A Far-Off Airport Holds a Clue to Renditions
A remote, snow-covered airport in Poland seems an unlikely site for international intrigue and CIA malfeasance. Nevertheless, “in late 2002 and 2003, there was a flurry of unusual activity at Mazury-Szczytno International Airport, a former military facility that happens to be near a Polish intelligence training complex where European investigators suspect the CIA maintained a secret interrogation and detention facility.” (Chicago Tribune)
Bush Budget Would Result in Cuts to Social Programs
President Bush’s $2.9 trillion spending plan, designed to continue funding the Iraq war at a sufficient level, includes “deep cuts to federal healthcare, education, and transportation programs.” (The Boston Globe)
Magazine Editor Releases Abramoff E-mails
Kim Eisler, the national editor of the Washingtonian and a friend of imprisoned lobbyist Jack Abramoff, has released e-mails he exchanged with Abramoff. Abramoff’s tone is not one of contrition. (The Raw Story)
“Grassroots” Lobbying Gets a Boost in Light of New Ethics Rules
The new ethics rules passed by the House and Senate, which primarily target meals and junkets provided by corporate interests, have given an inadvertent “boost to lobby firms and trade associations that specialize in swaying lawmakers by stirring public sentiment in their districts.” (The Hill)
Libby’s Grand Jury Tapes Played
Prosecutors in the perjury trial of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby yesterday played audio tapes of Libby testifying before a grand jury that he had not discussed the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame. On the tapes, Libby is heard to say that he learned about Plame from Vice President Dick Cheney. (The New York Times)
All’s Quiet on the Election Reform Front
“Despite the fact that several campaign finance bills were introduced recently, House Democratic leaders do not appear to be preparing to embrace an aggressive agenda for election reform this year.” (Subs. Req.) (Roll Call)
2012 Balanced Budget Requires Rose-Colored Glasses
President Bush’s claim that he will eliminate the deficit by 2012 relies on a number of unlikely assumptions about the rate of growth of the economy, unemployment, and interest rates. (McClatchy Newspapers)
“New Cop on the Beat” Looks to Increase Oversight
Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), the new chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, thinks that Congressional Republicans have failed in their oversight role, and is out to change that. Starting today, he has scheduled a series of reports on the fraud that has led to billions of dollars wasted in Iraq. (The New York Times)
F.B.I. Investigating Miller
“The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating whether Representative Gary G. Miller, Republican of California, improperly used an unusual tax provision to avoid paying capital gains taxes on profits from land sales to California cities, law enforcement and government officials said.” (AP)
Former Rep. Weldon Named to Defense Company Post
“Former U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon has been named chief strategic officer for Defense Solutions, an Exton-based company specializing in military services and sales, a company official said yesterday.” (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
