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Earmarking is still alive despite reforms from the new Democratic majority the practice of anonymously slipping pet projects into legislation became a symbol of the GOP’s time in the majority. Now, the new Republican minority is rolling up its sleeves and planning to block future earmarks by using parliamentary procedure. (McClatchy Newspapers, The Hill)

Just in time for the Senate’s no-confidence vote, the Washington Post reports that half of the immigration judges appointed since 2004 had no experience in immigration law, while one third of the appointees were Republicans or insiders with the current administration.

Via Think Progress: Former Justice official Daniel Metcalfe speaks about his resignation this past January, claiming Gonzales treated the Department as a “political arm of the White House.” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

The CIA has secretly cooperated with Sudan to spy on insurgents in Iraq, despite the bristling public stance that includes new sanctions because of the ongoing Darfur genocide. (LA Times)

Responding to repeated complaints by Congress about the privatization of U.S. intelligence, the CIA is taking steps to limit the number of contractors it hires. Contractors currently make up one-third of the CIA workforce. (Washington Post)

Iraq veterans are struggling to find mental health treatment as cuts in military insurance payments compound the difficulties of a system already plagued with red tape and low reimbursement rates. (Associated Press)

Haven’t been keeping up with the Scooter Libby saga? Need a quick refresher? Here is a summary of the five biggest myths connected with the investigation and trial. (Washington Post)

The Senate is set to consider a vote of no confidence in Attorney General Gonzales this evening, but the Republican leadership intends to block the motion before it comes to vote. Regardless, Tony Snow has already announced that the White House will pay no attention to what will be a symbolic vote. (USA TODAY)

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