Senate Dems plan investigatory hearings

[quaoar]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1153&slug=Democrats%20Oversight

By JIM ABRAMS
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

WASHINGTON -- New Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said Monday his party will launch investigative hearings next year in response to what he said was the reluctance of Republicans to look into problems in the Bush administration.

"There are too many unasked and unanswered questions and the American public deserves better," the Nevada senator said at a news conference. He will formally succeed Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., as party leader next month.

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., who heads the Democratic Policy Committee, said the first hearing will be at the end of January and he suggested it might focus on contract abuse in Iraq. He said the policy committee, which has held occasional investigative hearings in the past, planned to convene at least one such hearing a month.

Dorgan said that with Republicans controlling the White House and both the House and Senate, "the congressional watchdog remains fast asleep in this Congress."

[Skidmore]

1. This should last about as long as

a fart in a rain barrel or one news cycle--whichever one is shorter.

[KittyWampus]

2. So Many DU'ers Crapping All Over Whatever ANY Electeed Democrat

does.

Sad really.

This is a great move.

Democrats form a Shadow Government.

[Skidmore]

6. I'll believe it when I see some results. I've heard a few

legislators over the past 4 years make good speeches at times, but have not witnessed much cohesiveness or common sense in approaches. I've spent my optimism about this party, and maybe it's time they hear voices like mine. How much encouragement are we expected to give and get little in return? One more election cycle? Two more? Three? My grandchildren will be adults by then.

[Gregorian]

4. That made me laugh.

And for that, I thank you.

Yes, common sense in politics? Whaaaaaaaaat?!
Not a chance in hell.

A rain barrel? That's some metaphor...

Just for that, you get this-

[Skidmore]

8. Wow!!! Thanks!!

I won a Santa Cross? I've never been so honored!

[Pirate Smile]

3. Dupe - earlier thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1068517

[SleeplessinSoCal]

5. It's about time

Even if it only brings attention in a small way it may be what the press needs to grow it's balls back.

[Ardee]

7. This gives me hope, frankly

What we need is for the Dems to make noise. We here at DU are very, very aware of the empty content of Bush's speeches and supposed actions, of the way he states things as facts that are really nothing at all. Phrases like "mission accomplished" or how he prattles on about an education bill that is nothing but a millstone around the necks of schools everywhere, and an unfunded mandate at that.

We need such hearings with concomitant progress reports telling the public exactly how much trouble we are really in, both domestically and abroad.

[Moderator]

9. Duplicate topic--Please continue discussion here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1068517