Big War Boost Clears Congress, Despite Afghan Leak
The Associated Press reports: “The House on Tuesday sent President Barack Obama a major war-funding increase of $33 billion to pay for his troop surge in Afghanistan, unmoved by the leaking of classified documents that portray a military effort struggling between 2004 and 2009 against a strengthening insurgency. The House voted, 308-114, to approve the spending boost for the additional 30,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Other non-war provisions brought the total bill to nearly $59 billion.”
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:30 a.m. ET, will meet at 10 a.m. ET with senior advisers, and will meet at 10:40 a.m. ET with Sen. John Kerry (D-MA). He will depart from the White House at 11:45 a.m. ET, and depart from Andrews Air Force at 12 p.m. ET, arriving at 12:50 p.m. ET in Newark, New Jersey. At 1:30 p.m. ET, he will meet with a group of small business owners in Edison, New Jersey, and will deliver a statement to the press at 2:20 p.m. ET. He will attend a Democratic National Committee fundraiser at 5:40 p.m. ET, and another DNC fundraiser at 7:20 p.m. ET, both of them in New York City. He will depart from Newark at 8:50 p.m. ET, arriving back at Andrews Air Force Base at 9:40 p.m. ET, and back at the White House at 9:55 p.m. ET.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden will travel to Fort Drum, New York, to welcome home the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, from Iraq. At 1:30 p.m. ET, the Vice President and his wife Dr. Jill Biden will deliver remarks at the Welcome Home Ceremony. They will also meet at Fort Drum with the spouses of soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq. They will return back to Washington, D.C., in the evening.
Filibuster Reform Is Short Of Needed Votes
The Hill reports: “Senate Democrats do not have the votes to lower the 60-vote threshold to cut off filibusters…Five Senate Democrats have said they will not support a lowering of the 60-vote bar necessary to pass legislation. Another four lawmakers say they are wary about such a change and would be hesitant to support it. A 10th Democrat, Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), said he would support changing the rule on filibusters of motions to begin debate on legislation, but not necessarily the 60-vote threshold needed to bring up a final vote on bills.”
House Democrats Line Up TV Ad Buys For Fall Races
The Associated Press reports: “Democrats say they are prepared to spend $49 million on TV ads during the final weeks of the midterm elections in their effort to maintain a House majority in the face of a strong challenge by Republicans and an anti-incumbent bent among voters. Advertising plans reviewed by The Associated Press showed the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee reserving ad time to defend seats served by fellow lawmakers who were retiring, seeking Senate seats or among the most unlikely freshmen to win re-election.”
Hoyer Recess Plan: Hit the Road for Moderates
Roll Call reports: “House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer plans a busy August on the campaign trail, with appearances planned for more than two dozen House Members and candidates, particularly moderates for whom the Maryland Democrat is the go-to leader, according to his office. Among the Democrats who can expect visits from Hoyer are Reps. Larry Kissell (N.C.), Mark Critz (Pa.), Christopher Carney (Pa.) and Tim Bishop (N.Y.) as well as Denny Heck, who is running to replace retiring Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.).”
Texas Battles Health Law Even as It Follows It
The New York Times looks at the strange dichotomy in Texas, and its dealings with the new health care reform law: “In Austin, legislative hearings and agency planning sessions proceed despite Gov. Rick Perry’s vow to fight ‘on every front available’ against a law that he characterizes as ‘socialism on American soil.’ Bureaucrats apply for federal grants and collaborate with the Obama administration at the same time that Attorney General Greg Abbott strategizes to eviscerate the law in court.”
