2008 Woodie Awards
Democrats win a chance for big changes
Rachel Carr, Staff Writer
Issue date: 11/14/06
Last Updated: 12/26/07
With last Tuesday's mid-term elections, the country saw an overwhelmingly Democratic takeover of government offices. Not only did they take a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, but also in governorships and state legislatures.
Nancy Pelosi, now the first woman Speaker of the House in U.S. history, has described many of the new majority's plans.
This is an amazing step for the country to head in the right direction on a whole slew of issues. Pelosi mentioned many issues that she would like to address in the first 100 hours of her speakership. From raising the minimum wage to addressing Medicare drug prices, predictions are that the Democrats will have a powerful affect on the country.
One issue that is mostly likely to be addressed in the new Congress is embryonic stem cell research. In September a bill that would have loosened the airtight restrictions President Bush has put on the research went through Congress. It passed the Senate 63-37 but failed to get the necessary 2/3 vote in the House to override Bush's veto.
Now that the Democrats have a majority in both houses, another bill should have no problem getting through. Maybe then, President Bush will have to open his eyes and look around. Such research has an enormous base of support among Democrats and Republicans alike.
Even former majority leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) said, "I am pro-life, but I disagree with the president's decision to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Given the potential of this research and the limitations of the existing lines eligible for federally-funded research, I think additional lines should be made available."
A subject that hits a bit closer to home is interest rates for college loans. Pelosi has already said she intends to address cutting such high interest rates. And for students who have seen interest rates do nothing but skyrocket in the era of the Republican majorities, such a claim is a significant relief.
Nancy Pelosi, now the first woman Speaker of the House in U.S. history, has described many of the new majority's plans.
This is an amazing step for the country to head in the right direction on a whole slew of issues. Pelosi mentioned many issues that she would like to address in the first 100 hours of her speakership. From raising the minimum wage to addressing Medicare drug prices, predictions are that the Democrats will have a powerful affect on the country.
One issue that is mostly likely to be addressed in the new Congress is embryonic stem cell research. In September a bill that would have loosened the airtight restrictions President Bush has put on the research went through Congress. It passed the Senate 63-37 but failed to get the necessary 2/3 vote in the House to override Bush's veto.
Now that the Democrats have a majority in both houses, another bill should have no problem getting through. Maybe then, President Bush will have to open his eyes and look around. Such research has an enormous base of support among Democrats and Republicans alike.
Even former majority leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) said, "I am pro-life, but I disagree with the president's decision to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Given the potential of this research and the limitations of the existing lines eligible for federally-funded research, I think additional lines should be made available."
A subject that hits a bit closer to home is interest rates for college loans. Pelosi has already said she intends to address cutting such high interest rates. And for students who have seen interest rates do nothing but skyrocket in the era of the Republican majorities, such a claim is a significant relief.
For this reason, The Whitworthian asks readers to be responsible and respectful in any comments posted. The responsibility for statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not the whitworthian.com. Readers are also encouraged to report questionable comments by e-mailing editor@whitworthian.com.
Be the first to comment on this story