Capitol District

Senate Republicans announced they will introduce legislation today that would repeal the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) said “We must repeal the Democrats’ takeover of the financial markets that favors Wall Street corporations, over-regulates small businesses with massive new bureaucracy and hurts consumers.” The bill currently has 18 co-sponsors.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) assured freshmen Republican lawmakers that he has not agreed to a specific number in budget talks, despite Vice President (more…)

Once again, our nation’s most pressing issue has leapfrogged a myriad of other crises, occupying the time of Senators and Statesmen from every state in the union. In a time of international conflict, environmental catastrophe and large scale economic uncertainty, what is on the mind of our country’s elected officials? Baseball. Granted, as we close out the dog days of August and teams gear up for a playoff push over the final fall weeks, baseball is probably at least occupying more brain space than usual for fans of the game nationwide, is there really a place for MLB-related issues to occupy should-be jam packed list of concerns for Congress members? Just recently, Roger Clemens was formally indicted by a Federal Grand Jury, charged with lying to Congress, while under oath, and obstructing congressional inquiry. But the question remains, exactly what business does Congress have poking around in the affairs of professional baseball?Sure, the shutdown of Stephen Strasburg for the season might be fine for dinner table chatter among Senators and House Representatives who keep up with local teams on their own hours, but when it comes to official government business, one can be pretty sure the founding fathers didn’t intend for the legislative branch to check and balance the rules regarding performance enhancing drugs. (more…)

The economic climate in the United States has been volatile over the past few years to say the least, at least compared to the general sense of security American’s enjoyed over the course of the past decade or two. Social Security, a system that has long been the friend of citizens preparing for their retirement, is soon to be a subject breeding more concern than comfort. This year marks the first time since 1983 that Social Security will pay out more in benefits than it will receive in tax revenue, starting a deficit trend that should only continue to expand as the baby-boomer generation ages towards retirement, finally collecting money after many years of paying social security taxes. Not only is there projected to be a deficit for the foreseeable future, but the gap between benefits paid and tax revenue collected is only expected to increase with each passing year. One contributing factor to the problem is the continued growing life expectancy. As technology increases, Americans are living longer. While great news on an individual basis, in terms of Social Security, this only places more stress on the system as longer lives mean more annual payments as people grow old well past the retirement age. So, the Social Security issue is universally agreed upon as an impending problem, but what kind of discussions are taking place on Capitol Hill? (more…)

With the near collapse of many global financial institutions not too far back in the rear view mirror, in all the efforts to resurrect the spiraling economy, perhaps one consideration has been undervalued, the looming national debt. In a time where Americans are scouring for money, it would be wise to consider the repercussions of mortgaging long term financial security for short term stability. The national debt is a product of spending beyond our means as a nation, forcing the United States to offset its yearly national deficit between government spending and tax revenue by borrowing from foreign entities. As it stands the national debt is currently well over 13,000,000,000,000, or for those not accustomed to so many zeros, 13 trillion. (more…)

As one of the most recognizable buildings in the United States, in addition to one of the most iconic symbols in United States history, it is no surprise that the U.S. Capitol is a popular destination for D.C. tourists. Here are a few tips, aside from the basic visiting hours and tour information, that might help to smooth your experience and ensure an enjoyable and educational visit.Don’t Drive Parking in the area can be in a word, hectic. Searching for an open spot can be an all-day endeavor in and of itself, and could easily wind up parking further away than you would have been dropped off by public transportation. If public transportation is by any means a reasonable mode of transportation for you, considering taking advantage of it on your visit. The Capitol is most conveniently accessed by either the Union Station or Capitol South stops on the Metrorail.Arrive Early For travelers whose stays extend past the weekend or residents of the D.C. area with free time from Monday through Friday, consider visiting the Capitol during its weekday hours, particularly in the early morning just after doors open at 9:00. Foot traffic is typically much heavier in the afternoon and on Saturdays.Account For Your Travel Time/Distance When planning your visit, be sure to allot time for your train ride or the equivalent time to find a parking space, including the resulting walk. The Capitol Visitors Center also provides an on-demand shuttle service for visitors in wheelchairs or suffering from limited mobility issues, as the walk can be moderately demanding. (more…)

Though the Capitol may serve as the office for some of the most recognizable names in Washington D.C., access to the age old structure is nearly universal for area visitors and residents looking for some diversion. While campaigning for a permanent seat or lobbying for one of the numerous issues discussed daily inside the building’s chambers may be quite the stressful, financially burdensome endeavor, a day trip to the storied structure provides an educational and interesting activity the entire family can enjoy.The building itself is quite the awe-inspiring architectural feat, even with no regards to the centuries of history housed under its roof. Breaking ground in 1793, the original plans were put forth by architect Dr. William Thornton, though later modified by Benjamin Latrobe and Charles Bulfinch. The signature dome that adorns the Capitol, along with the House and Senate wings, is the crowning achievement of Thomas U. Walter, constructed during the mid 19^th century, ultimately rendering the building’s appearance much closer to that you see today. (more…)