Your Gov't News Update Late in the 2007 Session

Here are a couple of links to recent news out of our nation's capital regarding legislation, our budget, and the relations between our Democratic controlled Congress and our Republican President Bush.

House Sends President an Energy Bill To Sign-According to the article "The bill will raise fuel-efficiency standards for automobiles, order a massive increase in the use of biofuels and phase out sales of the ubiquitous incandescent light bulb popularized by Thomas Edison more than a century ago."
Go Green APLGers.

Iraq Funds Approved in Senate-The Senate last night approved a $555 billion spending bill to fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year, shortly after bowing to President Bush's demand for $70 billion in unrestricted funds for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Looks like no shut down for the federal gov't but a blank check for the President in the war on terror, it's all about compromise in gov't.

Mr. Thompson

Pres Bush and the War Powers Act

You really need to be familiar with the War Powers Act and the ability of teh President and Congress when it comes to war and sending troops into battle.

Here is a link to Public Law 102-1 also known as the Joint Resolution to Authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq. This was Congress giving President Bush the authority to invade Iraq even though Congress hasn't declared war. Great reading in preparations for next week's symposium.

The president's powers as Commander in Chief vs Congress authority when it comes to war are always a hot topic of questions.

Mr. Thompson

Powers of the President

So much of what we study in the executive branch takes us back to our study of the Constitution.

Things that are not in the Constitution-looks at a bunch of interesting facts including executive privilege and executive orders.

An editorial from the NY Times on Pres. Bush and his use of executive privilege.

Every executive order issued by Pres. Bush since he has been in office.

Mr. Thompson

Places to go to learn of the Electoral College

National Archives - Electoral College browse the FAQ's if you have questions still about the Electoral College.

Electoral results from recent elections and take a peak at the predictions for the 2008 presidential election at 270towin You won't believe who is going to be our next president!

The Origin and History of the Electoral College - check out the election results and you can view great maps and charts/data of every presidential election in our history.

Here are some popularly suggested alternatives offered should the Electoral College be eliminated "But if we get rid of the electoral college how will we choose the president?"

I welcome your comments as we dive into the Executive Branch.
Mr. Thompson

Pork, Pork, Pork

The last article on pork (I think) and our Congress since we are on to the Executive Branch next week.

Defence Bill Proves Lucrative For Biggest Firms

Mr. Thompson

What's a "DEBT CEILING"?

Is there a limit to the amount of debt our country can have?
Congress Raises Limit Again as Debt Approaches $10 Trillion

What are the repercussions of a growing debt?
National Debt grows at Over $1 Million per Minute

How much of our national debt is held by foreigners? http://www.treasury.gov/tic/mfh.txt.
Notice what nation is number 2. Do you think that should concern us?????

We have a DEBT CLOCK?
The most famous debt clock, located in Times Square in New York City, was created by eccentric real estate mogul Seymour Durst. The clock is now owned by his son Douglas Durst. Durst's clock was deactivated in 2000 when the debt began to decrease. However, following large increases, the clock was reactivated a few years later, though had to be moved to make way for One Bryant Park. (Interestingly, some "man on the street" interviews showed that some people felt that the sign's deactivation meant that the debt had been eliminated, though it remained at roughly $5 trillion.) According to Durst the National debt is now increasing at such a rate that his clock will be obsolete (for lack of digits) when the debt reaches the $10 trillion mark, expected in the next two years.

In case you were curious! Have a great "debt-free day"!
Mr. Thompson

So much to do and so little time!

Congress is ready for the big push ie. the last 3 weeks of the session to get stuff done by the time they break for the holidays. We'll see if the 2 parties can come together (or if enough legislators show up) and accomplish anything. I know in our discussion last Friday the topic came up about legislators and their obligation to cast votes vs. their desire to be out campaigning .

A Daunting 3 Weeks Ahead For Congress

Mr. Thompson