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November 16, 2010

Congress Reconvenes for Lame Duck Session
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Lawmakers have returned to Capitol Hill for a so-called "lame duck
session" following the midterm break. Congress will be in session until
a new congressional term begins in January. On Monday, Senate Republican
Leader Mitch Mc Connell of Kentucky announced he would back down on
opposing a ban on earmarks. The Tea Party movement has rallied
Republican lawmakers to oppose the practice. Speaking on the Senate
floor, Democratic Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania urged lawmakers
not to remain idle until the new Congress begins.

Sen. Arlen Specter: "And I begin by suggesting that our session does not
necessarily have to be a 'lame duck,' that we have the capacity to
respond to the many pressing problems of the country, as we choose. We
can spread our wings, and we can fly."



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