Congress Watch

When a bill gains support, is it because people agree with it in considered principle, or is it because they are joining the herd?

Aug 31, 2001 - James Cook

Can the United States Congress be compared to a small town? Hear the voices of those who say it can.

Jul 27, 2001 - James Cook

If major newspapers can afford to include information on thousands of stock quotes every day, why can't they report at least once a week on the bills before the Congress?

Jul 25, 2001 - James Cook

Representative Bob Stump of Arizona proposes that children born on American soil lose their U.S. citizenship if their parents are not citizens. What would this mean for the concept of citizenship, and why aren't the media covering this bill?

Jun 21, 2001 - James Cook

H.R. 77, sponsored by Representative Bob Barr of Georgia, would legalize political assassination. Now what do you think of that?

Jun 11, 2001 - James Cook

This article examines a tiny clause in President Bush's education bill that would prevent subjects of corporal punishment from trying to overturn corporal punishment laws in federal court.

May 3, 2001 - James Cook

Rep. Bob Barr of Georgia has sponsored a bill that would make it illegal for citizens to sue gun makers in federal court for damages associated with gun injury or death. Find out more about the bill, and how you can get involved, right here...

May 1, 2001 - James Cook

Just say "federal budget," and most people will run away screaming. But there are some simple things to keep in mind that can make understanding the budget proposals submitted to Congress a whole lot easier to understand.

Apr 9, 2001 - James Cook

opensecrets.org provides a moderated glimpse into the heretofore murky world of campaign contributions. For that reason, it's a great introduction, although for more powerful tools you might want to look elsewhere.

Mar 29, 2001 - James Cook

An introduction to Congress.org, a great new site designed to help the citizen become more aware of, and more involved in, the political process.

Mar 7, 2001 - James Cook

When you think of your "representatives" in the U.S. Congress, exactly what kind of "representative" do you have in mind? There are more answers to this question than you might think...

Feb 22, 2001 - James Cook

What are congressional caucuses? What do they do?

Feb 19, 2001 - James Cook

Life. Liberty. Autonomy. Responsibility. Each of these concepts is represented in the U.S. Constitution. But what do they really mean, and what role should they play in the lives of Americans who live within the Constitution's bounds? Representative Jo Ann Emerson of Missouri has introduced a bill which is sure to spark debate on these core political questions.

Jan 29, 2001 - James Cook

Having many poll closing times in national elections allows for varying schedules but opens the door for mischief. Read about a bill that would change the way this system works...

Jan 8, 2001 - James Cook

In understanding why members of Congress do what they do, how far can an argument based on ideology take us? What are the alternatives? Read this installation of Congress Watch to find out.

Dec 18, 2000 - James Cook

What is cosponsorship, and why is it important in the United States Congress?

Dec 10, 2000 - James Cook

In all the media hype after the 2000 Presidential Election, legislative efforts to reform the electoral system have been ignored. Read all about 'em right here.

Nov 28, 2000 - James Cook

Al Gore has won the popular vote for the Presidency, but George W. Bush seems to have won the electoral college. How did this happen? How is the U.S. Congress related to all this mess? And what kind of representative will our new President be? Tune in this week, batfans...

Nov 15, 2000 - James Cook

Why do insurance companies cover Viagra, but not the Pill? An important bill before the Congress aims to change that situation. Read all about it right here...

Oct 26, 2000 - James Cook