Analysis shows that working for a long-serving senator — especially one in a key leadership position — is a very good stepping stone to a lucrative career in lobbying.
Continue readingArlen Specter 1930-2012: In his own words
Sometimes irascible but ever the embodiment of political pragmatism, former Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania lost his battle with cancer Sunday. A Democrat-turned-Republican-returned-Democrat, he represented his state in the Senate longer than any other Keystone State lawmaker until he lost a primary race in 2010.
A look at Specter's profile on Sunlight's Capitol Words, which tracks lawmakers' speeches on the floor of Congress, reveals a rarity in contemporary politics: a politician who moved easily across party lines. His most oft-uttered word was the name of another senator, Tom Harkin of Iowa, who for most of Specter's 30-year ...
Continue readingFinancial reform moves to Senate vote
After a second procedural vote this afternoon, the Senate was able to shut down debate on S. 3217, Restoring American Financial Stability. Exactly three-fifths of the senate, including 3 Republicans, voted in favor of the motion, which passed 60-40. Two Democrats voted no.
It is likely that the final vote on the bill will be as early as tomorrow.
The newly elected senator from Massachusetts, Scott Brown, joined the two Republican Senators from Maine, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, in delivering yes votes. In a statement, Brown said he was assured by Sen. Reid, D-Nev., that “the issues related to ...
Financial reform regulation held up by its own creators
Last night’s vote by the Senate to end the debate on S. 3217, Restoring American Financial Stability, failed 57-42 with two majority party senators voting no; we'll be following the proceedings as events warrant on Sunlight Live.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev, planned to end the debate yesterday, preventing any more amendments from being added to the bill, and moving forward with final debate and a vote on the bill itself. Reid will instead have to attempt cloture once again--most likely later today.
Among the Democrats who dissented were Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Sen. Russ Feingold ...
Let’s Compare Votes: Who Votes With Sen. Olympia Snowe and How Often?
Despite what seemed to be a bruising August for health care reform efforts, Congress still appears to be on a... View Article
Continue readingThis Week In Transparency – May 29, 2009
Here are a few of the more interesting media mentions on Sunlight and our friends and grantees from this past... View Article
Continue readingVisualizing Specter’s Switch
With Sen. Arlen Specter grabbing the headlines yesterday with his party switch, here are two cool interactive visualizations that show... View Article
Continue readingFamily Favor Factory:
Looks like Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) has been giving his staffers a bit too much leeway in writing earmarks. USA Today reports on Specter's family affair:
Sen. Arlen Specter obtained a $200,000 grant last year for a Philadelphia foundation represented by the son of one of Specter's top aides,the latest example of how the Pennsylvania Republican has helped clients of lobbyists related to members of his staff. Bill Reynolds, Specter's chief of staff, said an investigation found two lobbyists who sought financial favors and who were related to staff members. Specter has changed his office rules to ban lobbying by staffers' relatives.It's good to see that he's implemented new rules to stop this legal, but highly questionable, behavior from continuing. Continue reading
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