Fighting Human Trafficking
Last week, the House of Representatives passed 12 bills to combat the growing problem of human trafficking, particularly child sex trafficking. Human trafficking is the fastest-growing business of organized crime, and the third-largest criminal enterprise in the world.
Tragically, it is happening right here in the United States. While… Read more »
Iran: Xerxes, Pericles, Obama, and Netanyahu
The Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean is a complicated world. Not only do you have it as the birthplace of three of the world’s major religions, but it is also home to numerous smaller sects of religious faiths as well. For example, a small sample of Samaritans still exists. I have also heard there are still… Read more »
The State of the Union
It is again the time of year during which the President delivers the State of the Union address. Accordingly, let’s review the condition of our nation and how it can be strengthened.
In the short term, the state of our nation could look much better. We have big issues to sort out. In the long term, I believe things will improve. I believe… Read more »
Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Fiscal Year 2015 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill (H.R. 240) and amendments to defund President Obama’s executive action on immigration:
“The debate about defunding President Obama’s executive action is not exclusively a debate about immigration. It… Read more »
Coal Keeps the Heat On and Food on the Table
Much of the nation – including our region and areas further south – has been dealing with frigid weather. Several energy companies nationwide asked customers to reduce their electricity consumption for periods of time in order to decrease demand and reduce the potential for power outages.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) asked their… Read more »
Changing the Rules: Part 2
I have previously proposed the U.S. Senate change its rules to be more efficient and to reflect the will of the people in a true democratic republican form of government. Of course, as I don’t serve in the Senate, some are prone to say, as in Luke 4:23, “Physician, heal thyself!”
Accordingly, as of the writing of this column, I am proposing a rule change… Read more »
God Bless Us, Every One!
171 years ago in 1843, well-loved English writer Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol. Even if they don’t know of Charles Dickens by name, many Americans are familiar with the story of bitter, curmudgeonly old Ebenezer Scrooge and the redemptive journey that ultimately transforms him into a warmer, gentler, and more generous human being.
A Christmas… Read more »
More on Ending the Modern Filibuster Rule
On many occasions, I have taken issue with the modern interpretation of the Senate filibuster rule. When I last wrote on this topic in a newsletter, it was just before this year’s elections. Control of the Senate had not yet been determined.
As I have said previously, this is not a partisan issue. On running the government… Read more »
The ABLE Act
Much talk about Congress focuses on partisan conflict. But it is important to keep in mind that, though discord gets more attention, Democrats and Republicans can and do work together to get things done. Among my efforts are the bipartisan Drug Quality and Security Act (H.R. 3089) to clarify oversight of the compounding drug manufacturing system (which was… Read more »
