Blog - Congress Links

The Senate Democrats made some more progress on their jobs agenda by passing a short-term UI extension and President Obama looks like he’s preparing his party for a health care endgame. Expect much more drama from both issues this month. But for now, check out today’s roundup of worthwhile blog posts and articles from around the web:

• Republicans first went after the health care bill. Then they went after how the Democrats are planning to pass the health care bill. Now they’re going after the guy who referees how the Democrats are planning to pass the health care bill. (Kevin Drum)
• For more context on the Senate parliamentarian and budget reconciliation, check out this story by Time’s Jay Newton-Small. (Time)
• Yet more evidence of the dysfunction infecting the upper chamber: the Senate voted unanimously to confirm a judicial nominee after making her wait 124 days. (Matt Yglesias)
• Presidents Bush Jr., Clinton, Bush Sr., Reagan, Carter and Ford – or at least their Saturday Night Live counterparts plus Jim Carrey, urge President Obama to fight for a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. (Funny Or Die)
• Speaking of the Gipper, Rep. Patrick McHenry [R, NC-10] has introduced a bill to replace President Grant with Reagan on the $50 bill. (Talking Points Memo)
• Our colleague Paul Blumenthal at the Sunlight Foundation provides a brief donation history for some potential vote flippers on health care in the House. (The Sunlight Foundation)
• Rep. Eric Massa [D, NY-29] today announced his early retirement after serving only one term. His departure has been attributed to both cancer and sexual harassment allegations. (Political Wire)