- Insider trading bill passes Congress and goes to President Obama for a signature. The NYT argues that passage was driven by Congress' low approval ratings - and possible spurred by the upcoming election:
The bill prohibits members of Congress from trading stocks and other
securities on the basis of confidential information they receive as
lawmakers. It makes clear that the insider trading ban in federal law
applies to members of Congress and their aides and to officials in the
executive and judicial branches of the federal government.
In addition, the bill requires lawmakers to disclose the purchase or
sale of stocks, bonds, commodities futures and other securities within
45 days of transactions, rather than once a year as they now do. The
information will be posted on the Web.
Thousands of federal agency officials, including many at the White House, will be subject to similar reporting requirements.
- The Hill reports on the relationship between House Speaker John Boehner and the Republican members of the Appropriations Committee. Some things to think about as you apply this story to this week's notes: How is the Speaker managing his conference - how effective a party leader is he? What leverage do members of the Appropriations committee have over others in Congress? The story points out that there strength has diminished since rules against the use of earmarks have been put in place. They have fewer goodies to give out.
- Republican leaders are reluctant to support a rank and file effort to vote for a resolution calling for the removal of Eric Holder. Party leaders see potential for a backlash. The rank and file - especially the Tea Party Caucus - does not care. Leaders are not sure if the measure would really pass, but if they do not call it up for a vote, their credibility as party leaders could be questioned.
- Pink slime has taken over the latest news cycle. House Democrats want the USDA to prohibit the use of the product in America's schools.
- The House will soon vote on Paul Ryan's budget plan, which will be a test of how cohesive the Republic Conference is at the moment. Some Republican say it does not go far enough in cutting spending; Speaker Boehner has predicted it will pass the House.
- The highway bill still lags in the House, House Democrats plan to introduce the Senate highway bill in the chamber soon.
