Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Those Pesky Democrats
As is reported by that right-wing rag The Hill, Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan) is being forced to hold Thursday's hearing (that's what we're calling it) or forum (that's what they're calling it) on the Downing Street Memo at the offices of the Democratic National Committee.
Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wisconsin), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is refusing to allow Conyers, the ranking member of the committee, to use House facilities. This is just the latest in a string of events that Sensenbrenner has blocked, dating back to December. Apparently, he doesn't believe a public building should be used for public business. Conyers has assembled a list of witnesses for Thursday's hearing and invites all members of the committee to attend.
Sensenbrenner is still feeling the sting after he abruptly, and in violation of House rules, shut down a hearing of the full committee on Friday.
In more Sensenbrenner news, a report set to be released tomorrow will show him to be the leading recipient of lobbyist-funded travel in the House.
Meanwhile, Conyers is seeking petitioners in support of his inquiry into the Downing Street Memo.
Also on Thursday, at 5:00 p.m. (D.C. time) in Lafayette Square Park, in front of the White House, a large rally will support Conyers. At that time he plans to deliver to the White House a letter addressed to President Bush and signed by over 500,000 Americans and at least 94 other members of Congress. The letter asks the President to respond to questions raised by the Downing Street Minutes.
Among those speaking at the hearings will be: Joe Wilson, a former ambassador and W.M.D expert; Ray McGovern, a 27-year CIA analyst who prepared regular presidential briefings during the Reagan administration; and Cindy Sheehan, mother of a fallen American soldier.
Smaller rallies, in a show of additional support, are scheduled to take place nationwide.
"F. James Sensenbrenner." It just rolls off the tongue.
Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wisconsin), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is refusing to allow Conyers, the ranking member of the committee, to use House facilities. This is just the latest in a string of events that Sensenbrenner has blocked, dating back to December. Apparently, he doesn't believe a public building should be used for public business. Conyers has assembled a list of witnesses for Thursday's hearing and invites all members of the committee to attend.
Sensenbrenner is still feeling the sting after he abruptly, and in violation of House rules, shut down a hearing of the full committee on Friday.
In more Sensenbrenner news, a report set to be released tomorrow will show him to be the leading recipient of lobbyist-funded travel in the House.
Meanwhile, Conyers is seeking petitioners in support of his inquiry into the Downing Street Memo.
Also on Thursday, at 5:00 p.m. (D.C. time) in Lafayette Square Park, in front of the White House, a large rally will support Conyers. At that time he plans to deliver to the White House a letter addressed to President Bush and signed by over 500,000 Americans and at least 94 other members of Congress. The letter asks the President to respond to questions raised by the Downing Street Minutes.
Among those speaking at the hearings will be: Joe Wilson, a former ambassador and W.M.D expert; Ray McGovern, a 27-year CIA analyst who prepared regular presidential briefings during the Reagan administration; and Cindy Sheehan, mother of a fallen American soldier.
Smaller rallies, in a show of additional support, are scheduled to take place nationwide.
"F. James Sensenbrenner." It just rolls off the tongue.
