Jan 25, 2022
I think they know they`re going to lose. And I think people like Graham may well decide that this is not one to fight on.
Russ Feingold
The Public Record
Russell Dana Feingold is a prominent Democratic politician from Wisconsin, best known for his tenure as a U.S. Senator from 1993 to 2011. During his time in the Senate, Feingold was recognized for his independent stance on various issues, including campaign finance reform, civil liberties, and foreign policy. He was the only senator to vote against the USA PATRIOT Act in 2001, citing concerns over civil liberties and government overreach. Feingold also played a significant role in the development of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which aimed to regulate campaign financing and reduce the influence of money in politics.
Most widely reported
by number of sources- I am pleased to reintroduce legislation today to eliminate the current mandate on States to place liens on the homes and estates of older medicaid beneficiaries receiving home and community-based long-term care services, and to provide more than adequate funding for that change by establishing a certificate of need process to regulate the growth of federally funded nursing home beds. This legislation was made necessary by an interpretation being made by the Health Care Financing Administration [HCFA] of language included in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 [OBRA 93]. Specifically, language was included relating to States' recovering Medicaid payments from the estates of beneficiaries, for certain services to people over age 55. HCFA has interpreted OBRA 93 to mandate the recovery of, among other things, home and community-based long-term care services. Unless changed, States will have to implement the mandate. This legislation modifies the estate recovery provisions of OBRA 93 to clarify that States may pursue recovery of the cost of Medicaid home and community-based long-term care services from the estates of beneficiaries, but that States are not required to do so.11 sources1995govinfo.gov
- I rise today to offer an amendment, along with Senators Coburn and Sherrod Brown, to make a small but necessary step toward addressing the growing problem of Federal deficits. This is the second time in as many weeks that we are offering this amendment, and I hope we will be able to have a vote and get it accepted on the FAA reauthorization bill. The underlying bill we are considering reauthorizes many vitally important programs, including investments in our aviation infrastructure and the long overdue modernization of air traffic control. While I support many of these investments, I think it is also critically important that we take a close look at where our spending can be cut as we try to address the looming deficit. Of course, my amendment won't come close to solving this whole looming problem, but it will make a dent as we try to get our financial house in order and make the tough choices to avoid burdening future generations with debt. There is no single or easy solution to the massive deficits we face, but one thing we should be doing is taking a hard look at the Federal budget for wasteful or unnecessary spending.8 sources2010govinfo.gov
- I am pleased to introduce legislation establishing a temporary jobs tax credit to help businesses expand their payroll here in the U.S. by hiring more employees, expanding work hours, or raising pay. The measure is modeled on a proposal by the Economic Policy Institute that would create an estimated 5 million jobs over the next two years. As we should not undermine the long-term prospects of our economy for the sake of a short-term problem, the legislation is fully offset to ensure that over the next 10 years it will not increase the deficit. Briefly, the legislation provides firms a tax credit of 15 percent of the increase in their eligible payroll in 2010, and 10 percent in 2011. Eligible payroll includes that portion of a firm's wages subject to Social Security taxes. For 2010 those are wages of $106,800 or less. Thus, pay hikes for very highly salaried workers would not be eligible for the tax credit. The jobs tax credit is designed to avoid seasonal employment spikes by calculating it on a quarter over-year-ago-quarter basis. For example, wages for the first quarter of 2010 are compared with wages for the first quarter of 2009; wages for the third quarter of 2010 are compared with wages for the third quarter of 2009. To limit possible gaming of the credit the last quarter of 2010 would be measured against the last quarter of 2008, rather than 2009. Only increased wages for employees here in the U.S. would be eligible for the credit.7 sources2010govinfo.gov
- I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of two amendments to the Restoring American Financial Stability Act that seek to ensure there is greater transparency around how international companies are addressing issues of foreign corruption and violent conflict that relate to their business. Creating these mechanisms to enhance transparency will help the United States and our allies more effectively deal with these complex problems, at the same time that they will also help American consumers and investors make more informed decisions. Mr. President, I am very pleased that my colleagues agreed yesterday to accept the first amendment, sponsored by Senator Brownback. This amendment specifically responds to the continued crisis in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite efforts to curb the violence, mass atrocities and widespread sexual violence and rape continue at an alarming rate. Some have justifiably labeled eastern Congo as 'the worst place in the world to be female.' Several of us in this body, including Senators Brownback and Durbin and I, have traveled to this region and seen first-hand the tragedy of this relentless crisis. Increasingly, American citizens are also learning of the devastating situation in eastern Congo and are actively engaged to bring about policy changes. I am pleased to see Americans so engaged on this issue.5 sources2010govinfo.gov
- I am pleased to join with the Senator from Delaware, Mr. Carper, and the Senator from Arizona, Mr. McCain, and others in introducing the Reduce Unnecessary Spending Act of 2010, a bill which effectively gives the President a line item veto to cancel wasteful spending. Based on President Obama's proposal, our measure would permit the President to get expedited consideration in both the House and Senate of a package of proposed spending cuts within larger spending bills Congress sends to the President. The President would have 45 days from when the initial spending measure was enacted to submit his proposed cuts, and once that package of cuts is sent to the Hill, Congress would have less than a month to act on them. Any savings produced if Congress enacts these spending cut packages would go directly to reduce the deficit. Just a few weeks ago, I chaired a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Constitution Subcommittee at which this proposal and similar proposals were reviewed, and I am pleased to say that the consensus of that hearing is that the bill we are introducing today is clearly constitutional.5 sources2010govinfo.gov
- I am introducing the Crane Conservation Act of 2009. I am very pleased that Senator Crapo has once again agreed to lead on this legislation with me. I am always glad to work with my colleagues from across the aisle. We are pleased to be joined by Senators Boxer, Brownback, Cardin, Kerry, Kohl, Landrieu, and Martinez, who are cosponsors of this legislation. The Crane Conservation Act will ensure we do our part to protect the existence of these birds, whose cultural significance and popular appeal can be seen worldwide. This legislation is particularly important to the people of Wisconsin, as our state provides habitat and refuge to several crane species. But this legislation, which authorizes the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to distribute funds and grants to crane conservation efforts both domestically and in developing countries, promises to have a larger environmental and cultural impact that will go far beyond the boundaries of my home State. Congress' efforts to help protect and recover species throughout the world began in earnest in 1994 when Congress passed and the President signed the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act.5 sources2009govinfo.gov
msnbc.com
Jan 25, 2022
You absolutely count to 50, but some of the names that have been put around already are people who have received votes from Republicans on the Judiciary Committee.
Sep 12, 2021
The hypocrisy here is important. The fact that a state like Texas is invading the privacy of women on abortion... but they're saying that somehow, it's wrong to make sure that we all get a vaccine to protect each other.
Sep 12, 2021
What they're putting out is you've heard of fake news. This is fake law. This is literally made-up law.
Jul 26, 2021
I would argue the DRL's work has never been more important than it is right now, with democracy going head to head with the growing threats of kleptocracy and authoritarianism around the globe.
Jul 26, 2021
I recommend Sarah Margon as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
Jul 26, 2021
Democracy and human rights go hand in hand, and DRL is at the forefront of implementing President Biden's commitment to human rights.
Jul 26, 2021
President Biden has stressed repeatedly that human rights must be at the center of our foreign policy, and I could not agree more.
Mar 25, 2021
Well, there is. And it isn`t because of the caucus, it`s because of the monstrous things that are being done that you just brilliantly reported on in Georgia.
Mar 25, 2021
The founders of this country did not believe in political parties. They`ve called it faction.
Mar 25, 2021
It would be crazy for people to not do something strong now and make sure voting rights are protected out of some kind of a fear of what Mitch McConnell would do in the future.
Mar 25, 2021
I don`t think people should be intimidated by Mitch McConnell`s threats, because you know what, he`ll do it anyway.
Mar 25, 2021
I believe a public pressure will cause a reform or changing the filibuster at a minimum to make sure that a new voting rights bill will get through.
Feb 8, 2021
This notion that somehow there couldn’t be an impeachment trial after the president leaves office, it’s over.
Feb 8, 2021
Well, any example like Cassidy, where somebody is willing to stand up and go against their party, even if it`s on a procedural vote, John F. Kennedy wrote in 'Profiles in Courage' about those senators that had the courage to go against…
Feb 8, 2021
The answer is going to be Donald Trump. Just like when I was a kid, who is the only president that was ever impeached, Andrew Johnson.
Jan 21, 2021
It is clearly constitutional to hold this trial now and to have the vote on disqualification.
Jan 21, 2021
What was done last year by Mitch McConnell was turning the whole Constitution on its head. It was a fraudulent trial.
Jan 10, 2021
I believe this can be done. I do understand the desire to, of course, give Biden a chance to have his first 100 days. But I think people should especially think in terms of what is most likely to lead to a serious opportunity to vote on…
Jan 10, 2021
I don't think there's any question. They were egging each other on. It would have taken very little for somebody to try to up the ante and actually hang Mike Pence or kill somebody who they could get their hands on.
Jan 10, 2021
This is not just an insurrection. The oath they just took, Ari, was to defend against all enemies domestic or foreign. And these people were enemies of our country, domestic enemies who were trying destroy our government.
Nov 9, 2020
These Republican senators just have to know that their lives will go on, that they don't have to kowtow to President Trump anymore.
Politicians like Russ Feingold
