Daily Democratic Wire 7-17-2009

George Wenschhof

Last night, President Barack Obama delivered a inspirational speech at the NAACP 100th anniversary dinner - I watched it on MSNBC and once again the President was able to connect with all Americans. He spoke of the important parts the NAACP has played in American history. At the home front, he spoke of the responsibility parents have in the education and raising of their children for the future. Time.com has his written remarks here.

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Today, Vice President Joe Biden will join President Obama in morning briefings - later, they plan to have lunch together. Politico.com has more here.

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This morning, the House Ways and Means Committee passed the House version of the health care reform bill - the vote was 23-18 and was mostly partisan. Other committees are still reviewing the bill and this is the start in moving the bill forward to the overall vote in the House. The NY Times has a good read here.

Yesterday, the American Medical Association (AMA) also endorsed the House Health care bill - this certainly gives the bill support. The AMA fought against health care reform during the Clinton administration, helping to end the effort brought forward by Hillary Clinton, the First Lady at that time. TheHill.com has more here.

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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemns bombings in Jakarta, Indonesia - yesterday, bombs exploded in two hotels killing nine and injuring at least 50. Clinton pledged U.S. aid to Indonesia. The Secretary of State will be arriving in Mumbai, India today as part of a overseas trip where she will also visit Thailand. You can read more here.

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Senate adds to Hate Crimes protection - yesterday, they voted 62-36 to add age and sexual orientation to the federally protected hate crimes legislation. The House had already passed their version of this bill. Five Senate Republicans joined all of the Democrats in passing this bill. TheHill.com has more here.

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Housing construction up in June - the headlines are saying highest level in seven months, but do not get excited and think the recession is over. For most of the country, housing starts are low from November to March due to weather conditions. The increase was a modest 20,000 units from May. MSNBC.com has more here.

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