Spring 2008

News Coverage by State
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Connecticut

Support for families of deployed soldiers needed, some say

WASHINGTON, May 1 – When Elizabeth Lilly Rivera’s daughter returned in October from her 15-month deployment in Iraq, she would often wake up in the middle of the night with nightmares and drive off in her car, never saying where she was going or what she was doing. Rivera would wait anxiously by the window until her daughter returned. (By Erin Kutz)

Connecticut expands support for military families

WASHINGTON, April 18 – More than half of the military personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have spouses or children and when they return from deployment, the transition can be hard not only on the soldiers but on their families, who often share the mental, emotional and social pressures of the war. (By Erin Kutz)

Courtney inspired by pope’s message of compassion

WASHINGTON, April 17 – Pope Benedict XVI’s mass at the Washington Nationals stadium Thursday was an opportunity for Republicans, Democrats, civilians and military to come together, said U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District. (By Erin Kutz)

Pioneer North Pole crossing by USS Nautilus celebrated

WASHINGTON, April 11 – Late on Aug. 3, 1958, the USS Nautilus became the first vessel to cross the North Pole, an event that was celebrated Thursday night in Washington with presentations by members of the original crew and some of the officers who participated in later Arctic sub explorations. (By Erin Kutz)

Jackie Clegg Dodd urges increased efforts to prevent child abuse

WASHINGTON, April 9 – Four children die each day in the United States because of abuse and neglect, a challenge to policymakers as well as a tragedy that could balloon in the current economic climate, Jackie Clegg Dodd said Wednesday. The wife of U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., spoke at a legislative luncheon for Childhelp, an organization founded in 1959 that attempts to fight child abuse through programs such as a 24-hour abuse hotline, foster care services, an initiative that trains teachers in recognizing the signs of abuse and residential treatment facilities for abused children. (By Erin Kutz)

College Students Should explore loan options early, Courtney says

WASHINGTON, April 4 – The sub-prime mortgage epidemic has required Americans to stay on guard in all areas of financing—even student loans, says U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.). “The liquidity challenge to the financial markets really is still an issue for all kinds of lending,” he said in a telephone interview this week. “People are kind of sleeping with one eye open." (By Erin Kutz)

New Sub Group 2 commander returns to submarine life

WASHINGTON, April 3 – When family and friends are asked to describe Navy Rear Adm. Bruce Grooms, one of the first words out of their mouths is “leader.” "Humble” or one of its synonyms quickly follows. (By Erin Kutz)

Senators examine Bear Stearns intervention as reason for reform

WASHINGTON, April 3--The federal intervention in fronting $30 billion to save nearly bankrupt investment bank Bear Stearns was defended on Capitol Hill Thursday by administration officials, but senators wanted to know how things went so wrong and what they indicate for reforms in financial oversight and regulation. (By Erin Kutz)

Pig Book pork spending list includes money for second submarine

WASHINGTON, April 2 – Wasteful government spending grew 30 percent in the budget for fiscal year 2008, said government watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste when it released its Pig Book Wednesday. Its listing of such spending includes money designated for spending in Connecticut to accelerate construction of a second Virginia-Class submarine. (By Erin Kutz)

Pig Book puts pork spending at $17.2 billion

WASHINGTON, April 2 – Wasteful government spending grew 30 percent in the budget for fiscal year 2008, said government watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste when it released its Pig Book Wednesday. The 2008 Pig Book listed $17.2 billion in what it dubbed pork-barrel spending on 11,610 projects—the second-highest number of such projects since the organization first compiled the Pig Book in 1991. (By Erin Kutz)

UConn joins homeland security effort

WASHINGTON, March 21 – The University of Connecticut is taking a leadership role in developing national transportation solutions for everything from bridge collapses to evacuations during natural disasters or terrorist attacks. (By Erin Kutz)

Election Commission Computer Error Results in Wrong Figures

WASHINGTON, March 19 — The Federal Election Commission early this month reported on its Web site incorrect campaign contribution numbers for all Senate candidates after making an error when transferring the candidates’ paper filings to an electronic version. The numbers have now been corrected. (By Erin Kutz and Vicki Ekstrom)

Adm. Allen urges Congress to approve Coast Guard budget request

WASHINGTON, March 6 — Adm. Thad Allen, the Coast Guard commandant, touted his branch’s successes in the past year Thursday while urging Congress to approve the full amount sought in President Bush’s fiscal year 2009 budget request. (By Erin Kutz)

Adm. Allen urges Congress to approve Coast Guard budget request

Dodd pushes for energy assistance program to be fully funded

WASHINGTON, March 5 – When Hartford resident Robin Hussain left her job to care for her grandchildren full-time, she quickly learned that federal energy assistance, not savvy shopping, would help her make ends meet. (By Erin Kutz)

Mr. Himes goes to Washington for crash course for candidates

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 –Democrats welcomed Jim Himes and other congressional hopefuls to Washington this week for a two-day crash course in policy formation, networking and responding to third party attack ads that plague the later days of elections. (By Erin Kutz)

Senators challenge probe of sleeping guards at nuclear plant

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 – Senators challenged Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials and industry executives Thursday over security concerns at nuclear plants. “Public confidence in the industry is only as good as its weakest link,” said Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio). (By Erin Kutz)

Funds for additional submarine leave suppliers optimistic

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 — The Submarine Industrial Base Council had its 17th annual congressional breakfast Thursday with a distinct note of cheer in the air. It was the first such meeting since Congress in November 2007 approved $588 million for construction of two Virginia-class submarines per year starting in 2011 instead of 2012, which was the Navy's initial suggestion. (By Erin Kutz)

Bill proposed to curtail campaign automated phone calls

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27-- Nearly two-thirds of voters—90 million people—received automated phone messages during the 2006 election year, according to a 2006 Pew Research Center study. Now members of Congress are moving to restrict the practice. (By Erin Kutz)

Bill proposed to curtail campaign automated phone calls

Courtney looking to slice school energy expenditures

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 – U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-2nd District) is trying to bring federal help to Connecticut's failing schools. They're not failing academically but environmentally. Connecticut school buildings scored an average of 26 out of 100 in energy efficiency based on the Energy Star rating developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to a 2006 study conducted by the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University. (By Erin Kutz)

Some say money isn’t everything in the District 4 race

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22-- Democratic challenger Jim Himes has raised nearly 80 percent as much as U.S. Rep. Chris Shays, R-4, has for the 2008 election, but through 11 elections extraordinary sums of money have yet to knock Shays from his congressional seat. (By Erin Kutz)

Shays sponsors plan to make health insurance affordable for all

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 – Presidential campaigns are not the only front in the debate over expanding health care coverage across the nation. As presidential candidates have laced their stump speeches and debates with talk of overhauling health care, U.S. Reps. Christopher Shays, R-4, and James Langevin, D-R.I. have made a bipartisan effort of their own to bring about affordable insurance for all. (By Erin Kutz)

Dodd urges protection of benefits under family leave act

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 –U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) Wednesday marked the 15th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act’s passage by accusing the Department of Labor of restricting employee access to the law’s benefits and advocated for paid work leave. (By Erin Kutz)

Some claim effective programs left out of economic stimulus plan

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 — Two programs left out of the Senate economic stimulus plan Thursday—extended jobless aid and more money for food stamps—would have provided bigger boosts to the economy than those included in the bill, according to economic analysts and Connecticut agencies. (By Erin Kutz)

Some claim effective programs left out of economic stimulus plan

Catholic groups observe Ash Wednesday with White House protest

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 — Members of Washington-area Catholic groups began the Lenten season Wednesday by smearing ashes over walkways in front of the White House as a symbol of what they called repentance for the country’s involvement in the war in Iraq and torture of Guantanamo detainees. (By Erin Kutz)

Catholic groups observe Ash Wednesday with White House protest

Dodd seeks solutions to housing foreclosures

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 – Citing the housing crisis as a driving force behind the economic downturn, U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., stressed the urgency Thursday of steps to remedy the effects of sub-prime mortgages and prevent similar future crises. (By Erin Kutz)

Dodd seeks solutions to housing foreclosures

Senators defend importance of LIHEAP funds to stimulus package

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 — U.S. senators pushing to add Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds to the economic stimulus plan now before the Senate have rebuffed warnings that their proposal would hinder passage of the plan. (By Erin Kutz)

Senators defend importance of LIHEAP funds to stimulus package

Maine

Manufacturing industry jobs being replaced by service jobs

WASHINGTON, May 2 — Lisa Northup never thought she would be changing careers at age 41. But after more than 20 years at Moosehead Manufacturing, the furniture factory shut its doors, changed owners, consolidated and left Northup jobless last June. Rather than find work at a different mill, Northup, who lives in Guilford, chose a more stable path and in September began classes at Bangor’s Beal College to become a medical assistant. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Collins seeks to have Iraq shoulder more financial burdens

WASHINGTON, April 18 – Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, is urging Senate leaders to take steps to require Iraq to shoulder more of the financial burden of rebuilding their own country. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Martha Stewart calls for better care for senior citizens

WASHINGTON, April 17 –Martha Stewart, who is already there, told a Senate panel Wednesday that as the first of the nation’s 78 million baby boomers reach their 60s, their health needs will grow but not the number of trained professionals needed to care for them. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Collins, Michaud attend Mass with the pope

WASHINGTON, April 17 – Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Rep. Mike Michaud, D-Maine, were among the 46,000 to crowd the new Nationals Park on Thursday for a Mass with Pope Benedict XVI. Collins called the Mass one of the most memorable experiences of her life and found the pope’s homily to be exactly the right message for American Catholics. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Collins says pope's message 'inspiring and filled with hope'

WASHINGTON, April 16 – Pope Benedict XVI was greeted Wednesday morning at the White House by President and Mrs. Bush and thousands of invited guests, including a child holding a “Welcome Pope Hope” sign. Among the crowd of more than 9,000 on the South Lawn were Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, minutemen in colonial garb, military personnel, Roman Catholic cardinals from throughout the nation and U.S. senators, including Susan Collins, R-Maine. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Government leftovers would go to the poor

WASHINGTON, April 10 – Despite millions of Americans who go hungry every day, government leftovers have been going straight to the trash because of strict liability laws. Those rules may soon change thanks to legislation cosponsored by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, that would encourage the government and its food contractors to donate their extra food to soup kitchens and food banks. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Renewable energy tax credits pass in Senate

WASHINGTON, April 10 – The Senate Thursday approved energy tax credits proposed by Maine’s two senators and aimed at helping businesses and homeowners struggling to pay their bills in the sluggish housing market. The credits were part of a broader bill directed at the current home foreclosure crisis. The bill, which cleared the Senate overwhelmingly, 84-12, now goes to the House, which has some different ideas for easing the housing crisis. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Reed, an early example of Maine’s progressive politics

WASHINGTON, April 9 —Tucked in the southwest corner of the nation’s capital near the Potomac River is the home of Maine’s oldest living former governor, John Hathaway Reed, who served in the early 1960s. The third-floor condo is much the way it was when his wife of 60 years died four years ago, with a grand piano, 2 step-stool-sized Vietnamese elephant figures and bronze-gilded French décor. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Trading 'pork' for lobsters in Maine

WASHINGTON, April 3 – Some of Maine’s leaders were accused this week of trading “pork” for lobsters by Citizens Against Government Waste, a non-partisan watchdog group that monitors government pork-barrel spending. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Snowe’s health insurance bill aims to benefit small businesses

WASHINGTON – Small businesses are the intended beneficiaries of health insurance legislation introduced on Wednesday by Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, senior Republican member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Allen ocean observing bill improves fishing and port safety

WASHINGTON, April 2 – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Tom Allen, D-Maine, that would strengthen ocean observation techniques and improve understanding of the nation’s bodies of water passed in the House on Monday.

Under the bill air, land and sea observations, which have been carried out by many government agencies and private organizations with different techniques and goals, would be coordinated under one integrated system allowing the nation to make better use of the information. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Homeland Security responds to Baldacci’s request

WASHINGTON, March 26 – The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday it is working with Maine and is encouraged by the efforts of the state’s leaders to move forward with procedures called for within the Real ID Act. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Internet phishing tops the IRS’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ scam list

WASHINGTON, march 21 – Internet phishing – the name given to scams that trick people into revealing personal information through emails – topped the Internal Revenue Service’s “Dirty Dozen” list released last week of the 12 most common and costly tax scams. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Advocates push to expand freight rail infrastructure

WASHINGTON, March 20 – Advocating for legislation to increase freight rail infrastructure, State Sen. Dennis Damon, D-Hancock County, co-chairman of Maine’s joint legislative Committee on Transportation, traveled to Washington last week to meet with Maine’s congressional delegation. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Election Commission Computer Error Results in Wrong Figures

Allen's bill calls for more cost accountability in electric industry

WASHINGTON, March 14 – Legislation that would force Maine’s electricity grid overseer, ISO New England, to provide reliable service at the lowest cost to consumers was introduced in the House March 6 by Rep. Tom Allen, D-Maine. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Sources of funds signal national importance of Collins-Allen race

WASHINGTON, March 13 – Republican Sen. Susan Collins’ match-up against Democratic Rep. Tom Allen in Maine’s U.S. Senate race is drawing large amounts of money from out of state donors, a sign that the race is national in scope and competitive, said scholars, analysts and officials from both parties. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Members express gratitude troops, opposition to prolonged war

WASHINGTON, March 12 – With almost 4,000 American lives lost, countless others physically and mentally wounded and half a trillion dollars spent, Maine’s members of Congress said that after five years of fighting in Iraq a change in course is necessary. But they said their support for the troops remains strong. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Bill provides help for Consumer Product Safety Commission

WASHINGTON, March 7 – Last summer, Downeast Concepts, Inc., a Yarmouth-based company, imported toy rakes containing dangerous levels of lead and distributed 400 of them to stores throughout the nation. The toys were manufactured in China and entered through Boston. The company discovered the problem on its own after it stepped up testing because of a series of recalls from big-name manufacturers, like Mattel. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Study says hunger among elderly is on the rise

WASHINGTON, March 5 — More than five million elderly citizens suffer from hunger in the United States, a number that is on the rise, according to a new study. T he study, produced by Meals on Wheels, a program that provides hot food to low income elderly and disabled citizens, spurred Democratic Gov. John Baldacci to announce Wednesday a new “March for Meals” campaign at the State House. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Collins urges Baldacci to request Real ID extension

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 – In a letter Friday, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, urged Gov. John Baldacci to request an extension for the state’s complying with the federal Real ID Act, which establishes national standards for state-issued driver’s licenses. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

From Fenway Park to the South Lawn

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 —A Marine Corps band’s rendition of “Sweet Caroline” set the tone as baseball’s 2007 World Champs reunited on Wednesday. It was no Fenway Park, but the team smiled just as proud as President Bush greeted them at the White House. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Senate passes bill to improve American Indian health care

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 — The Senate Tuesday passed an act aimed at improving health care programs and facilities for American Indians, bringing help to more than 7,000 in Maine alone. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Baldacci tackles education issues at national governors meeting

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 — Gov. John Baldacci, D-Maine, along with governors from throughout the country, tackled education issues at a national meeting of governors on Sunday. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

New law to help veterans maintain their small businesses

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 – President Bush signed into law Thursday a bill sponsored by Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, that aims to aid National Guard and reserve veterans who own small businesses. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Snowe fights fraudulent marketing of Medicare Advantage plans

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14-- The federal government isn’t doing enough to protect Medicare recipients from aggressive and fraudulent marketing strategies by sales agents for Medicare Advantage plans, Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, said at a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Wednesday. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Born in Maine, Living in Exile: Mainers meet for Capitol breakfast

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13-- In the seaside town of Bar Harbor and along Acadia’s mountain roads, politics is a side note to life, but in Washington, D.C., life is a side note to politics. Mainers exiled to the beltway can escape to the Maine State Society for a touch of home. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Collins questions role of military during potential domestic crises

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 – A lack of coordination between National Guard units under state command and regular military units could pose a threat to national response in the case of a domestic crisis, Sen. Susan Collins, R- Maine, said Wednesday. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Senate expected to vote Tuesday on surveillance bill

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 – The Senate is expected to vote Tuesday on whether to grant retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that assisted in illegal surveillance of suspected terrorists when it wraps up voting on the updated intelligence surveillance bill, according to the office of Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Collins supports National Guard report

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 – With more than 95,000 National Guard and Reservists currently serving overseas, Sen. Susan Collins, R- Maine, says there is a gap in the country’s capability to respond to national disasters or attacks at home. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Snowe criticizes budget cuts for Medicaid

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 – Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, exchanged sharp words with Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt Wednesday over proposed changes to Medicaid rules that would reduce federal Medicaid spending by $1.28 billion over five years, severely hurting state Medicaid programs. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Maine State Society offers scholarships

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 – Students who have completed at least one year at a four-year Maine college or university and have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply for scholarships offered by the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C. Applications for the scholarships, which are awarded in amounts of at least $1,000, are due April 1. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Senate to Vote This Week on Economic Stimulus Plan

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 – Senate Democrats may scale back on the $157 billion economic stimulus package passed Wednesday by the Finance Committee as they struggle to gain the 60 votes needed to bring the bill to a full Senate vote. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Senators Negotiate Electronic Surveillance Bill

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 – Senate leaders continue to negotiate the terms of an updated intelligence surveillance bill, deadlocked on whether to grant immunity to telecommunication companies facing lawsuits after assisting federal agencies in surveillance of potential terrorists. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Collins and Snowe support additional funds for home heating

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 —Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, is leading the fight in the Senate to amend the economic stimulus package, passed by the House Tuesday, to include up to $1.5 billion to help low-income people pay their home heating bills. (By Vicki Ekstrom)

Massachusetts

McGovern taking on larger, more powerful role in the House

WASHINGTON, May 1 – When President Bush was pushing hard for Congress to act swiftly on a free trade deal with Colombia in April it was U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern who came up with a strategy to put the brakes on congressional consideration of the trade pact. (By Jason Millman)

Gamblers betting on Frank to overturn law

WASHINGTON, April 30 – The odds may not be in his favor, but Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., has gained a valuable ally in his fight to overturn a 2006 law banning online gambling. Poker Players Alliance, a grassroots organization fighting for poker players’ rights, has put its chips on Rep. Frank’s proposal. (By Matt Huisman)

New Bedford teacher runs his fastest half marathon in D.C.

WASHINGTON, April 21 – As a cold wind blew, thousands of runners crowded into race corrals in front of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium for the start of the third annual National Marathon and Half Marathon. With the sun peeking over the horizon and the temperature in the low 40s, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty announced the start of the race, sending a horde of runners into the streets. Crowded among the runners on the last Saturday in March was Adam Chale, a special-education teacher at New Bedford High School. Mr. Chale, who has competed in almost 50 road races, finished his fastest half marathon – 13.1 miles – with a time of one hour, 58 minutes and 48 seconds. (By Matt Huisman)

House Democrats say Iraq costs hurting American families

WASHINGTON, April 15 – Condemning excessive spending on the war in Iraq, a group of House Democrats Tuesday said the average American family has paid $16,500 toward the war since it began. Funding the war has directly contributed to the faltering economy and the house foreclosure crisis, the members of Congress said at a press conference on Capitol Hill on Tax Day. Having spent nearly $1.3 trillion on the war effort, now in its sixth year, the Democrats stressed reprioritizing how the government spends taxpayer dollars. (By Jason Millman)

Former Rep. Joe Kennedy has $2 million in campaign account

WASHINGTON, April 9 – Joseph P. Kennedy II hasn’t served in the House of Representatives since January 1999 and yet he still has more than $2 million in his campaign account, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission. (By Matt Huisman)

Sens. Kennedy and Kerry question Gen. Petraeus about Iraq

WASHINGTON, April 8 – Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., told Gen. David Petraeus that after listening to his testimony Tuesday morning “it seems clear that the administration describes one Iraq, while we see another. “The president sees an Iraq where progress in neighborhoods, villages, towns and cities across Iraq is being made. But most Americans see an Iraq in which 4 million refugees have been displaced from their homes.” (By Matt Huisman)

Kerry, Kennedy grill Petraeus on Iraq progress

WASHINGTON, April 8 – Massachusetts Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry pressed Gen. David Petraeus Tuesday to say if U.S. involvement in Iraq is still worthwhile as the general, the top military commander in Iraq, raised doubts about whether political progress in the country can be sustained. (By Jason Millman)

For Shrewsbury teen, the political is up close and personal

WASHINGTON, April 8 – When Deborah and Ronald Peeples watched the State of the Union address in January, they say they probably watched a little more intently than most people – and with good reason. The Shrewsbury couple’s attention was drawn to the floor of the House of Representatives, where their 16-year-old son, Jacob, was standing just feet away from President Bush. (By Jason Millman)

Pig Book report ranks top pork barrel offenders

WASHINGTON, April 2 – Massachusetts received $187 million from the federal government in pork-barrel spending in the 2008 fiscal year, ranking 31st in the country, according to an annual report from a congressional watchdog group. (By Jason Millman)

As Frank prepares marijuana bill, states make own efforts

WASHINGTON, April 1 – Proponents of U.S. Rep. Barney Frank’s proposal to legalize small amounts of marijuana are pointing to efforts in some states – including Massachusetts – to decriminalize the drug as evidence of public support for Mr. Frank’s plan. Mr. Frank, D-Newton, said Tuesday he will introduce two bills, one that would decriminalize possession of less than 100 grams – or 3.5 ounces – of marijuana and another that would grant protection to states that decide to allow medicinal use of marijuana. (By Matt Huisman and Jason Millman)

For spring break, 8 Holy Cross students protest the war

WASHINGTON, March 21 – Like so many others their age, eight College of the Holy Cross students headed south for spring break – but they didn't have warm weather in mind. They spent part of their spring breaks in the nation’s capital to protest the Iraq war during the week of its fifth anniversary. (By Jason Millman)

Hundreds protest on fifth anniversary of Iraq War

WASHINGTON, March 19 – Armed with banners, flags and a bullhorn, several hundred people protesting the Iraq War marched through Washington Wednesday and called for President Bush to end the war that has already lasted five years. (By Matt Huisman)

Meehan still has $5 million in his campaign bank account

WASHINGTON, March 6-- Nearly nine months after assuming the chancellorship at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, former U.S. Rep. Marty Meehan still has nearly $5 million in his campaign bank account, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission. (By Amanda McLaren).

Frank ranked 7th most powerful member of the House

WASHINGTON, March 5 – Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) is the seventh most powerful member of the House of Representatives, according to a report released this week. Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.) were ranked second and twelfth in the Senate, respectively. (By Matt Huisman)

Massachusetts economy in distress, report says

WASHINGTON, March 5 – Massachusetts, facing a billion-dollar budget deficit and increases in housing foreclosures and the number of people receiving food stamps, ranks eighth on a list of 15 states in the “most economic distress,” according to a report released this week. (By Jason Millman)

Clinton’s Massachusetts supporters say momentum is hers

WASHINGTON, March 5 – Coming off campaign-saving primary victories in Texas and Ohio, Hillary Rodham Clinton has reclaimed some of her early momentum in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, her Massachusetts supporters in Congress say. (By Jason Millman)

Even without opponents, Rep. McGovern still runs

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 – Though U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, doesn’t yet have an opponent for reelection in the 3rd Congressional District, the six-term incumbent has been raising money, he said, as if he were locked in the race of his life. (By Jason Millman)

McGovern urges normalized relations with Cuba

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 – U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, a longtime proponent of normalizing relations with Cuba, is calling on Congress and the Bush administration to rethink U.S. policy following Cuban president Fidel Castro’s resignation last week. (By Jason Millman)

Marine Corps Band Plays 'Sweet Caroline'

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 —“Sweet Caroline” usually plays between the top and bottom of the eighth innings in Fenway Park, but Tuesday the song filled the air of the White House’s South Lawn as President George W. Bush congratulated the Boston Red Sox on their seventh World Series Championship. (By Matt Huisman)

Federal funds to help families facing foreclosures

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 – Nineteen different Massachusetts financial counseling groups will receive federal funds to help combat the growing foreclosure crisis, congressmen announced Tuesday. (By Jason Millman)

Patrick stresses importance of children's insurance program

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 – Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick told a House hearing Tuesday that new federal rules restricting who can be covered under the federal-state children’s health insurance program could set back the state’s effort to provide coverage to children from low-income families. (By Matt Huisman)

Clemens at congressional hearing denies using drugs

WASHINGTON – Facing new charges from a former teammate, Roger Clemens on Wednesday continued to deny at a House hearing that he ever used performance-enhancing drugs, while committee members repeatedly raised questions about his credibility and that of his accuser, Brian McNamee. (By Jason Millman)

Senate votes to give immunity to telecom companies

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 – The Senate voted to grant immunity Tuesday to telecommunication companies that helped the government conduct electronic surveillance of Americans without warrants following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. (By Jason Millman)

Protesters call for change in immigration legislation

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12- Chants of Si se puede (Yes we can) filled the cold air in front of the Health and Human Services Department building Tuesday morning, where more than 200 protesters voiced their disapproval of current immigration legislation and their support of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. (By Matt Huisman)

Bush Budget Denounced by Massachusetts Congressmen

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 – Massachusetts House members denounced President Bush’s record $3.1 trillion budget proposal Tuesday, contending his 2009 fiscal year plan sets unrealistic expectations for economic recovery and calls for crippling cuts to essential social service programs. (By Jason Millman)

President’s Budget Would Be Terrible for New Bedford, Frank Says

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 – U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said that President Bush’s proposed $3.1 trillion budget presented Monday would have “a terrible effect on New Bedford." (By Matt Huisman)

Senators push to attach LIHEAP funding to stimulus plan

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 – Citing a need for extra assistance to help low-income families pay for home energy, a bipartisan group of senators has called for extra funds to be included in the economic stimulus plan, playing down concerns that changing the House version of the bill in the Senate could slow the process of approving the stimulus package. (By Jason Millman)

Act would designate MMM Trails under national care

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 – A plan to unite almost 200 miles of hiking trails extending from northern Massachusetts to the Long Island Sound in Connecticut has come one step closer to approval with the House vote in favor of it. (By Jason Millman)

President says hello to Frank's boyfriend

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 – Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., was making a last-minute phone call to his boyfriend in the Speaker’s Lobby outside the House chamber before the State of the Union address Monday night when somebody grabbed his hand and said, “Tell him I said hello.” Frank looked up to see President Bush. (By Matt Huisman)

House stimulus package will help economy, Frank says

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 – Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said Tuesday that the House-passed $146 billion economic stimulus package, which would give tax rebates to most Americans, will help the declining economy. (By Matt Huisman)

Sen. Kennedy throws support behind Obama

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 – Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., threw his support behind Democratic residential candidate Barack Obama during a rally at American University in Washington on Monday. (By Matt Huisman)

New Hampshire

Local control dominates sex education in New Hampshire

WASHINGTON, May 1 – Though the abstinence-only debate over sex education has flared up again in Washington, the controversy is having only a limited impact in New Hampshire, where sex ed programs and curricula remain under the jurisdiction of local school districts and communities. (By Kenna Caprio)

Sununu and McCain: A pair of mavericks

WASHINGTON, May 1 — When John McCain traveled to the Middle East in August 2003 after the United States invaded Iraq, John Sununu was at his side.

Two years later, when McCain briefly visited Uzbekistan to condemn its totalitarian regime, Sununu was again right behind him.

And in January 2006, when the Arizonan addressed free-trade issues in New Zealand, Sununu flew along. (By Matt Negrin)

Monadnock High student's art work to hang on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, April 17 – In June a Swanzey high school student’s art work will join works by students from across the country in an art exhibition in the tunnel that leads from the Capitol to the House office buildings. (By Kenna Caprio)

Supporting Obama, in public and in silence

WASHINGTON, April 17 — New Hampshire’s two Democratic House members are marching down opposite paths in showing their support for presidential contender Barack Obama as the Pennsylvania primary looms. (By Matt Negrin)

Durham soil scientist likes challenges of working in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, April 16 — This isn’t the first time Gary Domian has seen the suicide bombings, the starving children and the void in education that pervade war-torn Afghanistan. And it might not be his last, either. (By Matt Negrin)

GOP senators call for stronger economy instead of higher taxes

WASHINGTON, April 15 — While Americans finished filing their tax forms by Tuesday’s deadline, Republicans in Congress were filing statements slamming the Democratic budget they say would hit millions of people with $1.2 trillion in taxes. Using the credit crisis and weak economy as talking points, Senate Republicans said Tuesday that Americans need a stronger economy instead of higher taxes. (By Matt Negrin)

Renewable-energy tax credits pass in housing bill

WASHINGTON, April 10 — The Senate on Thursday passed a bipartisan bill to ease the strain of the housing crisis on homeowners while giving tax breaks to consumers of renewable energies. The energy provisions would give $6 billion in tax incentives for the purchase of alternative energy sources like solar, wind and biomass. Sen. John Sununu, R-N.H., backed the measure last week and added a provision that would give tax credits for buying wood pellet stoves, which are more efficient than gas heaters and are popular in New England. (By Matt Negrin)

U.S. office needed in Tibet, Gregg says

WASHINGTON, April 9 — Sen. Judd Gregg on Wednesday urged the secretary of state to consider opening a U.S. consulate in the capital of Tibet, where China has cracked down on protests and jailed demonstrating Buddhist monks who are calling for human rights and the return of the exiled Dalai Lama. (By Matt Negrin)

Keene High senior practices diplomacy at leadership forum

WASHINGTON, April 10 – TJ Ferguson came to the phone to talk about his time in Washington at the National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security, but only for a minute because he needed to go outside to help his parents with the maple sugaring. A 17-year-old Keene High School senior from West Milan, Ferguson has a lot on his plate. Last October he took time away from classes, from baseball, from his parents’ businesses and from Interact, Rotary International’s youth club that does charity work, to attend the national security forum. (By Kenna Caprio)

Sununu backs tax credits for purchase of wood pellet stoves

WASHINGTON, April 3 — Republican Sen. John Sununu on Thursday threw his support behind a bipartisan bill aimed at encouraging the use of renewable and efficient energy sources by offering billions of dollars in tax incentives. The bill’s sponsors also agreed to accept a Sununu provision that would give a 10 percent tax credit for the purchase of wood-pellet stoves — heaters that burn more efficiently than gas stoves and are becoming increasingly popular in New Hampshire. Sununu had advocated the tax break in previous legislation. (By Matt Negrin)

Sununu introduces tax credit for purchase of wood pellet stoves

WASHINGTON, April 3 — In an effort to stimulate both the local and national economy and encourage cleaner energy sources, Sen. John Sununu (R-N.H.) has developed an initiative that provides an income tax credit for the purchase of energy-efficient wood pellet stoves. (By Kenna Caprio)

Less pork spending in 2008 for New Hampshire than in 2006

WASHINGTON, April 2 — The 2008 fiscal year saw New Hampshire ranked 28th on the “pork per capita” state list put out by a non-partisan, non-profit watchdog organization. Citizens Against Government Waste released its 18th annual Congressional Pig Book, which examines and quantifies pork barrel spending. (By Kenna Caprio)

Congress’s pork spending revealed in Pig Book

WASHINGTON, April 2 — New Hampshire’s lawmakers brought home the bacon — or pork — last year, sending millions of dollars to the Granite State as Congress continued to use taxpayer money to fund 11,610 pet projects, a watchdog group announced Wednesday. (By Matt Negrin)

Not all congressional Web sites are created equal

WASHINGTON, March 27 – As more Americans go online and become tech savvy, they are turning to congressional Web sites for information about their representatives and senators in Washington and how to contact them. But not all congressional Web sites are created equal, it seems. (By Kenna Caprio)

Office of Congressional Ethics is a win for Hodes’s cause

WASHINGTON, March 27 — Before he was elected to Congress, Democrat Paul Hodes ran on a message of wanting to rid Capitol Hill of corrupt politics. More than a year into his first term in the House, Hodes has acted on that message and helped pass a resolution that will create an independent panel to investigate actions of House members. (By Matt Negrin)

Top Donors Critical in Tight Sununu-Shaheen Senate Race

WASHINGTON, March 20 – Sen. John Sununu (R-N.H.) out-raised former New Hampshire Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, his leading challenger, last year, with significant contributions coming from the Club for Growth, a group that promotes conservative fiscal policy. (By Kenna Caprio)

No easy solutions seen for financial crisis

WASHINGTON, March 20 — Brought on by a shaky housing market and subprime mortgages, the financial crisis — which may force thousands of New Hampshire residents from their homes over the next year — has no easy solution, economists and politicians concede. (By Matt Negrin)

Soil scientist briefs Bush on work in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, March 13 — Gary Domian, who has poured his efforts into rebuilding Afghanistan’s agriculture system for the last year, has seen terrorists detonate themselves just feet away from him, malnourished women and children struggle to survive, and the hopes of the Afghan people come to life in new domestic programs.

And on Thursday, the 58-year-old soil scientist from Durham got to tell President Bush all about it, in three minutes. (By Matt Negrin)

Bush greets the Pease Greeters

WASHINGTON, March 10 – When Edmund Johnson, a retired Marine captain who served in the Korean War, helped found the Pease Greeters three years ago, he never thought he would get the chance to meet the president.

But on Monday Johnson, 78, got that chance with five other founders of the group of volunteers who send off and welcome home the military men and women who pass through Portsmouth International Airport at Pease. It took just 15 minutes with President Bush in the Oval Office to convince Johnson that the commander-in-chief lives by the code of the Marines. (By Matt Negrin)

Franklin Pierce University hires Washington lobbyists

WASHINGTON, March 6 — Joining a long list of higher education institutions, Franklin Pierce University has hired lobbyists to represent the school’s interests with Congress and help it acquire more federal funding. (By Kenna Caprio)

Representative governments ease global conflicts, Sununu says

WASHINGTON, March 6 — Republican Sen. John Sununu said Thursday that future global conflicts like the violence in the Middle East, Sudan and Rwanda can be prevented by setting up representative governments that are accountable and transparent. (By Matt Negrin)

Sununu challenges low power ranking

WASHINGTON, March 5 — In April 2006, Time magazine named John Sununu one of five “up and comer” freshman senators, citing his opposition to the reauthorization of the Bush administration’s Patriot Act and his support of budget cuts to balance spending for Hurricane Katrina. Earlier this year, he was awarded a spot on the influential Finance Committee, beating out senior senators and earning a strong voice on tax and trade policies. (By Matt Negrin)

Sununu: Up in money, down in the polls

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 — Six years ago, Democrat Jeanne Shaheen raised $2 million more than Republican John Sununu in their contest for a Senate seat. Yet Shaheen lost by 20,000 votes out of 430,000 cast. In this year’s rematch, which is shaping up as one of the most closely watched races in the country, Sununu has the fundraising edge. But Shaheen, who has a strong base she established as governor for six years, is holding a substantial lead in the polls. (By Matt Negrin)

Boston Red Sox get a Texan's treatment at the White House

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 — It was a scene right out of a comedian’s playbook.

With the 2007 World Series champions beaming behind him on risers, roastmaster President Bush let the Boston Red Sox have it in a blunt and sometimes self-deprecating way. (By Matt Negrin)

Gregg pushes Bush’s Medicare plan to Congress

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 — Republican Sen. Judd Gregg Tuesday urged Congress to pass President Bush’s plan to assure adequate long-term financing for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for seniors that some predict could run out of money in the relatively near future. (By Matt Negrin)

A still ceremony for a fallen hero at Arlington National Cemetery

ARLINGTON, VA., Feb. 15 — A bright sun shone upon the green patch of sacred ground at Arlington National Cemetery as birds sang from budding trees Friday morning. Standing in a horseshoe around the grave of Navy Chief Petty Officer Nathan Hardy, hundreds of mourners were silently still. (By Matt Negrin)

Steroids debate falls on party lines

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 — The investigation into professional baseball players’ illegal steroid use took on a new partisan tone Wednesday as Roger Clemens’s long-awaited congressional testimony garnered praise from Republicans but drew heated criticism from Democrats. (By Matt Negrin)

Fall Mountain student saw government firsthand as a Senate page

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 – Firefighter class…. YMCA Youth and Government…. Play practice. William Carmody, of Walpole, New Hampshire, is very busy but in a different way from when he would have to wake up at 5 a.m. anticipating a long day at the United States Senate.

Last semester Carmody, a junior at Fall Mountain Regional High School, was part of an elite group of high school juniors, aged 16 or 17, serving as pages in the Senate. (By Kenna Caprio)

N.H. senators vote to protect companies in wiretap program

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 — Both of New Hampshire’s Republican senators voted Tuesday to continue a 30-year-old surveillance program while protecting companies that aided in government wiretapping after Sept. 11, 2001. (By Matt Negrin)

Sununu votes for final version of Senate stimulus plan

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 — Sen. John Sununu was one of a handful of Republicans on whom some Senate Democrats had been counting to support their proposed stimulus package Wednesday. But when the roll was called, Sununu denied Democrats his support and accused them of heaping cumbersome additions onto an economic bill whose passage both parties have been urging. (By Matt Negrin)

N.H. senators support budget tax cuts, criticize spending

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 — With the unveiling of President Bush’s $3.1 trillion budget this week came the predictable blitz of denunciation from congressional Democrats — and from a handful of Republicans. New Hampshire’s two Democratic representatives were no exception in heaping criticism on proposals to cut domestic programs, while its Republican senators offered support for the permanent extension of existing tax cuts. (By Matt Negrin)

Senators: Stimulus, surveillance bills to pass by week’s end

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 — Senate leaders of both parties said Tuesday they plan on passing bills on economic stimulus and electronic surveillance law changes by the end of the week. (By Matt Negrin)

Hodes introduces resolution to honor Challenger crew

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 — Christa McAuliffe’s 1986 space mission aboard the Challenger was supposed to be her “ultimate field trip.” The 37-year-old Concord High School teacher had sent her 11-page application to NASA’s Teacher in Space program just before the deadline. She would compete against — and defeat — 11,500 others, among them notable doctors and scholars. (By Matt Negrin)

Shea-Porter asks Manchester VA medical center to be restored

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 — Rep. Carol Shea-Porter requested Wednesday that a veterans’ hospital in Manchester be restored to full service status, marking the congresswoman’s most recent effort to improve veterans’ medical conditions. (By Matt Negrin)

Congress asked to prevent grim future for uninsured

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 — Insurance coverage for some New Hampshire children will be in peril if Congress does not soon act to counter an administrative rule forcing states to cut back health care programs, a state health insurance official told a House subcommittee Tuesday. (By Matt Negrin)