Update: Food crisis, mercury pollution, Saudi oil

Thursday 5/15/08
Today I am czar so I'm just hanging out in the office. There is a lot of war stuff going on today-- several veterans are testifying about the consequences of the Iraq occupation, and one soldier will publicly refuse deployment in front of the Capitol and is expected to be arrested. There is also a police officer memorial going on in front of the Capitol.

Wednesday 5/14/08
In the morning, I went to a hearing on the global food crisis-- why it is happening and what can be done to alleviate the consequences. Some of the things they cited as contributing factors were decreased crop productivity due to outdated technology, adverse weather conditions, corn-based ethanol production (to a small degree), and increased demand-- all of which drive up prices so they are even more out of reach for those who already can't afford them. One of our staff members was videotaping it, so I was only responsible for the talking points. It was really shocking to hear how bad the crisis is, and how it is affecting people who live in extreme poverty.

Global food prices up 43 percent

In the afternoon, I went to a hearing about how the Department of Justice is being accused of "selectively" prosecuting certain cases.  For example, Congress believes that it takes far too long to investigate cases of Republican voter fraud, but prosecutes Democratic violators very quickly.  They had witnesses who were involved in the 2002 Republican National Committee vote suppression phone jamming incident in New Hampshire testify about the situation.  Basically, the representatives from either party were arguing about whether or not the Administration has favored fellow conservatives in the justice system.

Congress investigates Federal Justice System for selective prosecution

Conyers: RNC in "big trouble" (audio)

My roommate Joo's birthday was last night, so we made her chicken parmesan, risotto, and green beans. We got an enormous bottle of "Barefoot" merlot and a delicious red velvet cake.

Tuesday 5/13/08
In the morning, I went to a hearing about different pieces of legislation that seek to reduce the amount of mercury in air, water, and consumer products. Witnesses and representatives also discussed the health consequences of mercury in blood levels.

Senate seeks legislation to reduce unsafe mercury pollution

"Mercury pollution can be a serious threat" (audio)

U.S. needs strong laws to protect public from mercury pollution (audio)

In the afternoon, I went to an impromptu press conference immediately following a 97-3 Senate vote to stop filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Five senators present urged President Bush on his departure to the Middle East to negotiate with the Saudis and put pressure on them to produce more oil in order to decrease gas prices. The senators said that the Saudi government produces about 2 million barrels of oil per day less than they are capable of in order to "artificially" keep prices high.

Senate urges pressure on Saudi Arabia to increase oil production

Saudi Arabia needs to increase oil production to lower gas prices (audio)

U.S. to Saudis: "If you don't help us, why should we be helping you?" (audio)


Monday 5/12/08
I went to a discussion at the Brookings Institution, which is about a block away from my house, called "Opportunity '08" that discussed energy challenges for the next president. The main speaker was a Republican senator who was endorsing McCain, and he talked mainly about how being energy independent (i.e. not addicted to foreign oil) was essential to revamping the US economy.... it wasn't really about climate change or global warming or our impact on the environment as much as it was about fiscal responsibility and financial security.

A new "Manhattan Project:" Energy challenges for the next president

Energy independence doesn't mean U.S. would stop buying foreign oil (audio)

In the afternoon, I went back to the Brookings Institution for another discussion. This one was on the economic and national security implications of passing the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, which a lot of Democrats have opposed because of violence in their nation and various economic reasons. The two speakers at this event were Republicans who were very much in favor of the agreement.

Senators urge passage of Colombia Free Trade Agreement

Senator says there is "no downside" to the Colombia Free Trade Agreement (audio)

Colombia: "If you're for free trade, you take it wherever you can get it" (audio)