An Iota of Optimism

In case we didn't have enough motivation to win back control of Congress from the neocons in November, MoveOn.org offers a helpful breakdown what life will be like when Democrats regain control (notice how I optimistically refrain from using the tentative "if"). Looking solely at the House of Representatives, here is some insight into who will be leading:

Nancy Pelosi—a progressive—becomes Speaker of the House of Representatives.

John Murtha—a veteran and anti-war champion—becomes chair of the House subcommittee on defense appropriations, in charge of the budget for the war in Iraq.

John Conyers—who forced a national debate on the Downing Street Memos—becomes chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Henry Waxman—who has a bulls-eye on war profiteers like Halliburton—becomes chairman of the Government Reform committee.

Barney Frank—who has led efforts to rein in out-of-control CEO pay—becomes in charge of the Financial Services Committee.

David Obey—who led opposition to the Republican budget—becomes chair of the House Appropriations committee, protecting veteran's benefits, student loans and more.

Charles Rangel—who predicted the Medicare debacle—becomes chair of the House Ways and Means committee, protecting Social Security.

George Miller—a big advocate for working people—becomes chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and could bring a vote to raise the minimum wage.

Perhaps one of these worthy people would actually get something positive done during what's left Dubya's fruitless presidency? Or is that too much for one disheartened citizen to hope for?

Posted by ayelet at March 9, 2006 11:20 AM