Blarg!

Liz Lemon and Jack attempt humor.

Happy

Proof I've legislated something. Or proof I've done a good job at
least for today.

Morning presser

In a basement in the Capitol Visitor Center a little bit of history
was made: language will be included in health reform to ensure
reimbursement Medicare will be based on quality outcomes versus volume
of services. This is, actually, where reform will occur in the House
bill, which is exciting.

Morning Surprise

I share a belief with many of my Hill colleagues that there are few
perks left for working here. There is honor and duty met, but no free
stuff to compensate for the 40% less we make than our friends downtown
in lobby shops. Our transit benefits have been cut, we can no longer
receive items larger in value than a hat or a mug and the Committee on
Standards of Official Conduct (Ethics) has stated that if you are a
woman and you are proposed to, say yes BEFORE you take the ring,
otherwise it's a gift.

While the item I found in my desk, a White House garden tour ticket,
wouldn't be under the purvue of the Ethics Committee, it is one of
those few last last perks we get. Oh, and for sure it's a big one.

Holy Lama Hand

This is the hand of my colleague Elsa. My colleague Elsa met and shook
the hand of the Dalai Lama. Then Elsa shook my head. I, therefore, am
blessed and will perhaps reach enlightenment very soon.

Behind the Scenes

This is a photo pieced together during a tele-press conference we did last week when we introduced two pieces of energy legislation. One of the bills is a federal version of the popular Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) in Oregon. The other is a bill to create parity in the tax code so people can get a tax credit for the installation of a fuel cell power unit for their homes - one is currently available for installation at a commercial installation.

Pho real

I made pho! I had been feeling a little worn down so I decided to try
and make some pho. It looks nice at least. I forgot bean sprouts and
jalapeños.