Empty Nest
I knew our babies would not be long for the nest when I made this photo.
It happened this morning and I'm so happy we were able to witness the event. There were four of them but it seemed like a dozen. They were all over the patio at once plus mother. No way could I get a picture. We certainly enjoyed watching that nest. I guess we're now suffering empty nest syndrome.
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What about that committee?
Republicans have to do a lot to shock me these days but I have to admit this one was a shock. The Senate committee appointed to write the 'new' healthcare bill is 13 white men, not a single woman. Republican men seem to focus on the female anatomy anytime they get the chance. I suppose women on the committee might make that a little awkward.
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People Watching
While the House was busy this week passing their repeal of Obamacare I was busy people watching.
Mainly I was watching this man, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-SC). Meadows is chair this year of the House Freedom Caucus.
Meadows is especially eager to see the repeal of Obamacare. You see his district is 91% white. He is a land developer. He was instrumental in the failure of Speaker Paul Ryan's attempt to pass a repeal bill, saying he wanted to help the president with a better one. He leads about 40 ultra conservatives in the House that most of the time vote no on everything. This latest attempt was a success because he had the votes of the Freedom Caucus.
He was one of the leaders in causing Speaker Boehner to resign. He voted to shut down the government in 20113.
People watching isn't always accurate but I'm thinking there's a good chance Speaker Ryan sold his soul to the devil with that last repeal vote. It seems to me the tail (Meadows) is now wagging the dog (Ryan). I'm going to keep my eyes open, and my ear to the ground in the coming months. Mr. Ryan I wouldn't get too comfortable in that speaker's chair if I were you.
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2017 Congressional Directory
My copy of the Congressional Directory finally arrived. I've enjoyed looking through it, making notes, and marking information.
2018 Election
33 Senate seats will be up for election.
23 Democrats
2 Independents
8 Republicans
Democrats have a challenge for 2018.
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House Seats = 435
Currently
237 Republicans
193 Democrats
5 Vacancies
Democrats will need to win 24 additional seats in 2018 to win the House.
