of the package, that which has nothing to do with the stimulus. So far, the amount is up to $990B and growing. One senator pointed out that if it passes the way it is, it will be over $1.7 TRILLION and we can't afford it.


Senator Tom Coburn (R) OK stated the Constitution gave us no authorization to do what we're doing (meddling in business, banking, etc.)  He had a wonderful speech. I hope to find it on the 'net later.


Sen. Lamar Alexander (R) TN stated fix housing first.


Sen. James Inhofer (R) OK states he hopes all republicans stand up and agree this won't work but Sen. McCain's amendment should pass and WILL work. I don't know what's in Sen. McCain's amendment as it's not posted yet.


Now, my absolutely favorite senator (NOT!): Sen. Schumer (D) NY.  He stated THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT THIS STIMULUS and sort of threatened in a veiled way that it WILL PASS no matter what the republicans want.  I think everybody and their friends and family ought to clog his email with messages of how we DON'T want this package the way it is and since when is he a mindreader? The article I posted is probably the American people he is talking about.


Now there's a guy who really understands the American people. I found a little item on the 'net while I was looking for other stuff and I'm providing the link. Maybe a lot of you saw this before, but this is the first I've seen it. The date is JANUARY 22, 2007, so he knew all along that there was trouble brewing.


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/business/14schumer.html


 


C-Span had a rerun of the senate yesterday on AIG

According to Schumer and Klobuchar, they are sending a letter to AIG Liddy (sp) to tell them to renegotiate the bonuses or give the bonus money back, or else they will draft a LAW and take immediate steps to impose a tax as high as 91% on these bonuses.


I don't know how they can do that, although I would like to see it happen. But if they can break the contracts for AIG, then they can break any contract at will. That's a bit scary.


As proven by the Republican majority in the Senate. Yeehaw! nm

Senate to vote on S. 2611 that allows up to 30 million illegal

The Senate is about to vote on a crucial bill, the revised H.R. 4437, that could give amnesty to 12-30 million illegal aliens and open the door for their relatives and a new flood of illegals to enter, which could mean 100-200 million new people coming into the country in 20 years according to expert analysis, virtually all poor, diminishing wages, increasing the crime rate, and bankrupting tax coffers. Now is the time to call any of the key Senators who could be persuaded into a NO vote, otherwise, there is a chance the House-Senate joint committee will approve for a likely vote in the House:

Lindsay Graham (SC): (202) 224-5972
Chuck Hagel (NE): (202) 224-4224
Richard Lugar (IN): (202) 224-4814
Mel Martinez (FL): (202) 224-3041
John McCain (AZ): (202) 224-2235
Richard Shelby (AL): (202) 224-5744
Olympia Snowe (ME): 202) 224-5344
Arlen Specter (PA): (202) 224-4254
Ted Stevens (AK): (202) 224-3004
George Voinovich (OH): (202) 224-3353
John Warner (VA): (202) 224-2023
Robert Bennett (UT): (202) 224-5444
Sam Brownback (KS): (202) 224-6521
Lincoln Chafee (RI): (202) 224-2921
Norm Coleman (MN): (202) 224-5641
Susan Collins (ME) (202) 224-2523
Larry Craig (ID): (202) 224-2752
Mike DeWine (OH): (202) 224-2315


GOP-Run Senate Kills Minimum Wage Increase...sm
GOP-Run Senate Kills Minimum Wage Increase
Republican-controlled Senate derails proposed election-year increase in minimum wage

WASHINGTON, Jun. 22, 2006
By DAVID ESPO AP Special Correspondent
(AP)


(AP) The Republican-controlled Senate smothered a proposed election-year increase in the minimum wage Wednesday, rejecting Democratic claims that it was past time to boost the $5.15 hourly pay floor that has been in effect for nearly a decade.

The 52-46 vote was eight short of the 60 needed for approval under budget rules and came one day after House Republican leaders made clear they do not intend to allow a vote on the issue, fearing it might pass.

The Senate vote marked the ninth time since 1997 that Democrats there have proposed _ and Republicans have blocked _ a stand-alone increase in the minimum wage. The debate fell along predictable lines.

Americans believe that no one who works hard for a living should have to live in poverty. A job should lift you out of poverty, not keep you in it, said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. He said a worker paid $5.15 an hour would earn $10,700 a year, almost $6,000 below the poverty line for a family of three.

Kennedy also said lawmakers' annual pay has risen by roughly $30,000 since the last increase in the minimum wage.

Republicans said a minimum wage increase would wind up hurting the low-wage workers that Democrats said they want to help.

For every increase you make in the minimum wage, you will cost some of them their jobs, said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.

He described the clash as a classic debate between two very different philosophies. One philosophy that believes in the marketplace, the competitive system ... and entrepreneurship. And secondly is the argument that says the government knows better and that topdown mandates work.

The measure drew the support of 43 Democrats, eight Republicans and one independent. Four of those eight Republicans are seeking re-election in the fall.

Democrats had conceded in advance that this attempt to raise the minimum wage would fare no better than their previous attempts. At the same time, they have made clear in recent days they hope to gain support in the coming midterm elections by stressing the issue. Organized labor supports the legislation, and Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., said that contrary to some impressions, most minimum wage workers are adults, not teenagers, and many of them are women.

When the Democrats control the Senate, one of the first pieces of legislation we'll see is an increase in the minimum wage, said Kennedy.

His proposal would have increased the minimum wage to $5.85 beginning 60 days after the legislation was enacted; to $6.55 one year later; and to $7.25 a year after that. He said inflation has eroded the value of the current $5.15 minimum wage by 20 percent.

With the help of a few rebellious Republicans, House Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee succeeded in attaching a minimum wage increase last week to legislation providing funding for federal social programs. Fearing that the House would pass the measure with the increase intact, the GOP leadership swiftly decided to sidetrack the entire bill.

I am opposed to it, and I think a vast majority of our (rank and file) is opposed to it, House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said Tuesday.

Pressed by reporters, he said, There are limits to my willingness to just throw anything out on the floor.

On Wednesday, his spokesman, Kevin Madden, said Boehner has told fellow Republicans the House will have to deal with this some way. He said no decisions had been made.

While Democrats depend on organized labor to win elections, Republicans are closely aligned with business interests that oppose any increase in the federal wage floor or would like changes in the current system.

Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, offered an alternative that proposed a minimum wage increase of $1.10 over 18 months, in two steps.

The increase was coupled with a variety of provisions offering regulatory or tax relief to small businesses, including one to exempt enterprises with less than $1 million in annual receipts from the federal wage and hour law entirely. The current exemption level is $500,000, and a Republican document noted the amount had lagged behind inflation.

Additionally, Republicans proposed a system of optional flextime for workers, a step that Enzi said would allow employees, at their discretion, to work more than 40 hours one week in exchange for more time off the next. Unions generally oppose such initiatives, and the Republican plan drew 45 votes, with 53 in opposition.


MMVI The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Allen concedes. Democrats control Senate. nm
nm
Senate passes Children's Health Plan

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 — The Senate gave final approval on Thursday to a health insurance bill for 10 million children, clearing the measure for President Bush, who said he would veto it.


The 67-29 vote followed a series of speeches by Republican senators supporting the bill and urging Mr. Bush to reconsider his veto threat.


Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas, one of 18 Republicans who voted for the bill, said the White House had shown “little if any willingness to come to the negotiating table.”


Republican opponents of the bill, like Senators Judd Gregg of New Hampshire and John Cornyn of Texas, said it would be a big step toward socialized medicine, would shift people from private insurance to a public program and would allow coverage for illegal immigrants and children in high-income families.


Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa, said it was “intellectually dishonest” to make such “outlandish accusations.”


Mr. Bush has said the bill would move toward “government-run health care for every American.”


Senator Bob Corker, Republican of Tennessee, said those fears were unfounded.


“What will move our country toward socialized medicine is not this bill, which focuses on poor children, but the lack of action to allow people in need to have access to private affordable health care,” Mr. Corker said.


The bill would expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program to cover nearly four million uninsured children, in addition to the 6.6 million already enrolled. It would provide $60 billion over the next five years, $35 billion more than the current spending and $30 billion more than the president proposed.


Mr. Bush has not shown a willingness to compromise. But he may come under pressure so from Republican lawmakers who do not like being portrayed as hostile to children’s interests.


Democrats have selected Graeme Frost, 12, of Baltimore, to deliver their Saturday radio address. He will appeal to the president to sign the bill.


On Monday, the Service Employees International Union will rally outside the White House, and children will deliver petitions urging approval of the bill.


The child health program was born in 1997 from collaboration between Senators Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts, and Orrin G. Hatch, Republican of Utah.


On Thursday, Mr. Hatch said that “it pains me” that Mr. Bush has not worked with Congress to renew the program. Some people in the administration “have been slow to recognize the realities of the new Congress,” where Democrats have a majority, Mr. Hatch said.


The bill has support from AARP, the big lobby for older Americans; the American Medical Association; America’s Health Insurance Plans, the lobby for insurers; and governors from both parties.


In the House, the bill was approved on Tuesday, 265 to 159, with support from 45 Republicans. The House Republican whip, Roy Blunt of Missouri, said he was confident that the veto would be upheld. A two-thirds majority in both chambers would be needed to override the veto.


The bill would increase tobacco taxes, with the levy on cigarettes increasing to $1 a pack from the current 39 cents. It would require states to cover dental services for children and would increase coverage of mental health services in many states.


The Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said: “Our Democratic colleagues have taken Schip hostage, and what they want in exchange is Republican support for government-run health care., courtesy of Washington .”


Don't agree. I hope Obama gets to go back to the senate...
and see her there as VP... :)
guess that's not as bad as 'VP is in charge of the Senate' ...Palin NM
x
Wrong. The democrats have had majority in senate and house for two years.
If they had acted to regulate Fannie and Freddie they could have stopped this. If they had listened to John Mccain in 2006 they could have stopped it. Bush admin tried two times to regulate it and the Dems blocked it. You can blame the war and whatever else you want on the Republicans, but this economic mess was began in the Clinton administration and Barney Frank and Chris Dodd have perpetuated it. Please do the research and stop with the Republicans are all responsible mantra, because in this case, it simply is NOT true.