Today 2/4/2010

Both leaders of the House and Senate are on their way toward establishing a new path toward a jobs bill and health-care reform. The issues have been difficult but they will not give up. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi states that in the near future people will be paying 1dollar out of every 5dollars for health-care, the problem will not go away, we can solve the issue by repealing the anti-trust exemptions, increase , lower cost and improve choices for all Americans.

In a series of votes that dramatized the conflicting pressures Democrats face to spur job growth and control the deficit. The House voted 217-212 to raise the government’s borrowing authority to a record level, with 37 Democrats joining Republicans opposing the measure.

The speaker reminded people that this is a important day, the House celebrated the enactment of payasyougo (HJ RES 45) today in a vote of 233yeas and 187nays without one Republican vote; payasyougo does not pay down the current debt accrued; it does force or puts the brakes on future increases. The 1.9 Trillion increase in the cap the govt can borrow and the measure to force stricter rules will create fiscal responsibility. The speaker reminded people that she is definitely focused on getting Eleanor Holmes-Norton re-elected, is concerned and working toward equal rights for the people, is very proud that the lily ledbetter law has been passed as well.

In a vote of 94 yeas and 2nays, which, was changed to 96-o because two Republican Senators rescinded their votes.   Martha Johnson was finally appointed to her position as GSA head. In a moment of emotion, Senator Dorgan voiced my feelings at least,  that for over 8months Republicans have blocked her nomination and now they almost unanimously vote to put her in, which raises doubts in the integrity of Republicans.

The intent is clear, question is will they continue to hold up appointments; without them in place the administration will never be as competent as they should be, any Republican holding up appointments are directly responsible for any and all problems that occur.

Senate Maj. Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced that the Senate will begin work on job creation legislation, offering a hand of good faith to do this in bipartisanship.  He also discussed the recent meeting between Pres. Obama and Senate Democrats, and outlined his broader legislative goals for the year.

In what was quite possibly the last business of the day in the Senate; a step-down speech; sad but a proud moment for Democrat Senator Paul Kirk,a speech delivered from a true Public Servant  who will be truly missed on the Senate Floor.