In the News
By Gloria Steinem
Photographs by Max VadukulSenator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee.
We know that Sarah Palin hunts animals on reality TV and cheers her daughter on ‘‘Dancing With the Stars'' — but do we know that both conservative and liberal scholars rate Nancy Pelosi as one of the most successful speakers of the House in United States history?
By Brandon I. Brooks
Veteran and professional photographer Valerie Goodloe premiered her debut documentary film, "Gang Girl: A Mother's Journey to Save Her Daughter," at the 2011 Pan African Film Festival.
The story of "Gang Girl" is based upon Valerie Goodloe and her family's ongoing struggle to save her daughter, Nafeesa, from the notorious gang culture that haunts Los Angeles' inner-city streets.
By Nick Timiraos
A top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee signaled that the broad outlines of a settlement to resolve mortgage-servicer abuses should push for penalties higher than the reported $20 billion figure.
A top House Republican has announced plans Thursday to begin efforts to dismantle a package of Obama administration programs seeking to help troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure, an effort that is unlikely to become law any time in the near future because of staunch Democratic opposition.
By Phil Mattingly
U.S. House Republicans plan to move forward with bills that would end anti-foreclosure programs put in place by President Barack Obama's administration, saying they are doing more harm than good.
The House Financial Services Committee will consider bills next week to terminate four mortgage assistance programs, including the Treasury Department's Home Affordable Modification Program, or HAMP.
By Erika Lovley
It may be the end of the line for one of the President Barack Obama's key anti-foreclosure programs: the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).
Financial Services Committee Chairman Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.) announced today that his committee will hold a subcommittee hearing and full committee markup of four bills that will "terminate failed and ineffective housing foreclosure programs", including HAMP – worth a total of $45 billion.
By Pete Kasperowicz
House Democrats on Thursday night were trying to end the war in Afghanistan by pressing for an amendment that limits military spending in that country.
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) proposed an amendment that would only allow $10 billion to be spent on Afghanistan operations, which several Democrats said would be enough to safely withdraw troops.
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) said the Republican spending bill for FY 2011 allows for $100 billion in spending, which she said "doesn't sound like we're winding down."
by Charles J. Lewis
Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, a veteran of Wall Street and housing finance, says he hopes to play a major role in the reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two failed government-sponsored companies that have helped homebuyers get mortgages, but which are now in government custody.
Last week, the Obama administration urged Congress to consider options on reforming the two companies, which have cost taxpayers $154 billion so far, making them the most expensive bailout in the financial crisis.
`To play an active role'
Expounding on her visions for her new position at the Woodrow Wilson International School for Scholars as well as past remembrances of nine terms on Capitol Hill, Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice) took part in a question-and-answer session with a group of local reporters at her El Segundo office Feb. 10, two days after announcing her abrupt departure from the U.S. House of Representatives.