Congress Returns to Hill, Midterm Elections

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Just two months before the midterm elections, Congress is faced with so much unfinished business that discussion on several issues may continue into a lame-duck session. Thirteen appropriations bills, pension reform, and prescription drugs for seniors are all high on the list. Democrats want to talk about the economy and corporate scandals. Republicans will push the President-s version of the biggest government shakeup since World War II, the Department of Homeland Security. Then, there-s Iraq. We hear both sides define their hot-button issues and assess their prospects for this coming November with Democratic and Republican strategists and journalists from both sides of the political spectrum. Newsmaker: Bush Meets with Congress to Discuss Iraq President Bush met today with Congressional leaders and said he would -seek approval- from Congress before taking action against Iraq. David Sanger, who covers the White House for the New York Times, reports that the President-s decision will restore Congress- traditional role in the political process. Reporter-s Notebook: A Year in the Life of -First Responders- Since September 11, cable channel NY1 has produced nightly newscasts about the aftermath, including five town hall meetings in lower Manhattan. John Schiumo, anchor of New York Tonight, hosted the meetings on the future of the World Trade Center site. He is also one of the -first responders- who was covering primary election day a few blocks from Ground Zero when the planes struck the towers.
Just two months before the midterm elections, Congress is faced with so much unfinished business that discussion on several issues may continue into a lame-duck session. Thirteen appropriations bills, pension reform, and prescription drugs for seniors are all high on the list. Democrats want to talk about the economy and corporate scandals. Republicans will push the President-s version of the biggest government shakeup since World War II, the Department of Homeland Security. Then, there-s Iraq. We hear both sides define their hot-button issues and assess their prospects for this coming November with Democratic and Republican strategists and journalists from both sides of the political spectrum.
  • Newsmaker: Bush Meets with Congress to Discuss Iraq
    President Bush met today with Congressional leaders and said he would -seek approval- from Congress before taking action against Iraq. David Sanger, who covers the White House for the New York Times, reports that the President-s decision will restore Congress- traditional role in the political process.
  • Reporter-s Notebook: A Year in the Life of -First Responders-
    Since September 11, cable channel NY1 has produced nightly newscasts about the aftermath, including five town hall meetings in lower Manhattan. John Schiumo, anchor of New York Tonight, hosted the meetings on the future of the World Trade Center site. He is also one of the -first responders- who was covering primary election day a few blocks from Ground Zero when the planes struck the towers.

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney