The 110th Congress has been sworn in and begins its work with
high expectations. One reason for those high expectations is that
this congress is remarkable in a number of ways
With the start of this congress, Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, became the first female Speaker of the House. She’s the highest woman in government. She’s second in the line of succession for the presidency. Pelosi would become president if the president and vice president became unable to serve.
The nation has its first Muslim member of Congress, Keith Ellison, D-Minn. Even his swearing-in ceremony, during which he used a Koran rather than the traditional Bible, was first – and a controversial first, at that.
But the most important first is this one: The 110th Congress is the first Democratic majority in the presidency of George W. Bush. This marks the return of checks and balances to the federal government, and raises high hopes for an important change of direction for our nation.
Morgan Hill, as a part of the 11th Congressional District, played an important role in giving the majority to Democrats. Voters in our district fired powerful incumbent Richard Pombo, R-Tracy, and gave the job of representing them to Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton.
But that doesn’t mean our work is done. As citizens, we must now be on the watch to make sure our elected representatives are doing the work we want them to do.
Democrats ran on a “First 100 Hours” platform and promised to increase the Congressional work week – but then gave themselves Monday off to attend the BCS Championship Bowl. Clearly, they haven’t become nose-to-the-grindstone types overnight.
Watch what they’re doing. When you agree, let them know. When you disagree, let them know. You can call their offices, write to them directly, and share your opinions with your neighbors with letters to the editor.
While the legislative branch – the 110th Congress – serves as an important check and balance for the executive branch – the Bush Administration – those brilliant constitutional devices are useless without the most important check and balance of all: Alert and engaged citizens.
This country has numerous critical issues facing it, from the reversing the direction of the war in Iraq to reforming immigration policy, from fighting terrorism to restoring civil liberties.
Let your voice be heard. Tell your congressmen and senators how you feel about the issues and their positions on them.
It’s important to our system of government, our way of life, and our children’s futures.
CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS
- Sen. Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3121
http://feinstein.senate.gov
- Sen. Barbara Boxer
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3121
http://boxer.senate.gov
- Rep. Jerry McNerney
312 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-1947
http://mcnerney.house.gov
- Rep. Mike Honda
1713 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-2631
http://honda.house.gov
