Today in Washington D. C. - Dec 20, 2007

Yesterday, the House approved the Senate amendment to the omnibus, which funds the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through the spring. Despite a great deal of rhetoric on “fiscal responsibility” and “Paygo,” the House approved 352-64 the Senate-passed version of the AMT patch which does not raise taxes. The House also approved an extension of the current SCHIP program until the end of March 2009.

Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Julie L. Myers as director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, two years after President Bush appointed her to the position amid questions about her qualifications to lead the government's second-largest law enforcement agency. Myers was among more than 30 people whose appointments were approved by a voice vote of the Senate as it concluded its session.

The Democrats’ frustration is apparent in the news today. The Washington Post’s headline reads: “Key Setbacks Dim Luster of Democrats’ Year.” The AP describes this week as “a bitter finish for majority Democrats.” CNN dubs 2007 “a year of frustration for Democrats.” The Los Angeles Times described last night’s House AMT vote as Democrats “bowing to Republican demands” and “a significant defeat for congressional Democrats.” All these setbacks make it unsurprising, per yesterday’s Roll Call, that Democrats are discussing using the reconciliation process to pass some of their agenda next year. Reconciliation is supposed to be used to reduce the deficit and prevents filibusters in the Senate but the Roll Call suggests Democrats might try to use it to advance their policy preferences.

The Senate is in recess until it reconvenes for a pro forma session either Friday or Sunday. Harry Reid has again decided to hold the Senate open in a series of pro forma sessions during the Christmas break in order to prevent President Bush from making any recess appointments especially to the Federal Election Commission. The House of Representatives has adjourned and will reconvene on Jan 15th. Senate will reconvene in full session on Jan 21.

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