SENATE WATCH-9/2/2003 (#1)

[goobergunch]

108th Congress
1st Session
2 September 2003

The Senate convenes at 9:30 AM.

At 9:30 AM, the Senate will convene and begin consideration of H.R. 2660, the Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill (managers: Specter/Harkin)

[Triana]

1. wonder if...

...this is when they'll just shut off unemployment completely? After all, according to Bu$h's political appointees (Elaine Chao in particular), the unemployed are just living the Life of Riley off it anyway.

After all, the shitty economy is THEIR fault because they're LAZY! (and before anyone flames me, I'm just kidding about all but the first sentence)

;)

[zanana]

2. I'm getting off the track here...

But I just had to write about this. On this morning's Washington Journal on C-Span, a Republican caller opined "There aren't as many Republican callers because, unlike Democrats, we get up and go to work in the morning". A Republican woman called in later to say that the elderly "take too much medication". If that's not "hate" speech, I don't know what is.

[JNelson6563]

8. I never cease to be amazed

at the ignorance and inhumanity in this society.

But I just had to write about this. On this morning's Washington Journal on C-Span, a Republican caller opined "There aren't as many Republican callers because, unlike Democrats, we get up and go to work in the morning".

I wonder how many folks who work the nightshift or have a couple of weekdays off because they work weekends feel about these comments. The M-F, 9-5 crowd are the envy of so many.......

A Republican woman called in later to say that the elderly "take too much medication". If that's not "hate" speech, I don't know what is.

I never get over the absurdity of such nonsense. I mean, whoever that was is apparently not old, yet. I got $10 that says when they are and they find themselves needing several meds for their inevitable ailments their views will change. Short-sightedness is a specialty of the Republic Party.

Julie

[goobergunch]

3. Currently in a Quorum Call (n/t)

[goobergunch]

4. DeWine (R-OH) up now

describing trip to S. Africa regarding HIV/AIDS crisis.

[goobergunch]

5. He's finally finished.

Quorum Call.

[goobergunch]

6. Now in Morning Business...routine business transacted as follows:

MEASURES PASSED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT:

S. Con. Res. 63 (unveiling of Dan Quayle portrait)
S. Res. 218 (commending Michael J. McGee (sp?), stationary keeper for the Senate)
H.R. 659 (mortgage insurance requirements for hospitals) <--agreed to with Senate substitute amendment
S. 1571 (increases federal mortgage level)

5 MEASURES PLACED ON CALENDAR (not stated)

H.R. 6, the Energy bill, ordered printed as passed

PROTOCOL (a.k.a. Treaty)
Treaty Doc. 108-8 (with Denmark), ordered referred to Foreign Relations

TOMORROW: convenes at 9:30 for H.R. 2660, recesses 12:30-2:15
VOTES expected on two amendments, possibly at noon.

[goobergunch]

7. Mr. BYRD:

no summer vacation for troops in Iraq, Kuwait, or Afghanistan

kept on high alert every waking moment as cost continues to grow

more involved than pre-war rhetoric would lead to believe

282 lost as of 8/29 and nearly 1400 injured

today, a few more killed in roadside bomb attack

quickly approaching number killed (292) in Gulf War I

UN and mosque bombings

only a handful of people on deck of cards are still at large, but violence is increasing

Iraq is becoming a new stage for terrorists to strike at U.S.

Gen. Sanchez describes forces as terrorist magnet

While sons and daughters continue to patrol shooting gallery in Iraq, allied troops added at miserable pace (1 foreign soldier for 9 U.S. soldiers)

many countries (France) won't act without UN authorization, Turkey also reluctant

Does that come as a suprise? Since *ies bullied them in rush to war...

millions took to the streets to protest...according to polls, opposition was at 69% in Germany and 75% in France and 86% in Turkey and 87% in Russia pre-war

yet WH belittles need to unify world and scoffs at opposition

Are our troops paying the price for bull-headed rush to war?

Even as more intl troops arrive, Americans shouldn't think threat to troops is over

occupation to be divided between Brits, unid'ed force, and U.S. troops

U.S. troops will have to patrol Sunni Triangle (most dangerous zone) facing daily attack

So long as we have to carry overwhelming bulk, U.S. troops remain overburdened and under fire

troops stretched thin...requested study on 24 June on how this would affect military readiness...problems with Nat'l Guard, Reserves

RESULTS TO BE RELEASED TOMORROW is quantified evidence that this is straining forces to breaking point

According to advanced copy, if we rely primarily on active army while maintaining presence else, we can only maintain 38,000-64,000 in Iraq in long-term...at most, 67,000-106,000 with Nat'l Guard, reserves

cost could be up to $19 billion dollars

Adding two new division would cost up to $19.4 billion one-time and would add more to additional defense budget

Would also limit readiness to fight other threats

These statistics form more questions then answers.

Troop levels in Iraq must start declining by March 2004.

Army has already drafted a plan to rotate troops in and out of Iraq, but relies on foreign troops which are not yet forthcoming.

There are rumblings that * may swallow false pride and get new UN resolution...positive step, but too late

On 8 April, * said that vital UN role wanted...let's hope that reality begins to match rhetoric.

Our sons and daughters cannot be asked to fight this burden alone. The CBO report to be released tomorrow shows that we can't have all of these troops in Iraq forever. Every day frittered away by * is another day that troops face danger. Every month without allied aid means more grieving American families. For the sake of our servicemen, * should do now what it failed to do before the war...share both burden and decisions.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

[goobergunch]

9. Senate now adjourned. (n/t)

[JNelson6563]

10. Byrd is inspiring

I didn't get a chance to watch any action on the Senate floor today and am especially sorry to hear I missed the most eloquent Senator Byrd. Thank you for posting this thread and for such a great re-cap of Byrd's speech.

I was intrigued by the information to be released tomorrow business. Things look grim for our troops and with some $400 billion+ being spent on the military there's gonna be some serious s'plainin' to do when coming up short for more soldiers.

Byrd has very effectively summed up the ugly situation Team Bush has created. Too bad it won't merit mention in the "liberal media".

Thanks again-
Julie

[Nottingham]

11. Byrd Tells it like it is!

:bounce: