I know that American politicians, like their Iraqi counterparts, want to take a month-long vacation this August. I don’t have a problem with Congress taking a month off in August. It’s important that our representatives spend at least part of the year back home in their districts talking to their constituents. August is as good a time to do that as any. But I advise Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi to keep at least part of their respective houses working throughout the month.
In the House, the judiciary committee should establish an inquiry into the impeachment of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. They should work throughout August and compel witnesses and testimony, as well as bring scholars and attorneys forth to explain the urgency of replacing Gonzales.
In the Senate, Harry Reid should not, at any point, formally recess. If he does, even for an hour, Bush will push through a plethora of recess appointments. Reid should adjourn the Senate and call back the Senate at several points during the month to remain in compliance with Senate rules.
This will infuriate members of both parties but it would be totally irresponsible to give up the leverage we have to withhold confirmations until the administration complies with outstanding subpoenas.
Peter Rodino worked thru August
I would certainly hope that it is apparent to every Democrat in Congress, particularly the leadership, that now is not the time to let up. The momentum that has been attained, bolstered by today’s disastrous testimony by the Attorney General, cannot be relinquished. The Democrats are slowly getting to a point where they will be able to practice the oversight and hold up the standards of accountability which have been the hallmarks of our republic prior to this administration’s gutting of the Constitution.
There is much to be accomplished during the coming weeks. There will certainly be rousing complaints and much weeping and gnashing of teeth among both parties. But the American people have said, time and again, that this is the type of action they demanded when they spoke at the ballot box in November 2006.
Suck it up, Harry, and keep the ball rolling.
As much as I want it to happen, I can’t help wonder whether it is realistic to expect the House to move on impeaching Gonzalez. It seems like most of the damage has been done in the senate, and I have not heard of Conyers going off on Gonzalez at all. I guess we’ll have to see whether that changes in the wake of today’s hearing.
That’s what congress needs to do.
After yesterday’s run-in with Cindy Sheehan and John Conyers, i do not think this will happen.
mr. booman, I am now more certain than ever that i will not have to buy you a burger, two shots, and a beer.
I really want to lose this bet, but I will not.