Scandal

Expert Panel had provided “overwhelming scientific evidence” that ozone exposure leads to adverse health effects; recommended stricter air pollution standard

March 14, 2008 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today called on EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson to explain why he overruled the recommendation of scientific advisors, and decided to issue a weaker standard for air pollution. Senator Feinstein chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies.    » read more »

March 12, 2008 -- In February, John McCain stood in front of the cameras and addressed a lobbying scandal by claiming that "at no time have I ever done anything that would betray the public trust or make a decision which in any way would not be in the public interest or would favor anyone or organization." [News Conference transcript, 2/22/08] In the three weeks since, at least three stories have emerged challenging that claim.    » read more »

March 12, 2008 -- "I'm deeply saddened by this turn of events and my thoughts are with Governor Spitzer's family during this painful time.

I would also like to express my support for Lt. Governor David Paterson.

I look forward to continuing to work with him on behalf of the people of New York. David has overcome every obstacle and broken every barrier in his path – and I know that he'll continue to display that leadership and determination as governor."

Source: Senator Hillary Clinton

Measure Would Curtail Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Government No-Bid Contracts

March 12, 2008 -- Washington, DC — Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that she will introduce an amendment to the budget resolution now before Congress that would impose greater congressional oversight and accountability on federal contracting for the new fiscal year, effectively placing a one-year moratorium on the current practice of unchecked and wasteful no-bid and limited competition federal contracts.    » read more »

March 12, 2008 -- "In the past few days I have begun to atone for my private failings with my wife, Silda, my children, and my entire family. The remorse I feel will always be with me. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the love and compassion they have shown me. From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given much: the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people of New York, and the chance to lead this state. I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me.    » read more »

March 12, 2008 -- "My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Spitzer family as they cope with this personal tragedy.

Obviously, this is an extraordinarily difficult time for the family and for the entire state of New York.

David Paterson, who has years of experience in state government, is a talented leader, a wonderful man, and a great friend. I look forward to working closely with Governor Paterson as he leads us forward.    » read more »

March 8, 2008 -- Today, President Bush vetoed an intelligence bill because he opposed a provision in it that would ban the use of torture, such as waterboarding, even though a majority--58 percent--of Americans oppose the technique. A vocal opponent of the Bush Administration's use of torture in the past, John McCain has again changed his position and his principles and voted against the same provision last month in an attempt to cozy up to the right wing of the Republican Party. [CNN Political Ticker, 11/6/07; Washington Post, 2/14/2008]    » read more »

03/10/2008 -- WASHINGTON DC – Senator John Kerry sent a letter to the Pentagon today, demanding to know how unsafe water was given to troops in Iraq by defense contractor KBR Inc. and what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence. According to an Inspector General report to be released shortly, American troops serving in Iraq were using substandard water for cleaning and bathing, which may have contributed to many of them falling ill and suffering from severe skin illnesses in the field.    » read more »

Text of the full complaint is attached

March 10, 2008 -- (Washington, DC) - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives General Counsel filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of the House Judiciary Committee to enforce subpoenas issued by the committee seeking information on the U.S. Attorney firings.    » read more »

March 10, 2008 -- "Over the past nine years, eight as Attorney General and one as Governor, I have tried to uphold a vision of progressive politics that will rebuild New York and create opportunity for all. We sought to bring real change to New York, and that will continue.    » read more »

March 3, 2008, Juneau, Alaska – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin released the following statement with regard to Jim Clark, the chief of staff to Republican former Governor Frank Murkowski.

“This is an indication that the federal corruption probe is very far reaching. It unfortunately proves what many had speculated was true. This reinforces our commitment to ensure that we serve Alaskans in a manner that's expected of state leaders.”

Source: Alaska Governor

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 28, 2008 – Saying that the capital trials of six Guantanamo detainees should comply with well-established guidelines for death penalty cases, American Bar Association President William H. Neukom has offered, in a letter to President Bush, to “engage the most able legal minds to ensure that these cases comport with the rule of law, so precious to our democracy."    » read more »

Vows to Enforce Subpoenas

February 29, 2008 -- (Washington, DC)- Today, the House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) reacted to the Justice Department's decision not to present contempt citations against former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten to a grand jury, despite a statutory obligation to do so:    » read more »

February 28, 2008 -- (Washington, DC)- Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) released the following statement in response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) referring the committee's contempt citations against former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeffrey Taylor:    » read more »

February 28, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC—Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement in response to President Bush’s remarks on FISA this morning.

“At a time when Congress is willing to extend the Protect America Act, the President continues to use the specter of terrorism to push an agenda that has nothing to do with making America safer. If the telecommunications companies didn’t break the law, they do not need immunity. If they broke the law, the American people deserve to know the size and scope of their lawbreaking.    » read more »