The most recent programs for the Congressional Reform Tag http://www.c-spanvideo.org/browse?topic=1354 en-US Copyright 2013, National Cable Satellite Corporation info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mon, 20 May 2013 01:28:02 GMT Charles Johnson spoke about problems caused by the accelerated pace and extent of procedural changes in Congress. He suggested that in Congress there was a "retreat from a collegial, openness and compromise of other Congresses." He also talked about C-SPAN's influence on the legislative and political process. He responded to questions from the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/307498-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/307498-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Jonathan Cowan talked about congressional gridlock, and he responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. His group, Third Way, advocates for more compromise between the two political parties. Some of Third Way's proposals for change include reform of the redistricting process and primary system, and more comity between Republicans and Democrats in the separate chambers as well as between House and Senate members. He responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. C-SPAN Radio's Bobbi Jackson read news headlines at the end of the program. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/301821-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/301821-4 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Representative Patrick McHenry talked about the possible request from states to seek bankruptcy and other financial issues that is before the Oversight and Government Reform Committee in the 112th Congress. Rep. McHenry chairs a subcommittee that will examine issues related to "bailouts." After the interview the reporters discussed his responses with the host. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297755-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/297755-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Brody Mullins, an investigative reporter for the [Wall Street Journal], had written a series of articles on aspects of official congressional travel over the year. During this interview, he discussed his findings and how they have impacted plans to reform the travel rules. Brody Mullins has been with the [Wall Street Journal] since 2005. Previously he worked for [CongressDaily], [Roll Call], and [CommunicationsDaily]. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293763-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293763-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Representative Brad Sherman of California talked about the current financial reform in Congress as well as the announcement by Republicans today that they will drop their filibuster against the legislation. He also responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293237-6 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/293237-6 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Telephone lines were open for comments on the question, "After health care, is it time for Senate reform?" http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290910-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290910-2 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ryan Teague Beckwith talked about Congress.org, "a free Web site where people can learn about the issues on Capitol Hill - and take action by writing their lawmakers." C-SPAN Radio's Nancy Calo read news headlines at the end of the program. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290545-5 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290545-5 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Tom Schatz talked about congressional earmarks. Members of the 110th Congress allocated more than 7 billion dollars to earmarks in the 2008 spending bills enacted during the week, with a total of 15 billion in earmarks for the session. He compared the current pork dollars to past years, discussed the lasting importance of earmarks, and reviewed means of reducing government waste. He reacted to a video clip of President Bush commenting on earmarks the previous day. Mr. Schatz also responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. Jonathan Allen reported by telephone on the complaints by the Congressional Black Caucus that its members received less money in earmarks than other Democrats. Mr. Allen talked about the institutional patterns that caused this, including the designation of earmark funds for members of Congress whose seats were not safe. Reprsentative Jeff Flake joined the discussion of earmark reform by telephone from Arizona. At the conclusion of the program a live scene was shown of the Senate as it was explained that pro forma sessions were being held to prevent President Bush from making recess appointments. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/202421-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/202421-4 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rep. Mike Conaway talked about the Alternative Minimum Tax. The House voted during the previous day to reduce the number of taxpayers who were subjected to the alternative minimum tax. The measure was passed by a vote of 352-64 and was expected to cost $50 billion. Conaway, a Republican, said that the Democrats should cut spending elsewhere to cover the costs of the plan. He talked about issues concerning congressional spending. He responded to telephone calls and email. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/202420-4 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/202420-4 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The guests talked about ethics reform in Congress. Susan Ferrechio talked about the details and history of the ethics bill. The guests focused on the issue of lobbying and enforcement of any ethics legislation. They answered calls from viewers. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/201529-3 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/201529-3 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Naftali Bendavid talked about his book [The Thumpin': How Rahm Emanuel and the Democrats Learned to Be Ruthless and Ended the Republican Revolution], published by Doubleday. Mr. Bendavid discussed the political strategy of Congressmen Rahm Emanuel and his role in the Democrats' reclaiming of the House of Representatives in 2006. Mr. Bendavid shared personal anecdotes and impressions of colleagues of the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/198291-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/198291-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Morgan Felchner talked about the House and Senate elections and the [Campaign and Elections] April cover story on how Democrats can take back the House. She responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. Ms. Felchner is the new editor of the magazine http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/191878-2 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/191878-2 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Newly elected House Majority Leader Boeheim responded to questions and comments from reporters about lobbyist reform legislation in Congress. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/191063-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/191063-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Participating from Boston, Professor Zelizer talked about his book and about current as well as past U.S. House rules and internal reform efforts. The full title of his book is [On Capitol Hill: The Struggle to Reform Congress and its Consequences, 1948-2000], published by Cambridge University Press. He has also recently edited, [The American Congress: The Building of Democracy], published by Houghton Mifflin. He also responded to telephone calls, faxes, and electronic mail from viewers. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/184482-3 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/184482-3 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Representative Armey and others briefed reporters on the formation of a task force to oversee the passage of lobbying and campaign reform, which Rep. Hoekstra will chair. He also talked about the Republican efforts to reform the House since the 104th Congress began. The House leadership expects to take up legislation dealing with these issues early next year. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/67957-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/67957-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The committee examined the administrative operations of the House of Representatives, including changing postal offices, downsizing several operations and modernizing computer technology. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/65717-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/65717-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Various supporters of congressional term limits expressed their support for this initiative and talked about the formation of Team 290, a group organized to obtain the needed 290 votes for passage of term limits legislation. They also took a few questions from the press. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/62637-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/62637-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rep. Gingrich expressed his support for congressional term limits, and Team 290, a new organization dedicated to obtaining the necessary House votes to pass such legislation. He also took questions from the press. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/62702-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/62702-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rep. Molinari talked about Republican congressional reforms and the importance of Republican freshmen in the 104th Congress. She also talked about presidential inititatives that seem to be imitating Republican ideas in such areas as welfare reform. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/62102-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/62102-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The guests discussed Republican Pat Roberts' proposal to eliminate Legislative Service Organizations, or congressional caucuses. Topics included the origins of the caucuses and the reasons for and against eliminating the caucuses. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/62054-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/62054-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The guests discussed the Republican proposals to cut the number of committees in Congress, which was one of the points in their "Contract With America." http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61940-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61940-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rep. Dreier talked to reporters about proposed Republican changes in the House Committee structure, including changes in their size, number and composition. After his remarks, he took questions from the press. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61932-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61932-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Senator Harkin talked about his proposal to limit the use of filibusters by making cloture votes to end them successively easier to pass. The first vote would need 60 votes to pass, the second 57, the third 54 and the final one 51. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61740-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61740-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Senator Harkin talked about his proposal to limit filibusters in the Senate. His proposal includes the following-- the first cloture vote would need 60 votes to pass. If it failed, 2 days later the next vote would need 57 then 54 and finally 51 votes to pass the cloture motion and thus end the filibuster and move on to the bill. After his remarks, he and Senator Lieberman took questions from the press. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61723-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61723-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Alexander spoke about his proposal to limit congressional sessions. He emphasized the need to return to the notions of citizen legislators that remain involved in their professions instead of professional politicians who become involved in a system that breeds detachment from their constituencies. He believes that limiting their time in Washington will limit Congress' ability to raise taxes and pass overly complex and unwanted legislation. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61685-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61685-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Representative Penny spoke about expectations that the midterm elections would lead to congressional reform in several areas, including limiting committee chairmanship terms and other committee reforms and ensuring that Congress is not above the law. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61689-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61689-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Potter talked about his perspectives on congressional campaign finance reform. He proposed that a separate entity, along the lines of the base-closing commission, be created to handle this reform since Congress seems unable to divorce itself enough from its own interests to enact substantive campaign finance reform. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61264-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61264-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ms. Claybrook and Mr. Schiff talked about a report that rated members of Congress based on how they voted on reforming Congress to reduce the influence of special interest groups and lobbyists. This was especially noteworthy in the 103rd Congress because so many freshman had promised such reforms during their 1992 campaigns. After their remarks, they took questions from the press. 186 out of 535 members voted against all such reform meaures and 178 voted for all of them. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61103-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61103-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT As part of the college's annual preview of the U.S. Supreme Court term, journalists and professors participated in a mock court arguing their version of [U.S. Term Limits v. Thornton]. This Arkansas case will be consolidated with [Bryant v. Hill], also an Arkansas term limits case, when it is argued next month, and only federal term limits will be challenged. The cases test the constitutionality of laws that limit the number of terms a politician can hold office. The Arkansas term limits legislation simply prevents a candidate's name from being printed on the ballot if he or she has held office for a certain number of term. U.S. Term Limits is an interest group in favor of restrictions on the number of years politicians can hold office. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61048-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/61048-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT House members debated a lobbying reform bill preventing members from taking gifts from anyone other than close personal friends. Among the prohibited items were meals, entertainment, travel-related expenses, legal defense, or charitable contributions. The bill was passed by the House by a vote of 306 to 112. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/60545-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/60545-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The panel discussed a number of issues concerning the relationship between law makers, the media and the public. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/60225-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/60225-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The two senators, co-sponsors of the Congressional Accountability Act, discussed how the legislation would apply federal laws to members of Congress. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/60145-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/60145-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Representatives Shays and Swett discussed the House effort to make federal laws applicable to Congress. Both members are the co-sponsors of legislation. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/59214-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/59214-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The committee marked up two congressional reform measures, one dealing with congressional committees and the other with floor procedure. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/57856-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/57856-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The committee heard testimony from Senators Moynihan and Sarbanes on the Joint Committee provisions of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1994. Other witnesses testified on the evolving roles and missions of their agencies. The committee was considering repealing the General Accounting Office's permanent funding authorization. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/56595-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/56595-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Representative Dreier spoke about the need for congressional reform in certain key areas, especially personal responsibility. He spoke about creating an open amendment process instead of the many restictions currently in place. He voiced a desire to change the "king of the hill" rule, which madates that the last standing amendment to a bill that passes is passed with the bill, no matter how many earlier amendments had larger passing margins. He also discussed the work of the Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress and his opinions on staff and committee reductions and congressional compliance with the law. He also briefly discussed trade policy, especially continuing to maintain China's most favored nation status. After his prepared remarks, he took questions from the press. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/56533-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/56533-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Three authors of a recent study assessing the effect of proposed government reforms, reviewed their findings. Their report, [Rethinking Political Reform, Beyond Spending and Term Limits], examines campaign reform, political competition, and voter turnout. Congressman Synar, Mr. Ornstein, and Professor Nelson responded to their report in a discussion of political reform. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/55951-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/55951-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Ornstein and Mr. Mann disussed the merits of recommendations made by a House and Senate reform proposal and its outlook in Congress. The House and Senate are expected to consider campaign finance, lobbying, and committee reform during this session of congress. The gentlemen also discussed their joint report, titled "Renewing Congress: A Progress Report". http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/54960-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/54960-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mr. Dupree discussed Senate Committee Reform proposals considered by the Senate Rules Committee last week. One of these reforms would limit Senators to three committees and five sub-committees. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/54940-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/54940-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Members of the U.S. House of Representatives testified about congressional reforms which would involve citizens in ethics proceedings and reduce campaign spending. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/54470-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/54470-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Speaker Thomas Foley commented on the law suit he has brought against a Washington state law limiting congressional terms. He opposes term limits. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/53772-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/53772-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Participants discussed congressional reform efforts and their prospects in Congress. Following opening statements, they took questions from the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/52877-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/52877-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The committee continued to mark up congressional reorganization legislation. There was a heated discussion between Reps. Dunn and Obey. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/53271-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/53271-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/52532-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/52532-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The committee marked up reform legislation for the U.S. House of Representatives. Proposals include limiting members to two committees each and four subcommittees. This change would force many members to relinquish committee positions. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/52395-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/52395-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The committee marked up a version of the congressional reorganization legislation. Committee recommendations were agreed upon 11 to 0. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/52241-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/52241-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ms. Foerstel discussed the legislative future of bills designed for congressional reform. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/52096-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/52096-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT This forum focused on campaign finance reform and congressional mailing privileges. Several ideas were discussed to effect congressional reform. The Coalition to End Permanent Congress was begun in 1989. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/51813-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/51813-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT The participants discussed congressional reform and whether or not it has been effective. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/51369-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/51369-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Correspondents and congressional staff members spoke in a forum on reforming Congress during the convention of the American Political Science Association in Washington, DC. The panelists discussed the initiatives under consideration by the Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress for reforming Congress, and discussed the politics behind the upcoming legislative fight for Congressional reform initiatives. Following their prepared remarks, the panelists responded to questions from members of the audience. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/49921-1 info@c-spanarchives.org (National Cable Satellite Corporation) http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/49921-1 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT