Congratulations to Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) on becoming the leader of the new Democratic majority in the House. By a vote of 149-86, Democrats chose the veteran Congressman to serve as the #2 Dem in the House.
Despite being a hard-fought campaign between two venerable loyal Democrats, it is important to come together now to craft a coherent agenda as we now lead this nation out of the Bush wilderness.
What should be among our priorities, in addition to cleaning up the corruption and the mess in Iraq is avoiding the pitfalls of the last majority we held. Like the Gingrich/Hastert Republicans, House Democrats pre-1994 forgot that this is the peoples' house. More after the jump.
Humility and ethics reform can probably work well in tandem. If we don't take this as seriously as it needs to be taken, we could wind up with our own Bob Neys and Duke Cunninghams.
For starters, we should seek restrictions on extravagant gifts and foreign travel. Lunch and a flight to Iowa to see how ethanol subsidies affect people is a lot different than cash and Caribbean holidays.
Greater transparency. Who's giving what to whom, and clear publicly available guidelines for members on what is and isn't acceptable. Such guidelines exist for staffers, why not members?
Finally, we also need to talk earmarks. Everyone wants to bring home the bacon, but no one wants to pay for another "Bridge to Nowhere."
This past election was a repudiation of the way Republicans ran Washington. We need to seize this historic opportunity to show just how much better Democrats govern.
Congratulations Majority Leader Hoyer. I hope all dKos members join me in your unqualified support.