Congress
For those who were impressed with the Republican-led 112th Congress’s unchallenged record as the least productive ever, prepare to be underwhelmed even more. As the 113th Congress reaches the halfway mark of its first session, it is already on track to outperform the last Congress in passing even fewer laws. As Dashiell Bennett noted in the Atlantic, the 112th Cong
"I was deeply saddened to learn of former Rep. William Gray's sudden passing. Bill was a dear friend and a trailblazer as the first African American Majority Whip.
“I’m pleased to announce that today marks the beginning of House Democrats’ fourth annual Online All-Star Competition, which encourages Members of the Democratic Caucus to strengthen online engagement with our constituents.
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise tonight to honor and to lead a Special Order, but to honor a great American, a great colleague and a great legislator whose service to this country and to this institution have been unmatched.
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) announced today several changes to the official intranet for House Democratic staff, including a new staff directory, an expanded calendar, and an updated legislative correspondence library.
“Today, I was proud to witness Congress install a permanent tribute to a great American and great son of Maryland, Frederick Douglass. The statue dedicated in his honor – like Douglass, tall, poised, and carrying the moral weight of a survivor-turned-crusader for freedom and justice – will not only stand as a memorial to his courage and the unwavering strength of his character.
“I rise to join the Leader. I rise to join Congresswoman Esty and Congressman Thompson in recognizing this sad anniversary.
“Courtney has been an important member of my team since first coming to the Majority Leader’s office over six years ago,
“For 57 years, John Dingell has been as much an institution in the House of Representatives as the bells that ring votes or the mace that stands majestically beside the Speaker’s chair.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of Sen. Lautenberg’s passing this morning. He was both a true statesman and a pragmatist who became the longest-serving senator in New Jersey’s history and had a record of reaching across the aisle to achieve results for the people of his state.