Earlier this afternoon, Senator Jim Webb appeared on the RK/NLS Virginia Politics Blog Talk Radio show. The main topics of discussion were Iraq, Iran, the Walter Reed, Webb's GI Bill, and contracting abuses. On Iran, Webb noted that in trying to define the "perimeter" of what the Bush Administration can do in that situation, his bill requiring the Bush Administration to seek Congressional authorization for any use of force against Iran also would "define the perimeter" with respect to the Iraq issue. The problem on the Senate side is that with Sen. Johnson ill and Sen. Lieberman "always on the other side" on Iraq, it's "difficult to get sweeping change through."
On Iraq, Webb said that he sees some change, that the regional conference in March is a step in the right direction, and that we need to start with diplomacy then move towards withdrawal. Webb added that we need the same kind of effort on Iraq diplomatically as we've seen militarily.
On contracting abuses in Iraq and Afghanistian, Webb said that he is "demanding answers" about where $32 billion has gone. Webb noted that the last 6 years, there was no oversight at all by Congress.
As I mentioned, we also covered Walter Reed and Webb's GI Bill, among other things. If you want to hear the entire interview, it's available at Blog Talk Radio. Senator Webb comes on at around 15:51. Thanks.
I'm still pessimistic, though, about whether the administration is serious in that regard...
Thank God Ohio is no longer occupied. Mr. Blackwell has several lawsuits pending. The Ohio state legislature is now Democratic.
WHEN ARE WE GOING FREE VIRGINIA?
This is a paraphrase: I have four hearings tomorrow scheduled at the same time, so there is not enough time to deal with all the issues through the committee process, therefore, I'm PURSUING THE ISSUE OF IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION SPENDING DIRECTLY THROUGH MY OWN OFFICE. Human or apparition? If the consensus is that he is indeed human, I will continue believing and continue to add to my sense of appreciation.
We talked just before Senator Webb joined the tele-conference and I thought that you were going to ask him for some details about the Webb GI Bill. Senator Webb brought it up himself and all you asked was where it is in the legislative process. The original WWII era GI Bill was pretty generous, but we could have an equally generous program for our Iraqi Freedom veterans with more flexibility if the language is written properly. Today's veterans are older and better educated than the veterans of the 1940s. What changes is Senator Webb proposing in the Webb-GI Bill to accomodate that difference? For instance, would Senator Webb consider permitting a qualified veteran to share his/her benefits with an immediate family member if he/she wished to do so? This is Senator Webb's first piece of legislation and I'm sure that he wants it to be even more innovative than the original GI Bill was. As long as the bill remains in committee he has the opporutunity to ammend it with new innovations. Perhaps he has made some and perhaps he is open to suggestions. You should have at least asked.
Your self congratulations about winning the election is getting old. I'm extremely pleased that Mr. Webb is our Senator now, but we've got to focus on legislation that is going to make a difference and not revisit our old successes. Through the election victory we earned the opportunity to make a difference. We need to stay focused on making the most of that opportunity. Revisiting the campaign is like a sports fan talking about last week's game. Its old news now the Senator Webb started late with no support and pulled off a big victory. What I want to know is what has he done for America today. The answer is plenty for sure so lets keep the dialogue moving forward and let your laurels rest.
I know I'm not in self congratulatory mode. Sen. Webb is in a purple state, and given that fact, his views on Iraq have been very muscular and he has a very good piece of legislation on Iran.
P.S. If you haven't noticed, we've spend a great deal of time on Raising Kaine focusing on Jim Webb's legislative proposals, his response to President Bush's State of the Union address, etc. Remember that this ia community blog, so if you feel that something isn't being adequately covered, you are free to write diaries on the topic.
I didn't get to hear the program live but I listened to it last night and, at the risk of being criticized for being too self-congratulatory, you guys again need to be congratulated on assembling this event to the benefit of any who wish to listen or particpate otherwise.
Working out of very cramped temporary quarters in the Russell Senate Office Building, and employing approximately one-half the staff of the more senior U. S. Senators, Jim Webb and his dedicated team players have accomplished remarkable things in an amazingly short period of time.
Here on RK and anywhere else that you so choose, please continue to place strong emphasis on Jim Webb and his young administration's phenomenal accomplishments.
Especially now, this nation needs to be shown time and again what leadership is all about.
Thanks!
Steve
For anyone who is willing to take the time to read it, this should answer any and all questions about Jim Webb's
Senate Bill S-22.
And there's no way that, within a 15-minute radio program, this bill could have been discussed in any great detail.
Keep up the great work, and thanks again!
Steve