Scott McLean’s Chevy Malibu was legally parked on Old Dominion Boulevard in Alexandria on a fall day two years ago. But a ticket was tucked under his windshield wiper anyway. He’d been assessed a $40 fine for violating the city’s ban on displaying “For Sale” signs on vehicles that are parked on the street. McLean … Read more
Ordering a Roll Call Vote in the Senate, CRS Report RS20199, September 9, 2013 (5-page PDF) Funding and Financing Highways and Public Transportation, CRS Report R42877, September 23, 2013 (38-page PDF) Federal Permitting and Oversight of Export of Fossil Fuels, CRS Report R43231, September 17, 2013 (20-page PDF) Reaching the Debt Limit: Background and Potential … Read more
There are village tyrants, as well as village Hampdens, but none who acts under color of law is beyond reach of the Constitution. . . . The very purpose of a Bill of Rights was to withdraw certain subjects from the vicissitudes of political controversy, to place them beyond the reach of majorities and officials, … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Super PAC / Independent Expenditure-Only Committee PACS and Super PACs “Super PAC” is the colloquial term for “Independent Expenditure-Only Committee”. Independent expenditures represent spending by individuals, groups, political committees, corporations or unions expressly advocating the election or defeat of clearly identified federal candidates. … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Lobby / Lobbying A group seeking to influence the passage or defeat of legislation. Originally the term referred to persons frequenting the lobbies or corridors of legislative chambers to speak to lawmakers. The definition of a lobby and the activity of lobbying is a matter … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms K Street / Gucci Gulch Colloquialisms for Washington, DC, lobbyists. K Street is taken from K Street NW in Washington, DC, where many lobbying firms are located. K Street is definitely “inside the Beltway.” Pork Party House: Where DC insiders go for taxpayer-subsidized fun Gucci … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Petition A request or plea sent to one or both chambers from an organization or private citizens’ group asking support of, or opposition to, particular legislation or favorable consideration of a matter not yet receiving congressional attention. Petitions are referred to appropriate committees. Petitions are … Read more
Under certain circumstances, congressional committee staff members may choose to depose potential witnesses and scheduled witnesses. The purpose of such depositions is to gather information in order to prepare for a hearing. This is more common in investigative hearings. photo credit: Vincent van der Pas Formal in nature, such questioning of a witness is the … Read more
Free Speech: Terminiello v. Chicago, 337 U.S. 1 (1949) What’s the Biggest Threat to Free Speech? Accordingly, a function of free speech under our system of government is to invite dispute. It may indeed best serve its high purpose when it induces a condition of unrest, creates dissatisfaction with conditions as they are, … Read more
It’s no secret that the key to gaining support for an issue in Washington is to gather as many allies as possible and then translate those allies to critical votes. Congress responds to pressure, so the more people and groups you have as allies, the greater chance you have to achieve your goals. photo credit: … Read more