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Category Archives: Congress

Vital Statistics on Congress Data on the U.S. Congress, Updated March 2019

Brookings: “Vital Statistics on Congress, first published in 1980, long ago became the go-to source of impartial data on the United States Congress. Vital Statistics’ purpose is to collect and provide useful data on America’s first branch of government, including data on the composition of its membership, its formal procedure (such as the use of… Continue Reading

House Judiciary Committee Unveils Investigation into Threats Against the Rule of Law

“Today, House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) unveiled an investigation by the House Judiciary Committee into the alleged obstruction of justice, public corruption, and other abuses of power by President Trump, his associates, and members of his Administration.  As a first step, the Committee has served document requests to 81 agencies, entities, and individuals believed… Continue Reading

See the more than 80 names receiving House Judiciary Committee letters in its investigation

CNN: “The House Judiciary Committee announced Monday that it is sending letters seeking information and documents from more than 80 groups, organizations and individuals, as part of its sweeping investigation into President Donald Trump’s campaign, businesses, transition and administration. In an interview with ABC News’ “This Week,” Rep. Jerry Nadler said Sunday the requests for… Continue Reading

Celebrating women in politics: 10 books you need to read for Women’s History Month

Oxford University Press Blog: “This March we celebrate Women’s History Month, commemorating the lives, legacies, and contributions of women around the world. Since the inception of the women’s suffrage movement at Seneca Falls in 1848, we have seen a significant increase in women’s involvement in politics and the fight for women’s rights. It is important… Continue Reading

Using Google Maps costs more than you think.

Via LLRX – Using Google Maps costs more than you think. – Jason Voiovich’s article focuses on a subject of recent attention by Congress, privacy groups and journalists, both in the U.S. and abroad. Tech Giants distribute services and applications that are free, but nevertheless track and monitor your mobile activities – collecting, aggregating and… Continue Reading

BillTrack50 is available for everyone to research state and federal legislation and legislators – free

“BillTrack50 is a free service for citizens to look up information about federal and state bills and legislators. Register for a free account to start searching right away. We also provide tools appropriate for professionals to help track bills, and to help organizations share important information on their own website. To see how the free… Continue Reading

Nancy Pelosi: The Rolling Stone Interview

RollingStone – article and video: “Pelosi is at the height of her power, having recaptured the House, dispatched an attempted coup of her leadership, and faced down the president in a very public, extremely high-stakes fight. Her approval rating has risen eight points since November, and now sits higher than it has been in more… Continue Reading

National Emergency Powers

CRS Reports via FAS: “There were no less than 30 “national emergencies” in effect as of February 1, according to a tabulation prepared by the Congressional Research Service. An additional 21 national emergencies that are no longer in effect were also identified by CRS. Under the National Emergencies Act, a declaration of national emergency can be used to activate… Continue Reading

Treasury runs out of money in September unless Congress suspends debt ceiling

Federal Debt and the Statutory Limit, February 2019 – “The debt limit—commonly called the debt ceiling—is the maximum amount of debt that the Department of the Treasury can issue to the public or to other federal agencies. The amount is set by law and has been increased over the years to finance the government’s operations.… Continue Reading

Mail and Wire Fraud: A Brief Overview of Federal Criminal Law Updated

Via FAS – Mail and Wire Fraud: A Brief Overview of Federal Criminal Law Updated, February 11, 2019. “The mail and wire fraud statutes are exceptionally broad. Their scope has occasionally given the courts pause. Nevertheless, prosecutions in their name have brought to an end schemes that have bilked victims out of millions, and sometimes… Continue Reading

CRS – U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress

Via FAS – U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress, Updated February 14, 2019. – “…The overall issue for Congress is how to respond to recent developments regarding the U.S. role in the world. Potential key issues for Congress include but are not necessarily limited to the following: Is the U.S. role changing,… Continue Reading

FBI’s War Crimes Unit on the Chopping Block

Just Security: “A special unit within the Federal Bureau of Investigation that handles war crimes may be shut down imminently, according to officials familiar with the administration’s decision-making process. The FBI’s International Human Rights Unit takes the lead on investigating individuals within the United States who have been accused of committing international crimes, including war… Continue Reading