Capitol District

Capitol Hill and the Great Recession

admin — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

If you follow the news on Capitol Hill and what they have been saying about our economic crisis then you, like many Americans, know that things aren’t good. Sure, they may not be as bad as they were at the beginning but they certainly aren’t great and when people start throwing around words and making it official like “The Great Recession” it can be easy to cause a panic. I had a buddy of mine I was talking to online who was discussing this with me in one window and scoping out the prospects on SecurityChoice.com/Manhattan in another.

These sorts of things are scary too but these, like many of the national tragedies and tribulations that have plagued our nation and culture, will pass with time. While I certainly would not tell you that “things aren’t bad at all” you have to realize that the media has really been taking these stories and running with them. Details get embellished and reports get interspersed with raw footage of isolated incidents of violence and suddenly America is a wasteland full of bloody battles between lines of “haves” and “have-nots.” The long short of it is this, folks. Yeah, we got it bad, but it isn’t THAT bad. We still have a shot at getting through this “Great Recession.”

What’s New on Capitol Hill?

admin — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

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 Joe Biden’s assertion that there is a general agreement to cut 33 billion in spending – significantly less than the 61 billion advocated by many freshman Republicans and members of the Tea Party.

About 200 Tea Party activists attended a rally on Capitol Hill on Thursday to urge Republican leaders to hang tough in the budget debate. If the Republicans cannot get Democrats to agree to 61 billion in cuts, many members o f the Tea Party are demanding a government shutdown. A number of rally members were heard chanting, “Cut it or shut it!” Yesterday’s rally was much smaller than previous Tea Party protests on Capitol Hill, leading Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to joke to reporters, “There were tens of them here yesterday.”

Too Much Time Passed in Congress on our National Pastime?

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:25:21 +0000

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.Certainly, if Clemens is indeed found guilty of the charges he faces, which many close to the situation suspect is the most likely outcome, he will be punished as would any American who plainly tells bold face lies in a Congressional hearing. The issue at hand is not whether it is right or wrong to punish Clemens for perjury, but whether Clemens, not to mention Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and a host of other professional baseball players who have found themselves under the cloud of steroid suspicion surrounding the sport, should have been called to Capitol Hill in the first place. Clemens ultimately stands to lose up to 30 years of his life for what boils down to cheating in baseball, a game, not a matter of life and death.

Starting the Social Security Discussion

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:24:52 +0000

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?Paul Ryan, a Republican Representative from Wisconsin recently proposed that Americans under the age of 55 have the option of investing up to 1/3 of their payroll taxes in private retirement accounts, managed by the Social Security Administration, but with ownership retained by the individual worker. The current system would remain in place for those over 55, with the retirement age raised gradually over the course of the next century. Though it is doubtful this solution will be agreed upon across party lines, or that the proposal is perfect as it stands, the much needed debate regarding Social Security reform is now underway on Capitol Hill, with repercussions likely to affect generations to come.

National Debt: The Quiet Crisis

www.capitoldistrict.com — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:24:18 +0000

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.In theory, the easiest way to curb the rising figure is to quit borrowing funds; however recent trends regarding government spending seem to suggest a continued reliance on spending as opposed to saving. Think back over the past few years to every mention you have heard of the words “stimulus” or “bail out.” These buzz words all center around the use of government money, and not the annual salaries earned by the President and Congress members. Sure, some of this money comes from the pocket of tax payers, but the enormous total also comes in the form of international loans, all of which we will be liable for in time. This is not to pin all the blame on Obama, after all, the global financial crisis predates his term of office, and in times of crisis it may indeed serve the nation better to spend in the short term in order to straighten a sinking ship. Most Presidents throughout history have, in fact, spent more than they saved, with a few notable exceptions. Obama’s Republican counterparts should note his most recent predecessor, George W. Bush, racked up a few zeros on the national debt in his own right. But the newest President is spending at an alarming rate, even through the jaded glasses of Oval Office standards. Were current spending patterns to uphold, Obama would be on pace to nearly double the 11 trillion dollar national debt he inherited, over the course of the next decade.Whatever the solution, and whoever shall lead us out of pit of debt we’ve accrued, the national debt is a growing concern (check the National Debt Clock to see exactly how fast) that should impact every decision made on Capitol Hill. After all, all policies, whether right or wrong, require some money to implement, and despite what past trends might indicate, it actually takes money to spend money.

Capitol Hill Visit Tips

www.capitoldistrict.com — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:23:36 +0000

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.Budget Your Time There is quite simply a lot to see in D.C., especially if you are traveling with children and/or trying to stick to a time schedule. A guided tour, including the 13-minute orientation video generally runs close to an hour in total duration, but there is plenty more to see beyond the tour, including a gift shop and restaurant, if shopping and dining factor into your plans.Know Your Companions A Capitol visit should largely be catered to the youngest members of your group as everyone else’s good time often hinges on their enjoyment level. It may help to go over some fun facts about the Capitol and its history prior to your visit, in order to further engage younger visitors in the experience.

Plan a Trip to Capitol Hill

www.capitoldistrict.com — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:22:36 +0000

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.Admission into the Capitol Building is free of charge, however tickets are required in order to join in on an official tour of the facilities, through which your own personal experience can be augmented by the extensive knowledge of trained tour guides. Tours must be scheduled in advance through the Capitol’s Advance Reservation System or through the office of an elective Senator or Representative. All visitors, whether touring individually or as part of a guided group, are subject to a security screening prior to their entrance.The Capitol Visitor Center remains open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, save for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day, with tours available from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 a.m. In order to accommodate visitors with official business appointments, the Visitors Center may open its doors as early as 7:15 a.m.