The Week Ahead

A busy week ahead, with recess and district work periods approaching. There will be the Democratic Primary in West Virginia on Tuesday. A report posted by CNN today sets the scene.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/11/sunday-roundup-end-of-the-road-for-clinton/

In Congress and Parliament

House of Representatives:
http://democraticleader.house.gov/docUploads/15WeeklyLeader05_12_08.pdf

Senate:http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/d_three_sections_with_teasers/calendars.htm

Westminster:http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmwib/wb080503/03.05.2008.pdf[House of Commons p11-14][House of Lords p15-18]

Library of Congress

The Congress is served by its library. Known around the world for its massive collection - it has 138,313,427 items in the collections (which include not just books but manuscripts and audio recordings) - it was established in 1800 as a reference collection for the legislative branch containing "such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress". The original collection was destroyed by the British when they burned the Capitol in 1814.

Thomas Jefferson offered his own collection of books for the reestablishment of the Library. Today the main building is named after him. At its centre is the reading room - which is magnificant. I had the privilege this week of going into the room whilst researching for a paper which I have been writing (and which is the reason Washminster has failed to appear for a couple of days - as I worked against the deadline for submission!). If you are in Washington the building is a must see.

The Library of Congress also contains the Congressional Research Service. I have the very highest regard for the quality and volume of material produced by CRS. There has been a long running debate in Congress about whether major publications should be available to the public - as they are from the House of Commons Library. The issue remains unresolved. However a website has been set up by campaigners, and many reports are available there. I find it an invaluable resource. The address is http://www.opencrs.com/

The Battle Continues

My apologies for this late posting (already Thursday in the UK, but late Wednesday evening in Washington).

The results of the North Carolina and Indiana Primaries have, as expected, been the main topic of discussion. What do you think should happen next? Please share your comments on Washminster.

I've been spending my time working towards completion of a paper on attendance of Labour Peers at votes in the House of Lords; interviewing whips in the House of Representatives; and this evening sitting in the gallery of the House of Representatives. As much as I love C-Span, you can't beat watching the chamber live. So much happens off camera. Tonight was a real feast for the procedural-nerd (which I must confess I am).

This is what I witnessed (in reverse time order)

7:45 Announcement: motion to adjourn Failed by recorded vote: 140 - 264 (Roll no. 291).
7:27 Mr. Walsh (NY) moved that the House do now adjourn.

7:27 Announcement: motion to table the motion to reconsider the vote Agreed to by recorded vote: 212 - 183 (Roll no. 290).

7:20 Mr. Welch (VT) moved to table the motion to reconsider the vote
7:20 Mrs. Emerson moved to reconsider the vote.

7:20 Announcement: agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 223 - 192 (Roll no. 289).
7:12 Announcement: motion to table the motion to reconsider the vote Agreed to by recorded vote: 226 - 186 (Roll no. 288).
7:01 Mr. Hastings (FL) moved to table the motion to reconsider the vote
7:01 Mr. Simpson moved to reconsider the vote.

7:01 Announcement: motion ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 187 (Roll no. 287).

7:01 Announcement: motion to adjourn Failed by recorded vote: 143 - 272 (Roll no. 286).
6:33 Mr. Kingston moved that the House do now adjourn.

Speeches about use of procedures

6:17 Announcement: motion to adjourn Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 111 - 311 (Roll no. 285).
5:48 Mr. Price (GA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

Very procedural! British readers should note that in Congress a motion to table means the opposite to its meaning in Britain. In the US if a motion is tabled, it is effectively killed off (in the UK you introduce a motion by tabling it!)

Indiana and North Carolina

The epic struggle for the Democratic nomination continues. Today two key states hold their primaries.

In Indiana polls open at 6am - and the last ones close at 7pm (Eastern Time). The latest opinion polls show the race could be very tight. North Carolina votes from 6.30am to 7.30pm. This race is much more likely to be won by Obama - but the margin will count. If Hillary can narrow the margin from the double-figures that Obama was getting in the polls, she may be able to claim "victory"

A key issue dividing the two candidates is whether, in face of rises in the cost of transport fuel, there should a temporary break from the federal "gas tax". Clinton has argued for such a tax holiday, but Obama disagrees. As a European the debate over prices is somewhat bemusing, as compared to prices back home, the US still have amazingly low prices for its fuel - but it's a hot issue over here.

There's lots of coverage across all forms of media. My favourite sites for following developments are

CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/POLITICS/
Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/

Local news can be found at: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage (IN)
http://www.newsobserver.com/ (NC)

The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court stands just across the road from the Capitol Building (Between 1st Street NE; East Capitol Street; and Maryland Avenue). It was only established there in the twentieth century - previously the court met inside the Capitol Building itself.

Under the doctrine of 'Separation of Power', the one person cannot be in more than one of the three branches of government (legislative; executive; judiciary). The strict application of the doctrine requires separate personnel, but the branches must work together for government to function. The President nominates justices; the Senate confirms - but once appointed, members of the Supreme Court cannot be removed, save by the extraordinary process of impeachment.

There is a Chief Justice (John Roberts), who sits with eight Associate Justices. They are appointed for life, but may retire or resign (or be impeached!).

Sometimes the Supreme Court is referred to as SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States). Since the leading case of Marbury v. Madison, the Court has been able to strike down all acts of the other branches where these are judged to be unconstitutional - including legislation.

By contrast the Supreme Court in the UK, which will open in the Middlesex Guildhall next year (also across the street from the legislature (Parliament)), will not be able to strike down legislation.